2explore.net We are Niels and Amy van Dongen and this is our journey. Our home site is http://www.2explore.net. On February 16, 2007 we will leave behind the comforts of our home in Seattle to travel through the South Pacific. On this site you can follow along with us, read about our experiences and view some of the photos we have taken en route. Our insatiable urge to explore, sparked the idea for this adventure. In October of 2005, we had a taste of the South Pacific on a 3-week trip to the Cook Islands and have ever since wanted to go back to immerse ourselves in the South Pacific way of life and record our experiences. With many ecosystems at risk from pollution, global warming and climate change, this is now especially critical. We aim to capture the true character of the idyllic South Pacific through photographs and words in a way that makes any observer of our work feel a connection to this special place and in turn, join us in making simple choices in everyday life that can have positive, lasting effects on the world around us. For a year we will be living as modern nomads – traveling only with what we can carry in our packs, living amongst the locals on the islands we visit, spending time sharing stories and experiences and taking in the captivating underwater world on the occasional dive. We hope to help others along the way and keep a vivid record of this adventure to share with you, and keep at the forefront of our memory. Follow along with us and learn about far away places of natural beauty and rich cultures. Experience with us the big world we call home.

"How far are you going?"
"Do you need a ride?"
"You two okay?"
"Help yourself to the fruit!"

Most people in the Cook Islands are so very kind. We hear the above phrases all the time. Perhaps it is the nice weather and slow pace that really brings out this kind nature in the locals we come across. It makes being here very pleasant indeed.

Often, when we are walking (our budget requires us to rely on our own two feet as our primary means of transportation and it is great for us and the earth anyway) someone will stop and offer us a ride or simply ask if we are okay and enjoying ourselves. Just the other day, a very kind man on Mangaia, insisted on giving us a lift all the way across the island back to our accommodation eventhough he was not headed anywhere near there.

Yesterday, when we arrived back to our accommodation on Rarotonga, the housekeeper brought us a bowl of fresh fruit - which was a very nice return welcome! Most local people take time for a quick chat and eagerly volunteer useful information and insight. The librarians at the Cook Islands Library are particularly chatty and informative.

Just the other day, while on a quest for hot, fresh donuts (very common here, emphasis on the dough, not very sweet, cheap source of filling food) the young ladies at the first store we stopped at insisted on us NOT buying their donuts and instead directed us to a small 'Mom and Pop shop' further up the road. Not great business instinct but much appreciated because the donuts were delicious!

We will not easily forget the kindness of the people of the Cooks and we will carry fond memories with us on our travels.