Here Comes the Sun

It turns out the Cyclone Season (which I have found out lasts from Nov to the END of April and is to even my limited numerical skills longer than a season but in fact Half a freaking year long) is also known as the Rainy Season.

We’ve had grey skies and torrential downpours for weeks now, since my Downpour Post, when I foolishly thought that particular rain shower was an anomaly.
How wrong I was. And when I saw Dunedin made 28 degrees recently I was sure it must be some sign of the End-of-Life-As-We-Know-it-Mr-Spock.

Thankfully, the SUN returned yesterday, so I am posting a pretty picture to celebrate, happy in the knowledge the natural order of the World is restored. For now.

Ester Honey Foundation

There is a charity here called the Ester Honey foundation, which acts like an SPCA. (Although there is also an SPCA here too, go figure.) Outside their premises they have a sign saying ‘free puppies’ so I have to give Chris credit for not giving into temptation. But I’ve noticed every time we drive past the foundation he mutters under his breath “Free puppies”.

We went there to look around ages ago and they had a litter of about ten tiny wee puppies that were very cute. Not sure what breed. Most of the dogs here are a strange looking bunch, especially the ones with big heads and little short legs.

Mad about Cars

Aside from the ubiquitous scooter the vehicle of choice here is the ute. I think of them as the island equivalent to a convertible because generally there are people in the back, stretched out and sitting as comfortably as if they were on a couch watching TV. There seems to be some unspoken rule that you must sit on whatever is in the back of the ute, whether it’s a plastic garden chair, a motor scooter or a rider-on lawnmower.
If they’re not sitting, people often stand up behind the cab, positioned so they are cooled by the rushing breeze, and sing.

Pictured: Our Car. Rental Car Agencies advise…Don’t Park Your car under the coconut tree.

Gotta love the Infinity Pool

Sad News

For the last few days our neighbour’s Brown Puppy has been looking very forlorn as she sits alone on our deck. Where is Black Puppy we wondered? We have since learned that Black Puppy was hit and killed by a car on Friday night.

While the terrible duo’s antics won’t be forgotten it is the good times we will think on. Black Puppy curled under my chair as I read on the deck. Black Puppy bursting with excitement to be patted by Chris when he returned home from work.

So, Black Puppy, while out nights will be quieter without you howling outside our window, our days will be less entertaining and our hearts less whole. RIP little dog, we never knew your name but we always called you friend.

Downpour

It’s been a very hot week, blue skies, sunshine and highs of 28 degrees everyday. So this evening when we went down to the harbour to view the making of traditional canoes (vaka) as part of the Vaka Eiva Festival (canoe racing) and we were caught out in our first tropical DOWNPOUR, I must admit it was just what I needed.

It’s a Small World after all

Are You Breaking the Law?

Some old laws regarding treason are being reviewed in parliament currently. The CI News has also brought to light some interesting laws still in existence:

In Rarotonga is it illegal to Practise Witchcraft, including fortune telling.

You will not be charged for killing people using the "Power of your Mind", unless you frighten to death anyone who is sick or under 16 years if age. That’s illegal.

Shopping List for the Week

• 1 pair of jandals
• 1 snorkel

Lily Pond

Lily pond outside the Perfume Factory.

Go Postal!

A parcel from my cousin in the UK reached us two days ago. He posted it over a month ago & I was surprised how incredibly long it took to get here. But then, I conceded, maybe the address had something to do with that…

Thanks Paul & Nicola, your parcel really made my day. =)

Awww What?

No chopped nuts or flake? You’re freaking kidding me.

The Call of the Wild vs. the Dulcet Hum of Civilisation

I was just sitting at my desk, contemplating my love/hate relationship with the ukulele when I heard a hauntingly familiar tune go past my window and I had one of those moments of clarity. Suddenly I understand what separates civilisation from the wild untamed kingdoms.

And Rarotonga, despite it’s tiny landmass, an ancient volcanic isle lost in the deepwater of the pacific blue, is still as civilised as any massive booming city I have been too like Auckland or the humid exotic metropolis that is KL, because here on Rarotonga we have a Mr Whippy.

I think now I finally understand how S&G felt when they were going on about prophets and subways. Excuse me now, I have an ice-cream to buy.

Life Long Learning

Over the weekend Chris did the first of four parts towards getting his PADI - which I think means he can go diving without an instructor. Diving is a good pastime in the warm waters of Raro, but in Dunners? Might bump into an iceberg.

I’m not so keen on doing the beginners’ course anymore. Turns out I wouldn’t be allowed to take a big stick to keep the fish away. Shesh! They’re wild animals—they might bite! I hardly think I’m being unreasonable.

There goes the Neighbourhood

Well on Friday the Miss Mataroa was sunk off the western side of Raro, along with 400 tonnes of asbestos roofing, as reported by TVOne News tonight. They forgot to mention also on board were a few truck bodies and other rubbish. The news article implied this decision was two years in the making - 2 weeks more likely.

Also on Friday we learned our favourite swimming beach, and a popular spot with locals, has an open sewer being spilled into it.

Paradise is beginning to feel more than a little unclean.

Dawn viewed from Club Raro

Evening Sunset Viewed from our Clothesline

Tis the Season

Cyclone season has begun.