Where are the Cook Islands?

Had an amazing swim in the lagoon this afternoon – and I was thinking of all of you stuck in school, snow, work, and otherwise less enjoyable situations. I’m enjoying it enough for all of you!

It is absolutely pouring rain outside right now…but the sound of the rain and the breeze is, like the intense humidity, very appreciated. It also makes for a nice guilt-free interlude for writing.

The Cook Islands are situated in the South Pacific, northeast of New Zealand, east of Fiji, and southeast of Tahiti. Pull out a map – there are lots of cool places in this part of the world.

As you might have suspected by the title of the country, the Cook Islands are indeed a group of islands. Two sets of islands – Northern and Southern groups -- are scattered over an empty ocean the size of Western Europe. The former consists of Rarotonga, Aitutaki, ‘Aitu, Ma’uke, Mitiaro, Mangaia, and Palmerston while the latter consists of Manihiki, Rakahanga, Penrhyn, Pukapuka, Nassau, and Suwarrow. The groups are fairly far apart, and it costs quite a bit to get to (and around) the northern group.

Here are some fast facts about the Cook Islands, from Lonely Planet:

- Estimated population in 2001: 14,990
- Estimated number of pigs in the Cook Islands: 16,000 (have yet to see a pig, but I’ve seen LOTS of dogs and chickens!)
- Ratio of tourists to residents: 5:1
- Annual hours of sunshine: 2246
- Many Cook Islanders are fluent in both English and Cook Islands Maori, and the country has a high literacy rate (99%!)
- A litre of gas costs approximately NZ$1.90

Main industries are tourism and in the northern group there are pearl fields for the domestic sale and exportation of black pearls.

The cultural scene in the Cook Islands is of Polynesian descent, but is more appropriately recognized as its own distinct Maori culture (New Zealand also has a Maori culture). As you might suspect, the culture is very laid back and even humourous (they were telling jokes over the intercom at the airport upon our arrival). Dance and music play a large part in this colourful culture, and if all goes well with the rain, I’ll be enjoying an island night later on. More on culture and legends/mythology to come…

Meitaki,

L.