MANNERS AND OTHER MATTERS

The intrepid travellers. May 2011. (Photo courtesy our crew member) I have reposted this post (initially written in June 2011)  as I was contacted yesterday by a concerned previous client of the cruise operator who advised that my TripAdvisor comment on Suwarrow National Park and the cruise operator had been removed... It is a good story...reminding us all to be aware of internet descriptions...and deceptions. Our "cruiser"  sitting low in the water May 2011 (photo the author) The minute we saw the boat at the dock in Rarotonga, Cook Islands,  we knew that things were not as we had envisaged by reading about and booking our voyage  at the ship's owners website. http://mannersandothermatters.blogspot.com/2011/05/manners-mannerseverywhereeven-suwarrow.html When I introduced myself to the person I had been told was the captain he acknowledged me, didn’t give his name and pointed towards a young woman who was inventoring freight at it was put abroa...

Mia with the heart of palm in Royale Taikitumu Villas, Rarotonga May 2011  (photo author)  My last few months have been complemented by food.  Firstly, I had my companion visiting me on his annual trip from Switzerland.  He loves my cooking and so I was able to try out my favourite and new recipes with an appreciative audience. Tasmanian salmon with aioli (photo author) Then to my arrival in Rarotonga where I scoured the markets for some beautiful fresh produce, and where I encountered for the first time the wonderment of real “heart of palm” which can only be extracted when a  coconut palm tree has to be cut down…a tragedy perhaps but a privilege to be able to  eat its heart with a light vinegar dressing in which to dip it before welcoming its texture and exquisite taste….a true taste sensation.  And enjoying such a morsel while at the same time winning, with my companion as my partner, the boules competition at the   Royale ...