My first trip to Aitutaki was for our honeymoon two years ago. George and I had wanted to visit there before but it was the first time the dice of price allowed it to happen! Our two weeks in the Cook Islands included kayaking, hammock swinging and two trips to the incredible jewel- toned Aitutaki … Continued
Turbulent Tonga Part III: “Humps and Bumps, Tonga Giveth, Tonga Taketh” The Lonely Planet describes Neiafu, the main town on the Vava’u Island group as “ramshackle.” Although I somewhat agree, Neiafu has its charms. In fact, I would describe it as quaint. Families of pigs cross the road, a large white church perches above the … Continued
I love Lucy clothes! Just like the ads claim they are perfectly packable.While stuck inside for a couple of days in torrential rain while cookingupstairs at Fifita’s guesthouse in Pangai, Ha’apai, Tonga, Dwight asked me “Whois Lucy? And why is her name onall your clothes?” It is true nearly everything in my backpack is from … Continued
Turbulent Tonga Part II: “Toni’s Guesthouse Tour” The Ukranian Dracula lady, had just finished assaulting Jackie when we arrived at 10:00am. Dracula had mistook the poor Brit for my wife Lisa, who simply “wouldn’t open the damn window” of the van when we arrived last night. The Ukrainian scowled at Lisa but didn’t dare approach her while … Continued
“I hate you and I hate Samoa:” the Beginning of a Great Travel Adventure! Just because everyone says something is a good idea doesn’t make it true. And early on our first full day in Savaii, I looked at George and said, “I hate you and I hate Samoa.” Not the sound of a good … Continued
By Lisa Niver Rajna Teaching your kids to love nature. “I went to the woods because I wanted to live deliberately, I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to put to rout all that was not life and not when I had come to die Discover that I … Continued
Survivor Samoa Or How did I fall on my Head and other survivor stories at Virgin Cove. Leaving Los Angeles for a summer of sun in Samoa and the South Pacific, I had no idea of the Survivor Stories that would unfold so quickly. It took us nearly 3 days just to get there as we … Continued
After three glorious weeks on the beautiful islands of Samoa, we boarded the two hour Air Pacific flight from Apia to Nadi in Fiji, the most convenient access point for Tonga. We noticed there that the onward flight from Nadi to Nukalofa, Tongatapu was likely delayed and could not seem to get any accurate information … Continued
Manuia Le Aso (Good Afternoon) from Apia! We have had some great adventures so far! Last night in Apia was our first hot water shower since we left June 29 and really our first bed with a frame. We have been staying in fales (thatched palm frond sides to an open oval “building” with a … Continued
Our Honeymoon in the Cook IslandsDecember 20-January 4 After our direct flight from Los Angeles to Roratonga, Cook Islands, we met Diana and Kit from The Backpackers Handbook who are Aitutaki veterans. Following their recommendations, we spent an amazing day on the gorgeous lagoon with Teking Tours. The tour is the BEST thing on the … Continued