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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.

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DAY 36 Update from Rarotonga

COOK ISLANDS | Saturday, 7 Apr 2007 | Views [451]

Another week has gone by since we have been back on Rarotonga. Nothing too eventfull to report. We are just slowing slipping into the non-touristy daily life here. We have been frequenting the Cook Islands library since Amy joined a few weeks back. The ... Read more >

Tags: Travel Tips


DAY 28 - A Lazy Day on the Lagoon

COOK ISLANDS | Wednesday, 21 Mar 2007 | Views [473]

The highlight of any visit to Aitutaki is most likely a cruise on one of the most beautiful lagoons in the South Pacific. Although spendy, this is a worthy splurge! We hopped aboard a glass bottom boat and made our way to the open sea to try to spot ... Read more >

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DAY 17 Feels like home

COOK ISLANDS | Saturday, 10 Mar 2007 | Views [485] | Comments [1]

In a strange way, being back in the Cook Islands feels a bit 'home like'. We arrived on Rarotonga on Saturday, 4 weeks earlier than we planned because French Polynesia was so grossly overpriced and in our opinion, much overrated. So before we ... Read more >

Tags: Travel Tips


DAY 5 A far cry from paradise

FRENCH POLYNESIA | Saturday, 3 Mar 2007 | Views [525]

If Papeete, Tahiti makes you think of romantic South Pacific scenes, then I have to set you straight. This place is not worth your time, not even an hour of it. Think overcrowded French city coupled with frantic all day traffic and accompanying exhaust.... Read more >

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