RAROTONGA, 2/3/08

What a surprise this island turned out to be! Rarotonga is the caital of the Cook Islands which lie in the center of the Polnesian triangle. It is the main island with a population of approximately 10,000 people. It is very mountainous and covered in jungle with luxurious ferns, trees and flowers. It is surrounded by a protective coral reef. Gary and I took a local shuttle to the most beautiful hotel, the Muri Beach Club. We were able to use their facilities and spent the entire day swimming. Their white sand beach was surrounded by the most breathtaking turquoise lagoon. Coconut palms were everywhere. This was truly the most gorgeous island of all. Sucba diving here is supposed to be some of the best in the world. Gary was going to dive, but the lagoon was so magnificent we didn't want to leave.

We ran into some friends from Australia, also on the ship, and we sat in the middle of the lagoon and talked ( too shallow to swim). Afterwards we had lunch in the hotel. The pool was enormous and completely deserted, We went for a swim before returning to the ship. Our friends rented a car so we went back with them. Rarotonga is truly a tropical paradise. Another day we will never forget.