Back from Paradise

 Ok, that is a bit of an exaggeration, but we certainly had a very relaxing week on the beautiful Pacific Island of Rarotonga, and to prove it, here are "a few" images of the first couple of days!

View from inside the Air BnB right on the beach 

The accommodation.

Our hosts kindly supplied a couple of these in the fridge!

Air BnB from the ocean side

You may be able to note, the sky was pretty overcast on the day we arrived, but it was still warm and the lagoon still looked pretty magical!

Along with snorkel gear, there were paddle boards and canoes provided with the accommodation - here are some views from out in the lagoon looking back at "our" beach

And a couple of brief videos!

Rarotonga has A LOT of dogs - apparently the average family has two. They are not restrained in most cases and are free to wonder around - like this one who moseyed on through our section after strolling along the beach!

Some perfect wargamers holiday reading - and yes, I did get it finished a couple of days before we left!

Early on day two, we walked about 45 minutes down the road to arrange to hire our transport - one of the ubiquitous 125cc Japanese scooters that around 50% of visitors and residents use.

My wife had a massage booked for 11-1200, so after collecting the scooter, I took off solo for about 90 minutes and stopped at random places to take a few pics

This is the area around Muri Beach where a lot of organised snorkel tours and swimming with turtle's companies are based.

Typical Rarotongan house and foliage

The main town, Avarua

Rarotonga was first visited by Europeans in the early 19th century and was converted to Christianity in the 1830's apparently. The religion is still a very important part of island life, although less so than in the past, in common with most western countries. Some businesses still close all day Sunday, despite the ever-present tourist demand. 

This one is just behind the centre of Avarua.

Another church on my trip back to the Air BnB from Avarua

And a third (there were lots more including a couple of Seventh Day Adventist ones, a couple of Catholic ones - AND a Catholic Cathedral (a rather modern looking building I didn't bother to photograph!)

At the end of day two, we dined at the Vaima Restaurant which was literally next door to where we were staying - here is our entree of scallops along with a Vaima Slammer (on the right) and a Sand of Vaima (on the left)

A nice "arty" looking image of the view from our table as the sun set around 630-7pm.

I am sure that is more than enough for tonight - I will upload the rest of the holiday snaps in a couple of days.