Linward: 2019

THE COOK ISLANDS - Aitutaki and Rarotonga

April 20 through May 10, 2019

(Please ignore the occasional "odd spacing" - this site sometimes has a "mind of its own")

We recently enjoyed a long-awaited 3-week vacation to the Cook Islands – now, by us, forever thought of as “paradise”. Though a long way to travel – from Oregon to California, followed by a ten and a half hour overnight flight to Rarotonga - it truly was worth it!

We left home by 9AM and drove to the Portland airport, where we caught our 5PM flight. We arrived in Los Angeles by 8PM, with plenty of time before we boarded our much-anticipated flight to Rarotonga, Cook Islands - which was scheduled to depart at midnight.

When we arrived at the Air NewZealand check in, we discovered we had a lot more time than we'd thought. We were stunned to learn that our plane was delayed - for EIGHT hours!!!!! WHAT!!!!! The airline did put us up at a Hilton, where we managed to get a good 5 hours of sleep, and actually woke feeling fairly rested. FINALLY it was "wheels up", and we were on our way!

Since our flight was going to be 10 and 1/2 hours - non stop,
we had reserved the "Sky Couch": a row of 3 seats with foot rests that raised up to form a 3'X5' "bed". Though we'd need to "spoon" to lie down, at least we wouldn't be stuck sitting up, in one position, for the entire flight. And, hopefully, we'd actually be able to get some sleep

We watched a couple of movies, including "Moana" (a cute animated film about the Cook Islands) - How perfect! About half way to our destination, we decided to make up our "bed", and actually managed to doze for a few hours. We woke just as dinner was about to be served, and then... we heard the pilot announce that we were beginning our descent into Rarotonga. WOO HOO! Our Cook Island Adventure was about to begin!

As we disembarked and walked into the little airport, we could hear

sweet music coming from somewhere inside. Approaching the
baggage carousel, we soon found the source.

For 33 years, "Papa Jake" has serenaded every single passenger who

has arrived at the Rarotonga Airport. What a very special

welcome to this very special island!

It didn't take long at all to collect our luggage, and find our shuttle driver.

Riding along the narrow palm-tree-lined road (on the left side), we were filled with anticipation

for what was in store for us.

Before long, we were pulling up to the Sanctuary Resort,

where we'd be spending our first night on the Cook Islands.

Sitting out on our little balcony that evening
was SO special; we will never forget it! With

a gorgeous view of the lagoon, it was the

perfect spot to relax, unwind, and regroup

Our corner room, #721, on the top floor,

was delightful.

The following morning -
Aitutaki soon come :)

Goodby Rarotonga
We'll see you again
in just one week.

Oh my goodness - the color of the Aitutaki
lagoon is amazing!! Wait a minute...
is that the landing strip!?!?
We needn't have been concerned though;
our pilot brought us down so smoothly :)

And waiting for us at the gate
was our Etu Moana greeter (and shuttle
driver),with leis for each of us that
smelled heavenly!

ETU MOANA

Our "Absolute Beachfront Villa #1 was ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS - our own little paradise!
Aesthetically pleasing, with an island flair, it was compact and well-designed - with everything we needed.
And, the view from our balcony (AND from our very comfy bed) was sheer bliss!

When the starfish is down, it means
"Do Not Disturb"

We really enjoyed our
"Welcome" fresh-coconut-water drinks

It just doesn't get any better than this!

There are only 10 villas, and they are carefully positioned so that each one has a view of the lagoon, and are spaced far enough from each other to allow for maximum quiet and privacy. Other than everyone gathering around the pool each morning for a very nice buffet breakfast, we scarcely ran into any of the other guests.

The crew at Etu Moana was just wonderful – so gracious, so accommodating, so thoughtful, so sweet. And, like all the Cook Islanders we met, they were always so happy – singing lovely melodies as they went about their work.

I can't really put into words how incredibly serene it felt there. If we

weren't snorkeling the indescribably blue water, we were next to it, taking

peaceful strolls along the beach, or gazing out at it as we sat on

our balcony, enjoying coffe in the morning or a cocktail in the evening.

I hope someday, we will have the chance to return to this "magical" place.

This is what serenity looks like

The absolute highlight of our Cook Island vacation was a lagoon cruise with Kia Orana Cruises! Evidently "Captain Fantastic" (as the owner has playfully dubbed himself) was off-island the day we went out so, instead, we had Shon for our Captain - and he, too, is FANTASTIC!!!

We visited several little uninhabited motus, and loved each one of them. It's hard to describe our emotions as we walked, hand in hand, along the white sandy shores of the little coconut-palm-covered islands. Surrounded by water that was every shade of blue imaginable, we felt such peace, such appreciation - and so very thankful to be able to share
this phenominal experience.

Unfortunately, it was a fairly cloudy day, but we were blessed with a few sun breaks.

Red-tailed White Tern nest on the ground, and their snow-white, oh-so-fluffy, babies

are adorable!!!

Snorkeling in the crystal-clear water was fun, but unfortunately the wind made it a bit "bumpy"

The Giant Trevally were curious but, fortunately, not aggressive - cuz

some of them were almost as big as me!

The Bumphead Wrasse were huge, but docile and more timid

Shon was wonderful throughout the trip.
He provided the perfect balance of being
"tour guide", and allowing us time and space
to take in the essence of each moto we visited.

He also prepared a delicious BBQ
for us - served on big clam shells.

then demonstrated how to open a
coconut using only a sharp stick.

During lunch, he serenaded us with
his ukelele, which was very special

Planting our own coconut
palm tree, on a newly formed motu, was SO
memorable.

On Sunday we attended the Cook Island Christian Church service. Oh my – what an amazing experience!

Sunlight streaming through stain glass windows cast a warm glow upon parishioners dressed in their Sunday finery – men in suits, women in colorful island dresses, their hair adorned with beautiful floral-ringed hats.

Throughout the service, the church filled with a beautiful blend of island voices singing praises to their much-loved God. The words may have been unfamiliar to our ears, but love – the universal language – was recognized by our hearts, and we were literally moved to tears.

Aitutaki is such a beautiful little island

We couldn't resist

The scent of fragrant flowers fill the air

Seems like very day must be laundry day :)

Every islander we met greeted us
with a happy smile

My goodness, the week just flew by!
Mihi mo inaianei Aitutaki!
(Goodbye for now)

Kia Orana Rarotonga; we meet again :)

Villa Maria - our home for the next two weeks
We had the top floor (but the bottom floor wasn't rented during our stay)

View from our bed - WOW!

Down the hill, and beyond to Muri Beach

Beemer, our Grounds keeper, cut down some coconuts for us - and Bev, our House-keeper, brought us a pitcher of coconut water. WOW - it doesn't get any fresher than that!

We really enjoyed touring the back roads, and found so many
interesting sights as we travelled "off the beaten path"

We got all our drinking water at one of the many road-side drinking stations

The Punanga Nue Cultural Saturday Market was colorful, lively and fun

This little lady is 86, and still rides her own
motor bike (the blue one behind her)

Children of all ages ride behind their parents and/or grandparents on motor bikes (which is the islanders
main form of transportation). We even saw tiny little tykes wedged in between their dad and mom.