Travel Diary,

No dance the next few weeks as I take time out to catch up with my Family in NewZealand and then onto The Cook Islands.

Thursday –

Got to sit at the very back of the aircraft on the way to Auckland – close to the meals and drinks. Last to get meals and drinks – mental note – DONOT sit at back of plane. Another disadvantage was I was last to get off. The movie was changing "changing rooms". Arrived in Auckland early arvo. Meet by Mum, Jax and Samantha at the Airport. Helped Mum chop up stuff for dinner that night - "Steam Boat". Big family dinner with Alan and Margret from England, Mum and Dad, Jax, Samantha and Craig, and then myself all sat around the table.

Alchol units 2 – red wine.

Friday –

Grapefruit from the tree in the backyard for breakfast – delicious. Called Earl to arrange to out for drinks that night. Dad went to work. Mum, Allan, Margaret and myself went to Devonport for coffee before catching the Fullers ferry to Wiaheke Island. Had lunch at Wiaheke and walked along the beach. Caught the 2pm Ferry back. Two of the Americas Cup boats were practicing on the harbour. Fabulous weather for cruising on the harbour. Bought a print from an art gallery in Devonport to go on the wall at home. Caught up with friends from school Chris and Earl. We went for drinks at an Irish pub in Manukau and talked about the good old days when girls set fire to our crotches – got home at 9pm. Going out with the boys is not what it used to be.

Alcohol units – 5, 3 pints of Kilkenny, 1 Macs Gold, 1 Black Russian

Saturday –

Mum cooked breakfast, bacon, eggs and kidneys – yumm. Dropped pomie relos at the airport. Had a look around the dukebox museum in the departure viewing area. Home in time for lunch then off shopping with Mum. Dad sleeps in his lazyboy recliner chair. Bough Sam some baby clothes. Had Hake (fish) for dinner that night and then went to the movies with Mum and Dad. Saw bend it like Beckham. Weather turning shitty.

Alcohol units 2 – red wine with dinner and farwell beer with Alan at the airport.

Sunday –

Went to church – yeah righ – had a lazy day. Dad had to get early to go to work. Mum and I got up at 10am and cooked pancakes for breakfast. Dad gets home just in time for the first pancake – reckon he could smell them cooking. Weather today is crap – cold-south-westerly wind and raining. Tried to forget the weather by watching the video of Cook Islands and reading the travel brochures. Toasted smoked fish sandwiches for lunch. Jax picked me up and we drove to Onehunga to visit my friends Ernie and Samantha. Front garden a Ernies place looks great thanks to one of those garden makeover shows. Ernie makes the best coffee – I stopped for two cups before the Warriors game started on TV – time to leave. That night we went to Graham's birthday bash at the Manukau Superstrike – bowling alley. Steak, eggs and chips for dinner – no cake!!! Then quick bowl. I managed to bowl a respectable 126; Dad wins the competition with 156.

Alcohol units – 3 all Black Russians

Monday –

Drop mum into work so I can have the car for the day. Went to Jax place supposedly to go shopping. Arrived to find the Gib Stopper was coming around and ended up moving furniture and baby-sitting. Got a reprieve after lunch – Jax sent me shopping for Baby insect repellent and to get batteries for the watch. Got back in time to go grocery shopping – fun day! Weather still crap – cold and raining – actually snowed in Dunedun. Took Mum and Dad out for dinner at a Thia restaurant in Totora Heights – very nice.

Alcohol units – 2-3 hard to tell kept topping up the wineglass at dinner

Tuesday –

Tried to sleep in – but the phone rang about 5 times. Got up on the sixth time the phone rang and it was Earl. Going to his place for dinner on Wednesday night. Watched a movie about a pro wrestler on Sky Movies before going out to have lunch with Mum. After lunch dropped in at Jax’s place and we took Samantha to "jumping beans". I got a stamp on my hand but no name badge – bummer. Dropped in at Ernie's place on the way home and drank all of his coffee while waiting for him to get home from work. Ernie and I went to an Irish bar in Newmarket for a few drinks. Dropped in at the Golden Arches on the way home to get dinner for his family. Got home 15 minutes late for family roast with Jax, Craig, Sam, Mum and Dad. Sat around after dinner folding fishing club newsletters.

Alcohol units – 3 pints of Kilkenny

Wednesday –

Home alone. Doing the washing and posting the newsletters. Will try to have an AFD (alcohol free day). Got bored and went to Jax's place - dumb move as the plaster had dried and I ended up helping to move all of the furniture back into the lounge - had a well earned nap on the couch before driving to Earl's for Dinner. Forgot to allow for traffic on the western freeway and ended up being a half an hour late. Rita cooked a magnificent Lasagne and I declined a red wine (AFD) sticking to cordial instead. After dinner I convinced Earl's eldest daughter Alissa that she should ask daddy for a pony on her next birthday - not just any pony - a magic pony that changed colour. Probably wont be invited to Earl's place again.

