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We almost were unable to visit this port and the captain had warned yesterday the swells might obstruct a tender operation. Apparently, ships miss this port 75% of the time. Our captain was determined to make this visit.
Rarotonga, one of the 15 Cook Islands, is surrounded by a sapphire blue lagoon and dominated by a soaring dormant volcano, with year round warm weather. Its beauty rivals that of Moorea.
Of note, Rarotonga is the most populous of the Cook Islands.
After enjoying a spectacular, scenic sail-in, I took an early tender in and headed to the island bus depot to take the local bus that circles the island. There were at least 25 of us from the ship who had the same idea.
The Cook Island bus circles the island and takes approximately 50 minutes. One bus leaves every hour from the Cooks Corner terminal in Avarua, going either clockwise or counterclockwise. The cost is five dollars one-way; eight dollars for the trip.
The bus driver was funny and dramatic. He told lots of Maori (local people) jokes and it took me a while to realize he was saying Maori men NOT married men! Ha!
He also informed us the longest Maori word is:
Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu. It has 85 characters and he pronounced it very well.
I saw Graves in front porches of homes reflecting the tradition to keep family together, for eternity!
I saw several Seventh - day Adventist churches
I saw many very lush tropical plants.
From 12:45 till 12:55, I took the clockwise bus to the main town, Avarua. I walked around town for about an hour; there were a few shops and cafés to visit; and I took the 2:00 bus back. I arrive back at the tender area at 2:38.
Rarotonga and the Cook Islands Quick Facts:
· In the early 13th century, two Warrior Chiefs from Tahiti and Samoa Concord the island Kings.
· James Cook explored the islands in 1773 and 1779.
· The bounty with Fletcher Christian searched for sandalwood on the Cook Islands likely in 1790.
· 1821--British missionaries began converting Cook Islanders to Christianity.
· In 1888, with the King's acceptance, it came a British protectorate in response to fears of French colonization. In 1901, Britain ceded The Cook Islands to New Zealand. That year, the southern and northern groups were joined and became known as the Cook Islands.
· In 1965, the Cook Islands became self-governing "in association with New Zealand."
· It has struggled to maintain fiscal balance since achieving independence.
· The Cook Islands received television service in 1990.
· English is the primary language, they drive on the left side of the road.
· The New Zealand dollar serves as the currency.
· There are 15 Cook Islands.
· Tourism is the islands’ only industry.
· The population of the Cook Islands is 18,000 but 80% of owners live overseas. More than 50,000 live in New Zealand and half that number in Australia.
· Cook Islanders carry New Zealand passports and they are allowed to live and work in New Zealand and Australia.
· Avarua is Rarotonga's only real town. With twin harbors, a main market, the Paro O Tane Palace, and the National Museum.
Biggest drama of the cruise thus far:
There was a long line up and a crowd watching an event. I discovered that a tender boat had run into a reef and was stuck there!!!!! It was a large monstrosity jetting out of the water. No one could go back onto the ship until arrangements were made to ensure our safety taking a tender back. In the meantime, some guests were still trapped onboard. A few actually waded away from the boat into the water onto the shore, wearing lifejackets and no shoes. Others, however, were unable to leave the stalled tender boat without help. Because we were on a remote noncommercial side of a small island, there was little help available. I saw the captain shaking his head saying he will never come here again. We eventually saw a small boat pull up to the stranded tender and they began to lift folks out and bring them to shore. In all, some were trapped inside for at least 3 hours. A tugboat eventually came to the rescue and pulled the tender from the reef. Fortunately, we did not have to leave it there!
People looked frazzled but grateful to have been rescued!!
It was nice to see that the Captain waded into the water to assist. Everyone was impressed that he was hands (or feetJ) on! I ended up sitting across from the captain in the first tender back to the ship.
Of course, it was the talk of the ship the whole rest of the evening. All about those who were stranded and rescued and about the captain's reaction. I even spoke with some folks who were stranded for three hours or so. They said it was hot inside but they brought them food and reassured them they would be OK. Those who were stranded were given a $250 onboard credit, and of course, four bottles of wine.
Why do they always think the best way to reward people is by giving them liquor? What about those of us who don't drink alcohol???
I will avoid Lifeboat 9 just in case.
Tonight’s show was Bobby Brooks Wilson, the son of Jackie Wilson. (I write more about him in a later post-day#25—January, 30.)
I cannot believe that the movie that they showed in the theater three times today was Castaway, (starring Tom Hanks) about a man who was stranded on a remote island removed from human contact, for years. In my opinion, a poor choice of films to show on a cruise. But then again, no one asked for my opinion. Lol!
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