Palms Retreat, Ngatangi'ia, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Palms Retreat (or the old Computer man’s house), Turangi, Ngatangi’ia, Rarotonga.............. I loved the space, light and peace of Palms Retreat, which lived up to its name. Newly renovated and minimalist, with no immediate neighbours and a huge garden, it was private and quiet. And we didn’t disturb any neighbours with our ukulele playing. I felt like I was staying in the country. The chooks and dogs wandering through each day, and even one day a large pig, added to the atmosphere!.................................... We found it well equipped and on our arrival there were some supplies in the fridge, most welcome at 3 am after a long journey from the Bay of Plenty. Tile floors throughout and wide opening doors and windows were practical and cool. Sitting at the table on the verandah, beside the pool, was my favourite spot to hang out. Although we couldn’t be seen, there was a parade of passing traffic to add interest to our days. I also loved the view of the palms, coconut trees and mountain tops, from my bed in the back twin room....................... Pre trip, manager Tony was very helpful, providing suggestions for our holiday planning and answering patiently my sometimes stupid questions. He was always available when we needed him during our stay. In the event of minor problems, we just had to phone him. As Palms Retreat has only recently been renovated and become a holiday let, we left a list of suggestions to make everyone’s stay even more comfortable in the future. I am sure Tony and the owners will act on our suggestions............................ Location wise it was a very short walk across to the beach, where I spent many happy and solitary early mornings, watching and photographing the spectacular sunrises. Beautiful Muri Lagoon is down just along the road within walking distance. You pass by the fish café on the way, where the fish sandwiches are superb............................... The CICC church back towards Avarua is also within walking distance and the only church where they sing unaccompanied I am told. They made us feel so welcome and it was an amazing way to spend a Sunday morning................................ A Thursday early evening market, next to the flash house on way to Muri, was a lot of fun. We had our dinner there at long communal tables and sampled all the local goodies. The chicken kebab with rice at $3.50 was amazing value and a taste treat. That stall also sold enormous slabs of chocolate cake and local pineapple pie. Watch out also for the tornado potatoes!......................................... There is a small local shop for supplies nearby. However a scooter, bike or electric bike did make getting about easier. The buses pass the gate in both directions, are a lot of fun and easy to flag down. I think I circumnavigated the island five times during my stay. A single trip now costs $4, a return $8 (no matter which way you go) and an all day hop on and off $16. You do see more on a bike though..................................... Cook Island Tours who provided the shuttle also deserve praise. I met George and Alex several times during our stay and they were so helpful, friendly and welcoming. Don’t miss the Progressive Dinner, Koka Cruise or Highland Paradise. They were my top three highlights....................... I would certainly recommend Palms Retreat and would return ASAP! A group or family who want to self cater and get away from the crowds (not that I ever saw any) would enjoy it. However it may not be suitable for very young children. Like most properties on Rarotonga there were no fences and certainly none around the pool. A resort might be safer for a young family. After nearly two weeks it felt like my home and I was sad to leave. Thanks Tony and everyone on Rarotonga for looking after us so well............................ Back in New Zealand I am finding I miss everyone saying Kia Orana..................... I can't wait to return in 2013.

Tattletale Saints at Katikati Folk Club, August 3, 2012

High Tea and Poetry at Athenree Homestead, July 28, 2012

Napier DIY Art Deco Weekend July 21, 2012

Our visit to Napier for the Art Deco DIY weekend was wonderful. Estelle and I drove down on Friday and stopped in Taupo for lunch at Friends Cafe, beside the lake. We had glorious views of the snow capped mountains from our table. It was a lovely day so we had a very pleasant drive, over four hours, but beautiful scenery en route. Albatross Motel was at West shore in Napier, near the sea, so I was able to go for early morning walks along the shore. Not so good if there was an earthquake and/or tsunami though, as we were on a very narrow strip of low lying land and the hill was not within sprinting distance. The motel information folder had instructions what to do. "Don’t wait for official orders in the event of a strong earthquake, just head straight for Napier Hill." Problem is that everyone else would be too and there is only one road! On the Friday night we were welcomed at the opening, in a beautiful Ballroom at the War Memorial Centre, right on the seashore. We were able to eye up the other Decophiles over a glass of complimentary bubbly. Then at the Friday Night Hop, the 22 piece Hawkes Bay Jazz Band entertained us. Some amazing dancers took to the floor. We boogied on the sidelines. We took a mid evening stroll down the Marine Parade in our furs to check out the other venues and found some vintage cars to drape ourselves across. A bit embarrassing when an owner came along, but he took it in his stride and posed for a photo with us. Saturday we went to the Fabulous Flicks, Charlie Chaplin/Laurel and Hardy films showing in the Art Deco Trust Theatre. Lots of fun with a complimentary coffee. Then to the town centre, Dress and Process, where the best costumes were judged. We joined in the fun and paraded with all the other visitors, dressed in their finest art deco gear. As the weather was calm and settled all weekend, I was able to wear my own hats, skirts and tops, with the fox fur borrowed from Athenree Homestead draped over my shoulders. No wind or rain, so no need of a heavy overcoat. The parade was a lovely sight in the town centre, which is beautiful and was all rebuilt Art Deco style after the earthquake in 1931. A ride in a vintage car was top of my list of things to do. We hopped into a Plymouth, very luxurious with leather and sheepskin interior, for a jaunt around the block. Saturday afternoon we enjoyed some great music from Men in Black, a four piece jazz band, at the tea dance in the RSA. Next time we are going to make sure we take a dance partner or two, as there were no spare men to ask to dance. However what impressed me, was that were some spiffing male dancers, all dressed in their finest and entering into the spirit of it all. Saturday night we relaxed at Hooch Mooch on Herschell in the very welcoming Napier Club and enjoyed another jazz duo, the New Mayfair Deconians. They played all the old songs I love with double bass and Guitar/banjo and Banjo uke. Sunday morning we enjoyed a hearty Art Deco Brunch with Bertie at the Med Café on the Parade. Again everyone was dressed in their art deco finery. From there we strolled along to the Memorial Centre where we were entertained by a world famous magician Paul Romhany, who gave us an entertaining Salute to Charlie Chaplin show. Barry and Sandra from BUG, Hawkes Bay uke group, had won tickets to the weekend, so joined us for many of the sessions over the weekend. They invited us to their home. We skipped the Scavenger Hunt and Welax and Wind Down and instead indulged in a bit of retail therapy, then had a uke jam on the Sunday afternoon with members of their group.and a delicious shared meal. It drizzled all the way home but we took our time exploring op shops for Art Deco clothes, for our next Art deco weekend in February. See www.artdeconapier.com for details. I found a very old fur cape in Taupo Sallies and will treasure it as much as the owner did I am sure. After Rotorua it started raining in earnest and we were surprised to find water everywhere as we crossed the Kaimais. It had been raining heavily in the Bay of Plenty and in the Coromandel and there were road closures and floods everywhere. We were lucky to get home but Estelle had to spend an extra night with me before heading home to Thames on Tuesday, via Whangamata, as the Karangahake Gorge was still closed. All very exciting but not for those who were flooded. You can see more photos of the weekend in the last three postings

Napier DIY Art Deco Weekend, Friday July 20, 2012