Well I wish we had stayed on Aitutaki! I am not sure who had this idea of a bungalow on the beach? The sea is so noisy combined with the ceiling fans, loads of insects, some very loud people shouting and laughing at 2.00 in the morning and Jon's clock lighting up the room like Blackpool I didn't sleep very well!
We woke to heavy rain which looked set for the day! Oh dear, but it is the cyclone and wet season. I think we were spoilt on Aitutaki which is 250km further north. Rarotonga has hills, well small mountains, so more chance of rain. Our 4WD goes out whatever the weather! Looks like I might need all those books on the eReader after all!
Well the rain stopped and we went across to the beach hut for breakfast. We had tea or coffee and a choice of juice a plate of fruit each and the passion fruit here are delicious. We also had a freshly baked passion fruit muffin and toast with spreads, more than enough.
We went to wait by the road again for our 8.30 pick up. Unfortunately, it didn't arrive. Jon went into check at 9.25 which would give us time to get the next bus into the town if we had been forgotten and we had! Things are not going so well on this part of the trip!
We were supposed to be dropped off after the trip to collect the car but they have now arranged for the car to be brought here, let's see how long that takes. At least the sun is trying to peep through now.
Well now another change of plan. We are to get the bus into the town and they will have the car at the main office.
I have been typing this as things were happening we are now at the end of the day so I will continue while sitting out on the deck surrounded by insects, listening to Christmas songs and listening to the ocean.
Our bus trip was good and we saw around the island. There is only one road around and you get the bus direction 'clockwise' or 'anti clockwise' easy as and it is $5.
We arrived in town and went for our first coffee which was very good. We then went to the police station for Jon to get a licence which is a money maker. $20 and you get one, a good souvenir. As the police were closing at 2.00 and closed for two days there was a long queue so we just had to wait. Jon had his photo taken and was asked to smile and came out five minutes later with a new plastic licence. I think it would be easier to add $20 to the car hire as this is only like a tax.
We then went to get the car. Unfortunately, there was another cock up thanks to the hotel and they knew nothing about us. After a few phone calls, lots of explanations and a wait we finally got a car - a BMW Z3! It is old but looks the part so off we went. We won't be going far on an island that is only 32km and a top speed of 60 in a few areas but mostly 50.
We then went to buy some wine and beer and then for a late lunch and just managed to get a pizza before they closed.
It was still raining and very hot and humid but the forecast is for sun tomorrow.
We then bought Jon a Christmas shirt! Watch this space!
We bought a few things for Christmas tea. Lunch here is at 1.00 and is turkey and there will be 16 of us but dinner is off so we have bought some ham and cheese and that will be fine sitting here on the deck.
We got back to the hotel and I had a snooze, very tired after no sleep and an unnecessary early start.
We got ready and went across to the beach bar which was looking busy with people from other resorts. When we got there the owner said he didn't know we were coming! They really are the limit here as we had only told him at breakfast that we were coming tonight and wanted dinner tomorrow. However, you can't get cross with them.
They had a Kiwi playing the piano, Garth someone or other, and he was very good and the atmosphere was very jolly and the sun was now shinning so a lovely sunset. The BBQ was excellent. The chef, a real islander, cooked everything on the BBQ. We started with smoked marlin in mayo on a plate with cos lettuce and you wrap it in the leaf and it was yummy. We then had tiny bits of tuna with onion followed by spicy sausage.
The main BBQ was corn on the cob, teriyaki pork skewers, fish skewers and beer can chicken. Roast pumpkin, baked tomatoes, delicious cabbage all cooked on the BBQ. Sweet potato salad, salad and a lovely potato salad. All of it was really lovely. I asked Chas, the chef, to come back to NZ with me but he said he is happy here.
Pudding was two lovely cakes made by a very big lady here who sang some lovely songs later on. Canadian Dan, who is here for the second year and staying four weeks, said she must have put on about 50lbs since last year, she is very, very big but a really lovely lady.
We sat chatting to a lovely young Italian guy, Nicolai, and he took some nice photos of Jon and I at sunset. He is alone but a very nice guy.
After a sing song it was time to go back to our rooms. We had a glass of wine on the deck and are looking forward to Christmas Day and hopefully now we have Internet sorted we can contact the girls.
WEATHER
Heavy rain to start 24 degrees, beautiful evening 28 degrees.
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