travel cook islands rarotonga around the island
Avarua, on Rarotonga, is the capitol of the fifteen Cook Islands.
Getting to the island was somewhat problematic in that seas are often too rough to get the tender into the harbor.
Luckily, we got in on one of the early launchs and then back out on the last one able to make the trip.
In the morning, we rented a scooter and drove around part of the island to Muri Beach.
In the afternoon, we went with a group for snorkeling and a motu cookout.
One of the most interesting cultural features we saw were the family grave stones and monuments in front yards of the homes."
Of all the islands we visited on this trip, Rarotonga was probably the most "normal" with a genuine worn and "lived-in" look
as opposed to the Disney-like atmosphere of much of French Polynesia.
TRAVEL:
October 2007 - Avarua, Avatiu, Muri Beach, Muri Lagoon atoll...
unless noted otherwise all images copyright d. holmes chamberlin jr architect llc
Coming into the harbor at Avatiu, Rarotonga , Cook Islands, 2007.
Small freighter showing the signs of life in the tropics, 2007
Main street at the edge of Avarua... as seen from the back of a motor scooter, 2007.
New government building financed by the Chinese government in exchange for fishing rights, 2007.
One of the better looking beaches along the perimeter highway.
It is common to see a family honoring their relatives with elaborate monuments in their home's front yard, Rarotonga, 2007
The unusual triangular 2 dollar coin and the infamous 1 dollar coin on which Queen Elizabeth II didn't like sharing the other side with a very fertile god.
copyright d. holmes chamberlin jr architect llc
page last revised april 2015