Arriving at 3:30am I was grumpy and unhappy to see Gekos crawling in our shack, AKA, hotel. Awoken at 3:30am by the sound of an annoying Rooster and a roomate who snored louder than anything I've ever heard, I was a little unsure about being in The Cook Islands. However, today turned out to be an absolutely wonderful day!
The heat here is less intense than in Tahiti and it made for perfect beach conditions. Much of the day was spent on the beach and of course we were all recording our observations of the physical and human geogrpahy and being studious workers! ;)
Finding the prices much cheaper, a big group of us rented bicycles and toured the 32km island. Some of the views here are amazing! The Cook Islands are incredibly beautiful and the people super friendly. So far the trip has been very fulfilling and worthwhile!
03.16.01 --Day 7, The Cook Islands, Raratonga
A really good day so far. The heat is intense, but I've spent a lot of the day inside an air conditioned internet cafe working on my web page and writing some e-mail. The morning was spent walking around the main drag of downtown Raratonga and later this evening a group of us will be going for dinner and having an "Island Night" with a bonfire on the beach. I can't possibly think of a better way to earn university credit! :)
03.17.01 --Day 8, The Cook Islands, Raratonga
The "Island Night" last night was incredible! We watched traditional Maouri dancing and saw a flame thrower juggle knives. Today I spent the entire day cycling around the 32km island and seeing everything the island has to offer. The highlight of the day was treking into a waterfall and hiking up the edge of the waterfall. Once at the middle of the waterfall we sat in the waterfall and enjoyed the cool water beating down up on us. I got a picture taken of us sitting in the middle of the waterfall and it should be a great shot. Unfortunately I ripped my bathing suit climbing down from the waterfall, but it was well worth it for the adventure!
03.18.01 --Day 9, The Cook Islands, Raratonga
Our last day on the island was spent attending a traditional church service in the morning and hanging out on the beach during the afternoon. It was a great day. The Cook Islands are an amazing place and I highly recommened them to any traveler! Tonight it's off to Auckland New Zealand. . .