Friday, last day in Rarotonga

Going to bed so early these last few nights has resulted in us waking up around 6.30 every day so this morning found us out walking along the beach very early but it was lovely.

Our last lovely breakfast here today, I am going to miss all this freshly prepared fruit and a warm muffin every day!

We decided to visit the tropical gardens this morning and we were glad we went early as it was very hot walking around. We have loved having our Z3 but you do get hot in it.

We then went back to the Pacific Resort hotel where we have enjoyed some lovely iced coffees and we had another today.

We carried on around the island and went to Black a Rock beach, such a shame I didn't have my togs as it was lovely and I got very wet paddling. I took some bread to feed the fish but I couldn't get in deep enough to attract them. Usually beaches near the airport are horrible but this is beautiful and pretty much at the end of the runway.

We then went and bought a few souvenirs before going to buy a black pearl for me from Jon and it is lovely. They are grown on a little island not far from here and it looks very nice on the gold chain he bought me for Christmas. How lucky am I?

We then went to a lovely bar for lunch overlooking the water which was the most beautiful blue. It overlooks one of only two exits from the reef and although the water close by is safe you can see the rips a little further out so you would need to be careful. I had smoked marlin fish cakes and Jon had swordfish both meals were very good.

It was then time to take the car back. From there we walked to the supermarket to get some things for dinner as we had a big lunch again.

We then waited for the bus back to the hotel and went anti clockwise as that was the first one to leave.

Back at the hotel I had my last sunbathe and tried to sleep but couldn't so we went for another walk on the beach.

We showered and I washed my hair and tried to calm it down. I think I will need to put an oil treatment on it when I get home.

We went to the bar for a cocktail and Jim gave me a cup of his turkey soup which, despite the heat, was very good and I really enjoyed it. We have not had one bad meal on this holiday and I have learnt some new cooking ideas. Jon is not good with meat now and after eating so much fresh tuna and swordfish I think we might go more vegetarian but include fish as it suits him better. Bertie has behaved very well. We had a drink and watched the sunset which was probably the best we have had so I had to run and get my camera.

We paid our bill and tried to thank Jim for a wonderful time but he became very shy about accepting the complements. Not many places like this where you can get a Christmas Dinner for $35.

We had a sandwich and passed a couple of hours reading and snoozing. As they forgot to pick us up on arrival we were naturally worried that the same would happen and as the place is in darkness by 9.30 goodness knows who we would contact after 11.00! Jim had said if we had not been collected by 12.15 for our 1.30 flight!!!! To phone him.

But we needn't have worried as he was on time, sulky and stopped at the petrol station and went in to do some shopping for longer than the trip took but at least we got here.

Now sitting in the Koru Lounge waiting for our flight to be called.

There will be no Saturday blog as we lose Saturday apart from an hour and a half of it.

I just want to board now and get some sleep.

WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 30 degrees