Südseeinsel Rarotonga

After 16 days in the South Seas, we are sitting here in Auckland at the car market, waiting for a buyer for our car.

We really enjoyed our time on Rarotonga, even though we didn't have much luck with the weather. Only 4 days were without rain, the other days were very mixed or completely rainy. Our return flight yesterday was delayed by 5 hours due to bad weather. The temperatures were always pleasant between 25 and 30 degrees, and even in the rain, we could always sit on the terrace of our accommodation with a view of the beautiful garden. In the first week, we rented a scooter and explored the island. There was a road around the island (32 km) along the coast, past many churches, cemeteries, palms, and hidden small holiday resorts. There were probably 30 churches on the island and almost every property had its private cemetery. We spent our days reading, preparing for South America, swimming, snorkeling, and taking walks. Once we tried stand-up paddling with quite good success. Especially on the windy days, we had to be careful to avoid the many palm trees. Statistically speaking, more people die from falling coconuts than from sharks. In the garden, we could take all the fruits we wanted. It was a great pleasure to be able to enjoy fresh coconuts, papayas, avocados, bananas, or star fruits every day.

In the evenings of the second week, we often spent time with a very nice couple from Germany who are also traveling the world. Like so often on our journey, this encounter was unfortunately only for a short time and our paths separated again after a few days.

The flowers or flower wreaths worn by the local women were really beautiful to see. Even cashiers in supermarkets or market women wear a colorful wreath of fresh flowers in their hair.

We wish everyone at home a happy Easter. We will at least celebrate something on Monday - the birthday of a German girl whom we met weeks ago together with her friend and now meet again.

Our time here in New Zealand finally expires on 26.4. - then our flight to Chile will depart.