Remaining few days on the island

When you are on holiday every experience is considered eventful. So it seems we experienced a fair few events during our remaining days away. 

We had another meal at Puffy's Bar and Grill - a little place on the beach just down the road from Matriki Beach Huts, where we were staying. 



We enjoyed our cold beers as we watched the lovely (and quick) sunset while we waited for our fish, chips and salad. 





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When we are not lazing around on the beach we are exploring the island on the scooter. 



If we are riding around at about lunchtime Kien would fall asleep sandwiched between us. We stop and let him nap while one of us holds him.



This particular occasion I had packed us a picnic, and we went to the other side of the island that looks toward Maina and Honeymoon island. Jef got us a coconut and we enjoyed nice fresh juice, and then Jef split it apart so I could eat the lovely young jelly like flesh.





A bit further down the dirt road we came across hundreds of the interesting looking crabs. I love how they look like they can do some damage with their one big pincer, but instead they scuttle away or burrow into the sand if you try to get close.



Speaking of crabs, we came across a big land crab at the huts one evening.



Then there was the crab we found in our shower.



There are lots of hermit crabs in the sand. At first Kien was really scared of them, but then he was curious enough to pick them up. He enjoyed hunting for them on the beach.





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We were fortunate to meet really lovely people staying at the huts. Marcelo and Lori - Italians living in Wellington, Leo and Gabby - an Uruguayan couple living in Arazona, and Kirsten and Greg - British and Kiwi living in Christchurch. On Wednesday night Kirsten and Greg stayed at the huts for a BBQ while the rest of us went to Cafe Tapuna.



The food was amazing - beautifully presented and top notch in taste.

The restaurant was located inland, so it was a scooter convoy in the dark back to the beach, where a campfire was waiting for us.



We sat around, feeding the fire and shooting the breeze.



One of the cool things about traveling the world is that you meet such nice, interesting people, and for a brief moment in time it is like you are sharing the same cake of experiences, each taking away a slice.



Kien was very lucky to have so many people to chat and play with. On Thursday he sat with Greg and had a conversation for a really long time as Kirsten practiced her new found coconut palm leaves weaving skills.



While I was out snorkelling on Friday Kien made sand castles and played with Gabby.





I love that people can be so nice to my child.

I was out looking for a giant clam, and I finally found the amazing creature. It was the second time I had gone searching for it - the first time I swam all the way out to the reef.





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Island night at the resort next door was pretty cool. It was so popular we couldn't book in for dinner, but we were welcome to watch the show. As it was late when it started Jef graciously looked after Kien while I went to see the show, which I enjoyed immensely.





For a conservative nation of extremely religious church-goers I find the provocative dancing to be a paradox. Those lovely ladies sure know how to shake their booty!





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You know what else was an event? Cutting open a giant paw paw. This wasn't even the biggest one in the box at the store!



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Finding a place where they actually offer local beer was difficult. We did find them served at Koru Cafe.



This was also the place where Kien lost the scooter key, and we had many of the patrons hunting for them. No, we didn't find them.

Island hopping

You'd think that already being on a beautiful island will suffice, but no. We are in the Cook Islands after all, and therefore we had to do a bit of inter island hopping whilst here. 



On a perfect Monday morning it was a party of eight on a long narrow boat heading out of the lagoon into the deep blue ocean. 



Our first mission was to spot and swim with turtles. 



When we spotted one we'd ease out of the boat and slowly snorkel up to it. Do you see me out there looking for a turtle?



We actually spotted three in total, and Jef chased one with a camera. I know it is hazy, but you can just see it through the turquoise.



We then went to a lovely spot just out from the reef. There we had some serious snorkeling action; moving in and out with the waves while watching the fish do the same. 



It is so satisfying to have such a wonderful underwater experience, mask lines and all. Now I remember why I loved scuba diving.



Mathias then anchored at a remote island called Maina.







What can I say - this place is ridiculously perfect.







Rediculous is also when you discover Red Tail (?) chicks nesting at your picnic area.





Kien found himself a play mate - Roko, son of Mathias' assistant, Nga.



Mathias prepared an amazing lunch for us; BBQ Tuna steaks, taro leaves in coconut cream, boiled taro, potato salad, papaya salad, and a tossed green salad. We washed our food down with fresh coconut juice. 









After our feast Mathias and Nga cleared up while we went for a walk around the island.





We cooled off in the bath when it was too hot.



We found Kien and Roko playing in the rock pool on our return.



Our next stop was Honeymoon Island. They dropped us off on one side of the island and took the boat around to the other side to pick us up.





Who couldn't fall in love here? With perfect white sand and crystal waters stretching out into the turquoise sea it is like a place straight out of the movies.







We did our last bit of snorkeling at an amazing spot where the sand bank drops away sharply into the deep.



I took Kien for a swim here, first where he could touch the bottom, then we made our way out to the blue part.



He was so brave.



Then I went and did some skin diving. It was so beautiful and clear, like we were diving in an aquarium. It was completely surreal.



We came back exhausted and happy. The entire day was like a dream.