We arrived yesterday to the Cook Islands.  A very pretty island but small.Rarotonga was first settled by Polynesians, likely from the Society Islands (modern-day Tahiti) around 800–1000 AD. The island became a hub within the vast Polynesian triangle, with strong connections to other Pacific islands. The traditional Māori culture of the Cook Islands, including language, customs, and social structure, developed over centuries. Rarotonga was organized into tribal districts ruled by ariki (high chiefs), and large stone platforms (marae) were built for religious In 1888, the Cook Islands became a British protectorate, primarily to prevent French expansion from Tahiti. By 1901, the islands were annexed to New Zealand, becoming part of the British Empire’s wider Pacific holdings. While colonial rule brought infrastructure development, it also imposed foreign governance systems that limited traditional leadership roles. The Cook Islands gained self-governing status in free association with New Zealand in 1965. This arrangement allows the Cook Islands to manage its own internal affairs, while New Zealand handles defense and foreign relations, though the islands can establish their own international agreements.

Today was a tender port and 9 years ago a tender was grounded due to the tight channel and rougher seas.  The people on the tender had to get off in the water and walk to the shore.  For that reason, the captain asked that nobody with walkers, wheel chairs , or anyone with mobility issues go ashore.  Of course some people just can’t follow rules and we had someone with a walker on our tender.

For some reason no excursions from Holland America were scheduled.  I am sure there is a story here as to why but it didn’t make any sense.  The island is set up for tourists and lot’s of things to do.  So we were on our own.  Luckily Saturday was market day and it was a very large market with local food and lots of things to buy.  The cost for handmade items was expensive but Papa found a nice Polynesian shirt.  

Nana really wanted to go snorkeling and Papa found out that there was a wreck not far off the shore within walking distance of the tender port.  We made off for the wreck but found  out from other snorkelers that it was very rough out there and the coral was sharp.  So we walked a little further and found another beach but same story, rough and not very inviting for snorkeling.  After leaving the water a rail squall came up and drenched us.  We hung out at a local coffee shop and then walked around exploring the city.

Last night was a great sunset and this morning during basketball we had a great sunrise and a rainbow as it was misting while we played.  

Two sea days and then we arrive to Nuku alofa, Tonga.  

During these two sea days we cross the international date line.  My next blog will present a challenge to my grandchildren on what the international date line means and how does it work.  Each grandchildren that can answer the questions will get a prize when we get home.