Rarotonga

We have all heard the name "Tonga," an island in the South Pacific Ocean.  But what is a Rarotonga?  Rarotonga is the capital island of the Cook Islands. The island's present-day name stems from 'raro' meaning 'down' and 'tonga' meaning 'south'.   The encircling lagoon is a major tourist draw for Rarotonga and there are resorts and hotels all the way around the island. At one time, it was a protectorate of New Zealand, but today is an independent country with ties to New Zealand. 

Last night we were praying that we could land at Rarotonga. A day off and a beach day was on my list of top things to do today since the weather has been uncooperative at our other South Pacific island stops.  The problem with this island is that there is no natural harbor or lagoon large enough for the ship to anchor in.  Last year, our attempt to land was thwarted by large swells on either the windward or leeward side of the island. It's not a problem for the ship; the problem is getting passengers on and off the tender.  The rough seas buck the tender around wildly and it is just too dangerous to try and get people on and off. 

Around 8am, the alarm clock went off on schedule -- the bow thrusters came to life. After an hour or so of raising and lowering the anchor, the captain announced he was going to try the other side of the island. The entire ship waited for news:  would we be denied going to Rarotonga once again?  Would we be successful?  We were having breakfast in the Colonnade when the captain announced it looked good. Everyone cheered and clapped. My thinking was let's get on one of the first tenders to shore before they change their minds. We had a lagoon excursion scheduled for the afternoon, but since everything was running late, it was cancelled. So it was on to Plan B.  

We finished breakfast and made a beeline to our cabin to change into bathing suits. And we actually made it on to the first tender. We were greeted by locals singing and playing ukuleles. We then scoped out the transportation and best beaches. We engaged a taxi along with some other people and asked to be taken to the most popular beach for swimming. Since we landed on the western side of the island, there were plenty of beaches but because the reef was so close to shore, there was no way to go swimming because the water was only a few inches deep. Our taxi driver told us that the most popular areas are the south-eastern corner at Muri where the the lagoon is deep enough for good snorkeling and swimming. 

Little did we know that we would get a tour of the island as the beach was on the complete opposite side of where we were.  Our driver, Urau, wore a flower wreath around her head.  She said she goes out into her garden every day and makes a wreath to wear; she wears it all day.  I sure did like it.  This island was pretty upscale for a Polynesian island, but it was still a tropical island.  There were above ground family crypts and goats grazing nearby.  There were many little shops and restaurants that we saw while driving.  The air temperature was quite pleasant and the breeze from the open windows was refreshing.

We finally arrived at our destination:  a nice white sand beach, some palm trees for shade, and a gentle lagoon sheltered by tiny islets.  The beach fronted a resort, but the place looked deserted.  There were lounge chairs and umbrellas in front of the resort, but there was only one couple in sight.  We inquired how much it would be to rent the chairs, and the man said all we had to do was buy one drink!  OK, we can do that, so we set up shop under the umbrella as the sun was very strong and very hot.  The same man informed us, laughing, that they didn’t serve drinks until 1pm.  Awesome, we did not have to pay since we planned on having the taxi pick us up at 1pm.

We took turns going into the water (not wanting to leave our stuff unattended).  The swimming area was calm, but not very deep.  We had to wade out quite a way before the aquamarine water was waist-high.  It was then possible to dunk ones whole body.  The top few inches of water was very warm, but as I swung my arms through the water, I could feel cold water.  It was an interesting sensation.  When we hurriedly packed up this morning, we realized that we forgot to bring a book to read.  Yes, I had my iPhone, but there was no internet so I couldn’t download my book.  What to do, what to do?  How can one just sit on the beach and do nothing?  Well, folks, in this day and age of being in touch every second of the day, it felt good to just sit and listen.  Close your eyes and listen to the gentle lapping of the water on the beach.  Close your eyes and listen to the roar of the breaking surf on the reef.  Feel the gentle breeze blow across your face.  Open your eyes and see the contrast of the bright blue sky against the aquamarine blue water.  This is a peace and quiet few people in modern life get to experience. 

All too soon our beach time came to a close, and just in time, too.  Two bus loads of Seabourn passengers from tours descended upon our little piece of heaven and the magic disappeared – poof.  Our taxi reappeared and took us back around the island to the waiting tender.  I just loved the flower wreath Urau was wearing and I asked her if I could take a picture with her.  Sure, she was happy to.  Then she suggested we exchange hats and take another picture – great idea.  I was getting ready to give her the wreath back when she said I should take it.  I squealed with delight and gave her my hat.  I know she got the better deal, but I was happy, happy.   We reboarded the Sojourn and had lunch and the spent the rest of the afternoon bobbing about in the pool.

We hosted dinner tonight and I was the belle of the ball with my flower wreath and Polynesian dress.  I felt like a princess.