Kia Orana, a little slack maybe, I've been busy and we're on Raro-time, which means a slower pace than you're used to. This place is like a picture postcard image of paradise. We landed early in the morning sometime last week, and the hostel was right on the golden beach. The standard attire is flip flops, bikini and a smile, along with the mozzie bites I seem to be allergic to - nice! Scenery is stunning, the lush green mountains in the middle of the island, I'm yet to go trekking up there. Last week we rode horses up to the waterfall and then along and through the sea on the beach, I even got up to a canter, turns out I'm bit of a natural. Coconuts galore, which you have to watch out for, these things can kill...almost hit a guy on the beach and a friends windscreen was also a victim the other day. It's bit of a mission getting at the buggers but if you smile sweetly enough a local will gladly help you out. We wear fragrant Frangipani flowers in our hair, all growing along the roads and an abundance of wild chickens just doing their thing.
The people are beautiful, very friendly and extremely proud of their heritage. We visited a cultural day and had luscious local food, traditional dancing with the cutest kiddie ever, lots of coconut of course and paw paws, so I'm getting my 5 a day quota. Our current accomodation and room is overlooking the beach at Muri, white powder sand and azure blue seas. The wind has been high, tail ends of cyclones but doesn't ruin the fun. Saying that - I haven't stopped. Up at 6.30am (yeah yeah..i know, not like me) to go diving. Today I'm proud to announce I am a fully qualified open water diver - yay for Jules :oD Conditions have been tough out at sea and the guys said we did really well coping. Went out on my first adventure dive this morning, although without my buddy who's leaving today. Trying to twist Tom's arm to come meet me in Thailand. The instruction has been brilliant and the guys have been soooo lovely. It's weird, the most simple thing on land is a hundred times more difficult under the water, but I think I'm hooked - excuse the pun. Contributions to the "keep Jules diving fund" will be advised shortly. Off to collect some pics, and will hopefully share some real soon.
