Aitutaki Archipelago, Cook Islands
I have never seen so many different shades of blue, green and everything in between together, at once, and then not at all before today. The panorama of clouds dictated the changing light and turquoise trickery bounced off of varied sandscapes to compose a kaleidoscope of moods. All at once, cool and warm breezes swirled around us and occasional and cooling rain danced by, all the while reminding us that earth and sky can dance too. And dancing was in the air today. We were welcomed ashore by warriors and goddesses; offered a chilled coconut, duly hacked open for drink as wooden drums pounded out a rhythm from deep below the sands, perhaps from the spirits who have called this island home for more than 1100 years.
Three ancient volcanoes rising more than 13,000 feet from the sea floor of the Pacific make up the island complex of Aitutaki and dozens of other isolated and idyllic small coral islets (motus) dot the sweeping scenery. There is said to be magic here in this island paradise, and with refreshing, crystal clear water, millions of colorful tropical fish, coconut palms shading deserted beaches, and smiling friendly people at every moment, it is easy to become convinced. With several local boats at our service, and the motus calling, we were as busy today as we chose to be. Here were the options for the morning and again in the afternoon: a) a circle island tour in an open air vehicle, b) a ride on the local glass bottom boat, c) a dive with our expert dive masters from the National Geographic Endeavour, d) snorkeling within the lagoon followed by a ride out to our own private motu, e) free time in the small village for meeting old and/or new friends, f) shopping for the local handicrafts, g) swimming at the local beach h) birding, i) relaxing on the ship.
There was indeed something for everyone today no matter how much you wanted to do or DIDN'T want to do. Paradise found.
I have never seen so many different shades of blue, green and everything in between together, at once, and then not at all before today. The panorama of clouds dictated the changing light and turquoise trickery bounced off of varied sandscapes to compose a kaleidoscope of moods. All at once, cool and warm breezes swirled around us and occasional and cooling rain danced by, all the while reminding us that earth and sky can dance too. And dancing was in the air today. We were welcomed ashore by warriors and goddesses; offered a chilled coconut, duly hacked open for drink as wooden drums pounded out a rhythm from deep below the sands, perhaps from the spirits who have called this island home for more than 1100 years.
Three ancient volcanoes rising more than 13,000 feet from the sea floor of the Pacific make up the island complex of Aitutaki and dozens of other isolated and idyllic small coral islets (motus) dot the sweeping scenery. There is said to be magic here in this island paradise, and with refreshing, crystal clear water, millions of colorful tropical fish, coconut palms shading deserted beaches, and smiling friendly people at every moment, it is easy to become convinced. With several local boats at our service, and the motus calling, we were as busy today as we chose to be. Here were the options for the morning and again in the afternoon: a) a circle island tour in an open air vehicle, b) a ride on the local glass bottom boat, c) a dive with our expert dive masters from the National Geographic Endeavour, d) snorkeling within the lagoon followed by a ride out to our own private motu, e) free time in the small village for meeting old and/or new friends, f) shopping for the local handicrafts, g) swimming at the local beach h) birding, i) relaxing on the ship.
There was indeed something for everyone today no matter how much you wanted to do or DIDN'T want to do. Paradise found.