Alcohol units – 0

Thursday -

Fly to Rarotonga today. Got up to find Mum tidying the house. I offered to mow the lawns - it got me out of tidying the house and I enjoy mowing lawn - I despise housework. Caught a cab to the airport. Was not disappointed at check-in counter when I found out that I was unable to sit next to the rest of the family (as far away from screaming kids as possible please). Dinner on the flight was Steak - OK for plane food. The movie was "Changing Lane" - again. Fancy putting the same movie on a connecting flight. Arrive in Rarotonga at 12:15am on Thursday (as we crossed the International Date Line). After a very long wait, we finally cleared customs and a courtesy bus took us back to the Lagoon Lodges.

Alcohol units - 3 red wines on the plane

Thursday (again) -

Crossed the International Date Line so I get to repeat Thursday - strange. Woke up to the sound of a rooster crowing at about 8am (6am NZ time and 4am in Oz). Mum and Dad were still asleep so I had a shower, read some of my book and played with the local cat and chickens, which came looking for food. Concluded the cat must be well fed, as it was not in the slightest bit interested in catching the chickens. Caught a bus into town and found a cafe where I had a tuna burger and a pot of tea for $12 NZ. After breakfast (or brunch) I hired a 100cc scooter for eight days from the local budget rentals. It cost a $110 NZ. Went to get Cook Islands driver's licence (required for insurance) but the officer in charge of testing was away and so I was told to go for ride around the island and come back at 1pm. To obtain a Cook Islands licence you have to produce a valid drivers licence from another country and if you are renting a scooter you must do a practical test. An office follows you as you perform four left-hand turns making up the shortest possible circuit around the police station. Apparently no one has ever failed. I passed and to celebrate I did a victory lap around the island (31 klms). Got back just as it started to rain. That night we had dinner at the Kaena restaurant - about 5 minutes walk down the road. Despite it pouring with rain - I had to take the bike. Dinner for 5 came to $174 NZ but that did include a round of cocktails at $36 NZ and $5 NZ for corkage.

Alcohol units - 2 red wines at dinner and 1 cocktail

Friday -

First up again - probably because I like to sleep with the curtains open to get the tropical breeze or maybe it is the rooster crowing outside my window. Went into town after breakfast to the post office and the to the shops to pick up some essentials - Island coffee and coffee crystals. Was back in time to go to the beach with the family. Nice sunny day - sat under the shade of a palm tree and helped Jax and Samantha build sandcastles. A group of people rode by on ponies - I tried to teach Samantha (who is 14 months old) to say - "I want a Pony". Went back to the villa fro lunch - Mum made fish finger. Dad and Craig took off on my scooter to go into town to pick up a rental car, so I sat and read my book. Went for a swim in the pool before dinner. Meet the people in number 10 on the way back from the pool - Jim and Pat from California. Cracked a bottle of Australian red and chatted until it was time to get ready for dinner. It was raining and I wanted to take my bike to dinner - so Jim loaded me his raincoat. We had dinner at the Kikau Hut - very nice indeed - good music and not too crowed. The candles are kept in bottles that have been completely covered in wax drippings. Food bill was $184 NZ for five including entrees and drinks!

Alcohol units - approx 4 - red wines before and during dinner

Saturday -

Got up early for breakfast before being collect by the guys from Cook Island divers. As we drove around to the harbour we spotted a whale breaching. We hurried to launch the boat in the hope that we might catch the whale but we did not. Went for a single tank dive on the "Maritime Reefer", a wreck dive in about 20 metres of water. It is an old inter-island cargo ship that is now home to many species of fish, Lionfish, Triggerfish, Morays and the ever-lurking Stonefish! When I got back to the villa it was raining lightly so I made a special coffee and lay on the bed to read some more of my book. That night we went to the Edgewater Resort for the island night. Great value at $49 NZ a head for the buffet and the show. We had a fantastic table directly in front of the stage. A very entertaining MC called "Danny" introduced the drummers, dancers and performers. One of the performers - "Sunshine" - rips open coconuts with his teeth! The buffet was fantastic - we gorged ourselves on Tuna, Mussels, Pork, Salads and even managed a visit to the desert buffet. The great thing about taking Samantha is you get to be first everywhere you go. First at the Buffet, first on the plane etc. Was that full after dinner I could hardly get onto the bike.

