An Moonen
Raimiti -- wow, where do I start? Maybe just at the beginning... My flight to Fakarava was delayed, so I arrived in Rotoava well after dark. While waiting for the luggage to be delivered, a woman approached me and asked if I was going to Raimiti. When I said yes, she said she'd be the one to drive me to the boat. At the dock, Patea was waiting with the Raimiti III, and off we went. In the dark. With thunderstorms on three sides. It was great! What a show — a fitting arrival at the end of the world. Patea gave me a raincoat to wear "just in case" and when it did in fact begin to rain, he told me the best place to sit to stay dry. When we got to Raimiti, the rain was so heavy even Patea had trouble finding the dock. Maluha still came out to greet us but the canine welcoming committee wisely chose to stay indoors! Despite my late arrival, I was served a wonderful three-course dinner, chicken curry as the main course and a delicious banana dish for dessert. Patea took my luggage to the bungalow, and Maluha gave me the kerosene lamp demonstration, then took me to my bungalow and bathroom and showed me around. After a good night sleep, I awoke to the wonderful sight of the lagoon in the daytime. I did the same excursions as Adam & Heather, except for bird island, and had just as wonderful a time as they did. Snorkeling in the Tumakohua Pass was an experience to remember, as was the picnic on the deserted motu. And when Maluha says picnic, she doesn't mean a piece of bread with some cheese slapped on it. No, we had deliciously seasoned fish kebabs that Patea grilled on the spot, pasta salad with olives and asparagus, and an onion-bacon quiche that was still warm. Also, bread and mineral water à volonté, and Hinano beer. I have to say that I am an extremely picky eater, but the whole time I was at Raimiti, Maluha never once put something in front of me that I did not like — or completely finish, for that matter. Well, except for the last day when I mist
Saturday, 25 July 2009 04:33