17 March 2006 - Last day on Rarotonga, Cook islands
Friday, March 17th, 2006We were supposed to go to the island night when we can experience the traditonal dance of the exotic polyneasian culture. Oh no, we had the unimaginable task of repacking our packs. After 7 days on the cooks, staying in the same dorm, our stuff were spread so far and wide around the place that it would take years to collect all of them.
Not only do we need to pack all our warm jumpers etc in . we also bought new snorkel gear, shorts. It was a nightmare trying to fit everything in . It tooks us the whole night to pack it . i told myself to be mentally strong, to resist the temptation to buy any more stuff. But i know deep in my heart that the chance of THAT happening is quite slim.
Im the morning , as we were making ifnal preparation to leafve , we reminded matt of his dramatic monologue from last night. Most people slur their workds when they sleep talk. Not matt. he was speaking loud and clear and giggling along the way. He was complaining about the ‘bloody german and americans’ and was deep in conversation with ’someone’ about why he should stay in NY. I think he’s from somerset , that might explain his mannerism.
Our flight’s at 3.20pm and as usual, we checked in early , had over 2 1/2 hour to kill. so we decided to go into town. which Laura insisted is only ‘5 minutes’ away. Off we go, walking along the side of a busy road in the sweltering heat at noon, slaving away like donkeys with heavy loads on their backs. 10 min gone, 20 min have passed, the town was no where to be seen! We knew we were close but how close?! There was nothing we could do but kept walking, hoping that the next bend would bring us a glimmer of hope as my 750ml water bottle is totally emptied by that time. I was dying of thrist.
It was 35 min past when we reach town. I did the quickest souvenirs shopping , got some juice from the store. And we are off again, back on the burning trail, marching off like a couple of possessed power walking freaks trying to win a gold medal in a race.
We arrive at the airport in a right state, it feels like my whole being is melting . Our face were angry-looking red from the walk, similar to someone who’s been badly sunburnt. May be we actually were. Sweat stained T - shirt with mud spluttered all across the back of our legs, sandals totally covered by dust and mud. They might as well be brown. Not to mentin dishevelled hair and smelling like HOBOs!
Even the professionally trained cabin crew , who are used to seeing people from all walks of life, did a double take when they saw us.
The cold air blasting fromt the air conc system within the plane formed a mist-like jet. I thought i was in high heaven when i stood right beneath it !!! Cool down like a heated horseshoe being thrown into ice-cold water !! It feels so good ! Every passenger gave a sign of relief as they stepped into the chilled cabin and go ,’Aahhhhhh~’
