Hey,

Writing this before we travel back to the future (we're passing through the date line to Fiji). So we've been in the Cook Islands in for 9 days and to be honest with you that's 5 days too much! There's not a lot to do here - sure there are some pretty beaches and lagoons and im sure your thinking after looking at the pictures that this must be paradise - but after NZ we're now adrenaline junkies and baking ourselves on the bach isn't cutting it anymore! Anyway here's what we have been up to:

Arrived in Rarotonga and flew out to Aitutaki the next day(an island 300km's away). We intended to stay 4 days but those damn Yankees were filming the 'Survivor' series out there and had taken nearly all the accommodation on the island! WE grabbed the 2nd to last room on the island and paid............a bargain price of 100 pounds for 1 night. Man that took a huge chunk out of the credit card! Anyway we managed to see the lagoon and it was as pretty as you imagine it to be. We went on a cruise around it, did some snorkeling around the reef and had some lunch on honeymoon island - it was in fact 2 of the passengers honeymoon too! (not us though just to clear that up). Anyway that evening we flew back to Rarotonga and got ourselves into a backpackers that suited our budget.

Whilst on Rarotonga Phil managed to pass his Cook Islands driving test - first time. This was compulsory and involved a very tricky 200m drive up the road and back. Not sure if anyone's ever failed this test, think its a good way of squeezing money out of tourists though. Might have to show it at a pub if i ever get ID'd again. PS i am now qualified to drive small trades vehicles too.

We have now minced around the island for 4 days on a scooter. Seen every thing there is to see, 10 times over. There's just one road on this island and its only 36km's round the island. Been to an Island night to check out the local dancing rituals and even saw miss Cook Islands.