Alcohol units - approx 4 - red wines during dinner

Sunday -

Everything closes down on Sundays, as the Island community is very religious. We decided to visit a local church and listen to the singing, the islanders have beautiful voices. For reasons unknown to me we picked the church on the opposite side of the island and arrived shortly after the ceremony had started. We sat outside with the dogs and listened to the sermons while we waited for the choir. I think we picked the church that was more into preaching than singing, as we had to wait ages for the congregation to sing. The local dogs are unusual in that they all seem to have a bit of corgi in them characterised by the short stumpy legs. The shops are closed on Sunday so we spent the rest of the day lazing around the pool. New people moved into the unit next to ours - 2 girl's - things are looking up! I introduced myself to Leslie and Nancy and found Leslie had visited the Cook Islands before and was also a driver! That night it was my Birthday and we had a family BBQ by the poolside. Finished my book that before turning out the light.

Alcohol units - approx 3 - bourbon and cokes

Monday -

Woke up to rain again! I thought this was supposed to be the dry season! Had breakfast of honey puffs and soft boiled eggs - thanks Mum. Went to reception to get a new book - nothing else to do while it was raining. Later that morning Jax and I borrowed the 2-person canoe and went for a paddle in the lagoon. We came across a local catching octopus in shallows and watch for about 20 minutes as he tried to persuade an octopus to come out from under a rock with a spear. As it was low tide we kept hitting the bottom of the canoe on the reef. On the way back we jumped out and had a snorkel - there were a few reef fish about but not as good as Fiji. The trip back took some time as we battled the tide and kept having to stop to make course changes. For some reason the canoe kept pointing out to sea. Jax though it was my paddling technique but I think the canoe was possessed. By the time we got back the sun had come out so after lunch (fish fingers again) we went to the pool to do a bit of sun baking. I lasted about an hour before I felt the need to cruise into town on the bike. Motor bike riding in Rorotonga is fantastic as you don't have to wear a helmet, there is very little traffic and as the road goes around the island there is no chance of getting lost. Bought some postcards and ice cream. That afternoon we drove around the Island to a good snorkelling spot opposite the Fruit shop. A heap of fish but the coral is a bit ordinary - lacking colour. Got back for five-zees and six-zees (pre dinner drinks). That night we went for dinner at the seafood restaurant called the Tumunu hut. The atmosphere was great - bamboo on the walls, old poster covering the ceiling and a great little bar. Unfortunately the food was terrible, consisting mainly of frozen food, deep-fried and served (in our case) not properly cooked. Ended up disputing the bill and refusing to pay for all of the meals. Should have realised the place wasn't much cop when we walked in and saw very few people dining. Went to the Edgewater for some real food and cocktails. Got back in time to catch up with Leslie and talk about going diving later that week.

Alcohol units - approx 4 - 1 bourbon, 2 reds and a cocktail

 

Tuesday -

After breakfast we went for a tiki-tour of the Rorotonga Beach resort - ran into Craig's boss. Came back for lunch - Mum and Dad went into town to use a discount voucher for the Moko Cafe we had Spaghetti on toast in the Villa. Raining again so I read my book. In the afternoon, Craig and I decided to take the 2-person canoe out for a paddle. There were a few waves breaking over the reef and being boys we decide to paddle out and catch one. Problem was a 2-person canoe is hard to steer at the best of times and impossible to steer with a thumping great wave of water pushing from behind. We got side on and flipped out of the canoe gashing out feet and legs on the coral. The canoe filled with water and it was impossible to stand up on the reef without adding getting more cuts. We swam to deeper water and managed to right the canoe and paddled back (in agony). That afternoon we went for a bike ride to the hospital on the top of the hill and got some stuff to put on our coral cuts. Had to wait ages in the waiting room despite there being only one other person present. Must be a mandatory waiting time before seeing a doctor in Raro. Costs $35 for a doctors visit and $5 for the prescription, in Australia the doctors visit would have been free and prescription cost $40. Back in time to get showered and ready for dinner. That night we went to the Flame Tree - fantastic food, great service and pleasant atmosphere - we will definitely go again. I had the satay chicken for main and the baileys chocolate cheesecake for dessert - delicious!

Alcohol units - approx 3 - 1 bourbon, 2 reds

Wednesday -

Went for a swim in the lagoon and retired back to the pool to do a bit of reading and sun worship. Took the bike into town on the pretence of getting lunch - had a tuna steak burger again - fantastic! Raced back to go diving with Leslie. She new Lance from the Cook Island divers and he had promised to take us to a good site. Dived a wall around the top of the island, much better coral and heaps of fish life although surprisingly no pelagics. Leslie did not use much air - but that's probably because she doesn't stop talking long enough to draw breath - even underwater! Got back and had ice cream and bubbly with the girls before dinner. That night the family went to dinner at Portofino - a very nice little Italian place just outside of the city centre - good value eats. After dinner Craig got a foot massage again!

