Mitiaro, also known as Nukuroa, and flat like Mangaia, has even fewer people – just over one hundred. Paul played his eight-string ukelele for the whole 50 minute flight, and again, we were greeted warmly at the airport (a small shed and a gravel runway). Unfortunately, disaster struck when the plane flew off with both my suitcase and backpack (and four other suitcases belonging to three of my fellow travelers).
Here’s proof that I was smiling even though more than a little vexed with consternation at the prospect of being without most of my stuff for a couple of days. Anyway, we went on a tour of Mitiaro Island straight away. I’m in the truck with Junior, who, with Cindy his wife, were our gracious hosts. We circumnavigated the island and were shown most of the interesting sites…
Note the solar power station, me with Chris, a former principal and the other driver, and the flowers in his uncle’s garden. We got word that a plane had brought our suitcases back to the island, so we picked ’em up at the airport before continuing our tour of the island…
We made a special stop at one of the many fresh water caves on the island in which one can take a swim and cool off – so we did. And some of us jumped in from on high. Weird place – very cool…
Next we went to the larger of two fresh water lakes on the island. Wonderful, but not utilized.
Of course we made one stop to check out the ocean, but it seems less accessible here on Mitiaro Island. After our tour we went back to Junior & Cindy’s “Divine Retreat” and had a nice dinner. Very local and homecooked…
The next morning, we went to church – a cultural experience in it’s own right…
After church, we strolled about waiting for the annual event of celebrating the end of cyclone season. Some views of around the harbor at Mangarei Village…
The event involved some community sharing – people dropping off food and redistributing it to the people of the island. Thus, the first few pix are of this bounty. The next are of the ceremony which involved some words from the King & Queen (not married and representing different families. Got to speak personally with both of them. There was lots of singing and dancing, and the locals got us into their groove. A magical moment…!
We walked back to the Divine Retreat and were treated, again, to a banquet of local delicacies…
After that late lunch we rested a bit before walking to another cave pool and taking a dip in the cool waters…
Back again for showers and another rest before an evening dessert. I’ll go ahead and post now, but may add some based on tomorrow morning’s doings. We’re off to another of the Cook Islands…!