For the first few days on the island we rode the bus.  Rarotonga has a great bus system where they have two buses running in opposite directions most of the time.  You can catch one anywhere along the road.  We rented a scooter to get around the island for the last week.  It was only about $97 USD for the week!  I had never driven a scooter or motorcycle, so this was an experience.  I had to pass a test to get a license.  It involved driving a loop around town for about 1/4 mile with a policeman following me.  I now have an official Cook Island driver's license!  It is a great way to get around a small island.

One of the best things about our stay on Rarotonga was our hotel, the Moana Sands, and the excellent staff.  I am sitting in the lobby with Paiao who is the General Manager.  Jackie is with Vaine who was the Office Manager.  I think I have the names spelled correctly.  Paiao is pronounced "pie-oh" and Vaine is pronounced "Vee-on-eee".  (Ladies, if I messed that up, please let me know.)   These two and the rest of the staff were of great help (and comfort) to us while we were there.

If you look closely at the large photo above, you will note that there are no doors or windows across the front of the hotel lobby.  It is only about 15 feet from where we are to the main road.   The hotel has a very nice restaurant, the Paw Paw Patch.  It is fairly new; I think only 3 years old.  We ate breakfast there every day and had dinner there for Valentine's Day.  Good food and nice people.