Alcohol units - approx 5 - 1 rum and coke, 2 bubbly, 2 reds

Thursday-

Writing less and less as the trip goes on. Snorkel before breakfast, breakfast of cereals in the Villa before heading to the beach. Love taking Samantha to the beach as it gives me an excuse to play with the bucket and spade making sandcastles. Dad made Samantha a swimming pool but the tide was going out so we had to for a bucket brigade to bring water up to fill the pool. Jumped on the bike again - pretence this time - paying for Dad's deep sea fishing trip (his Birthday present) could not find the office but had a good ride around. That night we decided to go back to the flame tree for dinner. This would be the last day we had the car and would have to stick to the closer restaurants on our last few days. As it was a beautiful clear night with a warm breeze I just had to take the bike. I will always remember riding the bike, the warm breeze in my hair, looking up at the blanket of stars. Had Rorotonga Curry - most excellent. After dinner I took Leslie to Trader Jacks to catch up with Lance. When we arrived we found Lance sitting at a table with a girl we presumed he knew. Turned out she was just waiting for a friend and Lance had moved in. Poor girl ended up with 3 strangers invading her table. Lance had obviously been there for a while judging by the way he slurred his words. I stuck to the coke, as I had to drive home. The place overlooks the sea and has great bar atmosphere. We were lucky that night as there was a wedding with a live band. Stayed until midnight.

Alcohol units - 4 - 2 rum and cokes (at fives and sixes), 2 reds (at dinner)

 

Friday -

Got up early to drop Dad off at the boat for his deep sea fishing - don't know why he bothers - he never catches anything and this trip was no exception. Back for brekkie and then off to the beach for a snorkel and sunbathe. Amazingly the sandcastle I built yesterday is still standing. Have to give the bike back today - bummer - so I went for an extra long bike ride. Stopped into town and bought a few souvenirs for the folk back in Oz. Caught up with Jax, Craig, Sam and Mum in town. We took the car to pick up dad and then returned the hire car and had a late lunch (1.30pm) at a Manuia beach hotel opposite the car hire place. Feeling very full after lunch so we decided to walk the 45 minutes back to the Lagoon Lodges instead of catching the bus. Very low tide - took some great pictures trying to use up the last roll of film. That night we all went to the Rarotonga Resort for dinner. I asked Lance, Leslie and Nancy if they would like to join us. The boys and girls went earlier for drinks at the bar for pre-dinner cocktails. We all had one big table and were entertained by a local pop group. The food was not as good as the entertainment. After dinner I stayed back for a roadie with Lance, Leslie and Nancy (no driving tonite). Staggered home at 11pm to find Craig waiting for another foot massage.

Alcohol units - approx 4 - 1 rum and cokes (at fives and sixes), 1 reds (at dinner), 2 cocktails (very strong indeed)

Saturday -

Got up had brekkie and packed. Went for what I thought was final swim in the pool. The office manager came down and informed us that our 11am flight would be delayed. Immediately changed back into short and did some more sun baking while waiting on more news. When the news came it was good and bad - the good news was we would have an extra day in Roro courtesy of Air NewZealand, the bad news was the flight would now leave at 2.30am! We all moved into one Villa and then Dad and I went to the shops to pick up some nappies for Samantha and supplies for lunch. Got the wrong size nappies and had to go back with Craig to exchange them. Turns out the larger nappies are $2 more expensive and as I only had $5 AUD note on me, I had to leave that as payment. Had spaghetti on toast for lunch. After lunch we went for a walk along the beach to the Rorotonga Resort and had drinks by their pool. We strolled back went for a swm in the pool at the Villas before getting ready for dinner. As our flight was delayed Air NewZealand allowed us $35 p.p. for dinner. We went back the restaurant we dinned at on our first night as it was within walking distance. Everyone was very happy to have had an extra day in Roro but we were not looking forward to catching the flight at 2.30am.

Alcohol units - all records destroyed to protect the guilty

Sunday/Monday (crossed the date line) -

After getting back from dinner we got about an hours shut eye before having to get up at the ungodly hour of 12:30am to catch the shuttle to the airport. When we got to the airport the queue for clearing customs and checking baggage was out the door! We spent an eternity in the queue (luckily I had the Walkman handy) and we ended up departing over half and hour late. The Air NewZealand flight crew grumbled that Roro alway had the slowest boarding of any airport. They served us breakfast immediately after take off (breakfast at 3am) anyway after I ate it I put on the headset and watched the movie - Spiderman. The flight back to NZ was a little over four hours in duration, so we arrived at 5.50am local time. Unfortunately there was a hold up at the gate and we did not disembark until after 6am. I managed to miss my 6.40am connection to Brisbane but, no stress, there was another flight at 11am. That left just enough time to collect my bags, clear customs and go back to Mum and Dads for a cooked breakfast (again) before going back to the airport. Departed Auckland on time and arrived in Brisbane at about 1pm. Caught a cab home and went straight to bed after only having 1 hours sleep since Friday night!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steve