Another hard day at the office!

A quick update so far.

Arrived safely in Rarotonga (Cook Islands) 26 hours after leaving Heathrow.  Carol slept well on the plane (courtesy of the movies) but Jon didn't (at least that's what he reckons).
The temperature in Rarotonga was 28 degrees and fairly humid.  It was a bit of a shock to our systems after the freezing temperatures of the UK. 

Anyway, we persevered with the heat and managed to stay awake for the day despite jetlag.

We stayed in Rarotonga backpackers and had a double room.  It was more like a box to begin with until we asked to change rooms after 2 nights.  We then had a room double the size - it pays to ask!  The backpackers was right on the beach and a reef a few hundred metres out protected beach from the huge Pacific breakers.  The hostel also had a very pleasant swimming pool so we were well set up.
After a good night's sleep we decided to tackle the cross island walk the next day.  So armed with litres of water we set off.  It wasn't so much of a difficult walk but we were not used to the heat and humidity so it wasn't just a gentle stroll.  However, the views from the top across both sides of the island and a swim in the waterhole at the end made the whole trip worthwhile.

Wednesday saw us hire a scooter to get around the island.  We decided to share one to save on money and Jon was the delegated driver so had to take a driving test at the 'main' (only) police station before he could apply for his licence.  Luckily it wasn't too onerous, he passed, and we were free to explore the island.
Over the course of 4 days we went around it several times in total (one circuit is only 32kms!).

One evening we went to a Polynesian dance and music show - it was a very informal one so was very cheap but very enjoyable.  Before the evening entertainment we went to a local restaurant to have fish and chips (battered fresh tuna!). 

Also visited an tropical garden where we also 'had' to try out the local coffee and muffins!
We also went to various beaches for snorkelling and swimming so you can tell we had a very hard time.
On Saturday morning the 'thing' to do is to go to the local market so we joined everyone else and went along too.  Carol bought an unmounted black pearl as a souvenir - it's small and light to carry!

And so to New Zealand.  The flight was far less taxing - only 4 hours but as we crossed the international date line it was we landed 28 hours after take off.  Today we have been very confused as to what day it actually is.
Unfortunately the sunshine of the Cook Islands hasn't yet followed us and today has been wet and overcast, although on the plus side we've been able to walk around in shorts and sandals.

Went up the Auckland Sky tower and watched idiots throwing themselves off the top (albeit attached to bungys!).
Not much else today but we've found this cheap internet cafe.

Tomorrow it's back to the airport to meet Andrew and then make our way over towards the east coast ready to do the 3 day walk around Lake Waikaremoana at the weekend.

Hopefully we'll be able to upload some photos next week when we're staying with friends but until then we'll say cheerio and hope you're not too cold back in the UK.

Getting ready

OK, plane tickets booked, malaria tablets organized, visas applied for, just have to get to the airport now, and then it's off for seven months!

Here's what we are leaving behind: