I have not been out of New Zealand since working for the Bank in Fiji back 1974- 1976.
Here I am in Rarotonga with a group of friends – Strange arriving early in the morning of the day you left late that day.
We had lots of fun exploring the Island and all the bars. During one of those nights – we meet the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands – Geoffrey Henry. The wife of our group leader had worked for him, so we were all invited to a BBQ at his place the next night. A great night and Sir Henry was a great guy.
While here, some of us took a quick trip out to Aitutaki. The flight from the main land to this Island is 259 kms north and took us about 60 minutes. It was a small plane seating 8 people (including pilot) I was asked to sit upfront in the Co-pilots seat – and put on the headphones – so I was able to listen into the talk between Pilot and control tower in Rarotonga. For nearly 1 hour – all I could see in front of us was Pacific Ocean – then I saw the photo below.
When you see Aitutake and step on to it – you can believe it when they call this Heaven on Earth. We stayed at Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
Next day, we went out on the lagoon in a speed boat – some went diving and fishing. So when we landed on one of the outer islands – lunch was quickly underway.
Open fire and the fish just put on the fire. I loved it – so fresh. We were only on the island for 2 and a half days – loved every minute of our stay.
We are returning to NZ via Fiji – have a few days in Nadi. Hired a Rental and drove to Lautoka to see what it was now like.
It was 13 years since I had been in Fiji and in 1987 they had had two Military Coups.
There was Military present at the Airport – checking all people departing from Fiji. We catch a bus into Nadi – and the first I noticed was the dust and dirt on the streets and in the shops.
As we travelled to Lautoka – the roads had not had any repair work done – I guess for many many years.
Back in 1976 the roads were clean and kept in good repair – it is clear the Military are not worried that the country is going backwards. I have decided not to return again and keep the memories from 74 -76 instead.