Round I go

Oh my.. blue sky. My had is not too well this morning, but I make an early start and head to rent-a-car place, so I can explore the island a bit more. The only car that's left, that's not manual, is a yuk green convertible. At $70 for 24 hours I take it. Of course there's no petrol in it. I put in $15 hopping it will last. What a great feeling to be driving again. The buses here are not bad, but I can see more secluded places with no need to wait an hour for the bus.

First stop the Papua (Wigmore’s) Waterfall. The road leading to it was really narrow. Luckily there was no other cars passing by. The waterfall itself is not huge, but is nice enough to take some photos. Then I have a bite at a cafe near by. All the local dishes are out and I settle for a chicken wrap, island style. Not sure what's so island about it. I'm off to Hospital Hill where there is lovely view of the island down bellow. On the way to black rock I stop at the palace at Arorangi and few beaches.. just because I can. Off to do some groceries at Avarua. Next off to ancient Marae. The map I have is not very accurate, but after two tries I get there. It's not very exciting either. Few rocks sticking off the ground. Nice picking spot. By now I'm on the East side of the island where the sea is pretty rough, no reef there. It seems very windy as well. There's another old Marae on the way to the bay where, the legend says, canoes launched to travel to New Zealand. I stop at the Pacific Resort to take some photos, but the clouds are at it again. The photos won't look very impressive when I get back home, which is a shame. I get some gifts and head back to backpackers. I manage to catch some sun before the evening and have quick swim in the sea. Feels great after long day sightseeing. I get back just in time for curry night. $6 gets you a plate of yummy chicken curry. Then a DVD, a british comedy.

The excitement of the day doesn't end there. Tonight it's jet blasting night. That's new to me. We situated ourselves on the sidewalk just next to the airport on the plane's path. It's pitch black. Behind us water, in front road with cars passing by and just above that air strip. Patiently waiting for the plane. Finally, after 20 minutes a small aircraft flies right above our heads blowing hot air. It was a bit freaky for second. As soon as we got to our pick up point it poured from the sky. Luckily we had shelter. Another 30 minute wait. After that exciting day I go straight to bed.