Rarotonga

The day started out rainy, so a good day to explore the National Museum. This was a small, one room display, but nice insight into the history of this small island nation, which began with Polynesian settlement around 800 AD. I am blown away by the way ancient Mariners sailed in tiny open boats across vast oceans to the Pacific islands! European contact occurred in the 18th century and the tribal leaders requested the establishment of a British protectorate in 1888 to protect them from French invasion. Self-governance then occurred in 1965. The Cook Islands are part of the Commonwealth, but not as a member state, as they are a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand, whose Commonwealth membership covers them. After the museum we took another circumnavigation drive (some examples of road safety and bin day included in pics) and I headed for an afternoon massage, followed by more magnificent snorkeling. The day ended with a cocktail on the beach and pizza by the harbour.Read more