RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS FLORA AND FAUNA

A tropical paradise in the Southern Hemisphere where summer is now. Flowers, plants and trees I took for granted in Cuba and Puerto Rico during my youth displayed their brilliant colors and lively forms. Many of them grow by the roadside, without much, if any care and attendance. A season for mangoes, and an abundance of many other tropical fruits. Coconut palms bulge at the top with healthy fruit, which are becoming a promising industry. JIR

 "Amapola" Hibiscus

 The majestic "Flamboyan" (Flamboyant)

Flamboyant flower

 Goats, chickens, dogs and an pigs are plentiful. Of course, the most abundant life is underwater.

 Pig crossing (with piglets)

 Polynesian dove

RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS: WATER

The Cooks are a group of 15 islands in the South Pacific, self governing and in free association with New Zealand since 1965. The total population of the islands is 10,000, the majority of those residing in the largest island, Rarotonga. Raro, as it is often called for short, is only 20 miles in circumference JIR

 Our own private pool at Sea Change villas

 Snorkeling was one of our major activities

 Some dogs in the island seem to be highly skilled at fishing, consuming what they catch right on the beach. This one became a favorite, standing on a reef, carefully watching her prey

 The view of our villa from the water

CHRISTMAS 2014-REAFFIRMING VALUES, CUSTOMS, AND TRADITIONS

Lillian, Steve and Christina Lipetzky; Lindsay, Xavier and Daniel Ramirez; Linda and Jorge Ramirez

"Yuca con mojo, frijoles negors con arroz, y pernil o pierna de puerco asada" (yucca root with mojo, black beans and rice, and roasted pork leg)

 Homemade Christmas bows by Linda