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We are currently in Rarotonga, and it has been raining off and on for
three days. Not quite what we expect out here in the tropics, so we are
catching up with our letter writing and so on. It is delightful to be
here. We expected it to be overrun with tourists, but for the most part
they appear to be closeted away at the various hotels and are barely in
evidence. The harbor is very small, we are tied up to the pier, and there
are six other cruising boats here also, most of whom we know at least
vaguely from meeting them in other anchorages, two American, two English
one south African one from Holland. The cruisers very definitely are more
international than in Mexico which makes it more fun. It is really a
treat to be in an English speaking country, you can get to know the local
flavor so much more easily, not to mention getting about The town is
quite small but has a good supply of everything, and the prices are
reasonable after French Polynesia. People are very laid back and
friendly, and fluently bilingual in English and Maori. The Health
Inspector came to our boat with flowers on his head. He sat and chatted
for close to an hour and didn’t ask us one single health related question.
We went to church this morning, as Polynesians are known for their church
singing and we try to do it where we can. The building was a crude big
typical white protestant colonial church, built about 1850. All the women
wore big straw hats and smart colourful dresses, quite formal. It was
packed full. The church was Cook Island Missionary Society which is
descended from London Missionary Society. Had a wonderful huge wooden
balcony all around. At first I thought the singing was much the same as
Moorea, but by the time the second hymn came they were blowing the roof
off. It was truly inspirational and moving. The men and women for the
most part sat in clumps together and sang part harmonies, and such vigor
and enthusiasm. Every single person was belting it out. And the service
seemed to be almost all singing. Then afterwards we were invited to
refreshments in the mission centre, and what a spread. A small speech of
welcome to visitors and the covers are lifted off to reveal an amazing
spread – sandwiches, crepes cakes, doughnuts, corned beef and vegetables,
stewed beef, on and on, all put on by the Mamas – the church ladies in t
heir straw hats. We were very impressed.
We have also been to the movies which was a
treat. It is a big thing to do here. When the rain stops we hope to rent
bicycles, or at least take the bus around the Island a couple of times,
and maybe play golf. It is reported to be $5 a round. Once we have
arrived anywhere we always seem to spend several days longer than
planned. Passages are really for the birds, it takes three days to feel
in the routine, and we always get a couple of days of uncomfortable
weather somewhere on the passage. So anchorages are lovely. And each
spot has it’s charm. |
