Kia Orana

Kia Orana!! The Shahs have landed! A quick update to say we are here safe and sound if not somewhat exhausted. After a tearful farewell, (and $400 of excess baggage) we were through customs and found a seat to eat some chips (!) across from the toy shop - which of course meant some more lego to buy. First onto the plane and offers of assistance all round. Air NZ excelled themselves this time by relocating the couple next to our single seat so we had 6 in total! Personal TV screens occupied the kids for 3 out of 4 hours and the rest was "how long......"

We stepped off into a wall of heat in Rarotonga to a fleeting thought of OMG what have we done?!?!??!?! Air NZ were already collecting our bags for us and Cath from Pacific Resort RAR was awaiting us outside. We had time for a sit down on the grass and a cold drink before boarding the TINY commuter flight. We took the back seat next to the cargo door (quick exit) and 10 minutes later Sienna and Jamie were asleep on me. Thankfully the aircon started a little after that, and the 45 minutes went quickly.

I had my first view of Aitutaki down the aisle and through the cockpit window as we descended for landing. A somewhat disconcerting view!!! We landed and Michael was waiting for us at the fence. Bailey took up the offer of the baggage handler and was carried directly out the cargo door to run across the tarmac to daddy. I woke the little ones and we took the standard exit down the stairs. There was a lovely breeze, and floral ei's were awaiting us and of course Mikey!!!


We picked up our 12 (!) bags and 5 minutes later were at Pacific Resort Aitutaki receiving a very warm welcome from everyone. We had a swim in the sea immediately and a light dinner before heading to bed ;-)

This morning everyone was tired - so tired Bailey only ate 2 weetbix! We took a walk 100m down the beach to the staff village and saw our house across the grass from the beach. Sandcastles and swims, and lessons on how light blue water is shallow and dark blue water is deep... Jamie the adventurer was quite off his game imagining giant crabs and stingrays at every step. Bailey and Sienna were IN!


It has been 29 degrees today with rain, thunder and a stiff-but-warm breeze. We took 'our' car (the older resort vehicle) out for a drive in the rain to find the wiper blades are hanging off - good job we don't have far to travel. 5 minutes to town and 7 to school. The local shop was quite reasonable so we got some essentials - biscuits and crackers. I got the laptop hooked up and rigged for DVD's by late afternoon which gave everyone some time out. We have just returned from dinner, which saw Sienna dancing to the band and Jamie falling asleep on Michael before the icecream came.

We will get a good night's rest tonight and move into the rental house tomorrow. It will be nice to have a bit of space and separation. More tomorrow with some pics as soon as I find the camera cable....

xxxJ