KIA ORANA from COOK ISLANDS The SOUTH PACIFIC

 

KIA ORANA

from

COOK ISLANDS

The SOUTH PACIFIC

Cook Islands are scenic islands of palm fringed beaches surrounded by crystal clear waters of the South Pacific Ocean. Aitutaki can be reached from Raratonga, the main island, by boat or flight. A flight offers amazing areal views of turquoise waters and colorful coral reefs.

Cook Islands, some 15 of scenic treasures, are Polynesian islands and the local people a friendly nation. The islands have a close connection to New Zealand. New Zealand Maoris commenced their canoe journey in Cook Islands.

Raratonga is the main island and is connected to other islands by air and sea travel with local flights on Air Raratonga and ferries between islands. Aitutaki is another popular island often visited.

Their cuisine of Cook Islands based on fresh produce and seafood is delicious.

Cook Islands with the warm and clear waters and palm fringed beaches are a dream for many visitors.

LIVING WITH NATURE

 

LIVING WITH NATURE

Nature is a gift, always amazing and charming. Nature is a healthy environment, it makes us breathe fresh air, allows for activities that are pleasurable. Its beauty never stops to astound us.

A moon rise gives us a picture of beauty. One never can tire of watching it. Just like a moonset.

Nature can be a green of trees and shrubs. It can be many colors of flowers, blue of seas and oceans, white or yellow or golden of sandy beaches.

Nature has awesome influence on our wellbeing. It refreshes us, keeps us healthy and happy. It is also a source of healthy foods. 

Life without nature around us simply cannot be interesting.

VANUATU SOUTH PACIFIC

 

VANUATU

SOUTH PACIFIC

Vanuatu, known as New Hebridies some years ago, is an archipelago of many islands. Aneytium, Tana, Eromango and the main island of Efate stretch from the south and carry on to the north with Espiritu Santo and the Banks.

The islands vary in landscape but almost all have volcanos which are spectacular especially at night. Efate, with Port Vila as capital has amazing markets of fresh produce, fruit and flowers.

Vanuatu is a spectacular cruising ground with many anchorages.

Port Vila has a great anchorage between its center and Iririki Island. 

Iririki is a resort a short ferry trip from Port Vila center.

HAWAII US STATE

 

HAWAII

US STATE

Hawaii archipelago became the only island state of the United States back in 1890. It is located in the Pacific Ocean some 2000 miles southwest of the US mainland.

The main island, although not the biggest, is Oahu with Honolulu being the capital. It is a home of the main international airport, famous Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbour, site of the WWII bombing attack by Japanese in 1941.

Maui is the Garden Island and Kauai is the Captain Cook landing site.

Hawaii is the biggest in size island with spectacular volcanoes. Hawaii is an amazing and unique destination. The visitors are welcome with flower lei necklaces and dance.

Mai Tai is a delicious cocktail served to visitors.

Hawaii is an amazing and unique destination.

PALAU MICRONESIA

 

PALAU

MICRONESIA

Palau, an archipelago in Western Pacific known as Caroline Islands consists of some 26 islands and another 300 smaller islets. It was part of Federated States of Micronesia but became independent in 1981 and entered into free association with the United States. Koror is most known island with an airport receiving international flights.

Other islands are less populated and concentrate on boat services for snorkeling and diving. The waters around Palau islands are pristine and crystal clear, the underwater world is amazing with thousands of species of fish, sharks, turtles and rays.  

The main attraction “on land” is a visit to bai, a decorated wooden meeting house used by traditional chiefs of a village. The jungle is full of birdlife. It is also full of WWII rusty remnants. 

Palau ruled centuries ago by Spain, Germany, Japan and most recently US gained full independence in 1994.

Palau is known as Pristine Paradise, a well deserved name.

MAURITIUS The Pearl of the Indian Ocean

                                                                  MAURITIUS

                                                The Pearl of the Indian Ocean

The mysterious and intriguing island of Mauritius is a treasure of the Indian Ocean. It is surrounded by protective reefs, which create a turquoise lagoon. The same reefs can become treacherous traps for shipping in bad weather. There have been a number of ships stranded on the reefs during destructive cyclones of 1931 when Port Louis was demolished and 1972 when many ships were shipwrecked. In fact, the first thing I noticed while visiting Poudre d’ Ore was a ship high up on the reef on the horizon. MV Angel I, registered in Panama, has been on the reef since August having its cargo unloaded to be towed to Port Louis for repairs once afloat on high tide.

The Gardens are a mine of botanic wealth, conglomerate of plant species, some unique only to Mauritius. The freshens of nature and its colors are overwhelming. A visit to the Gardens satisfies all senses and the relaxation is complete listening to the bird song and breathing the sent of flowers.

Mauritius is an intriging destination.

GYMPIE QUEENSLAND

 

GYMPIE

QUEENSLAND

Gympie is a historical city in the Wide Bay area. It has been busy in 1860s when gold was here discovered and still celebrates the event with Gold Rush Festival. The gold discovery saved slow Queensland economy and Gympie became the richest town in Queensland. Its name derives from from Indigenouis Gubbi Gubbi for a stinging tree. It has many historical buildings, heritage architecture.

The main attraction of Gympie is the Mary River Rattler, a steam train some 100 years old. The scenic train tours are very popular.

Scenic rular hinterland drive visiting local villages of Dagun, Amamoor and Kandanga offer a look at Growers Markets and Mary Valley views is also popular.