Sights that will knock your specs off !!

Clearly, here I am a little overwhelmed. If you look behind me you'll see some of the flora and fauna of the islands - the ubiquitous palms, hibiscus, flame trees and scooters. Scooters would often be found in pairs seemingly a long way away from anywhere people might be. I think they mate for life like some birds.

The only predator of the scooter is the newly introduced, Breathalyser. Brought to the Island by the new Police Commissioner who is never referred to by name but only by the title, "He's from New Zealand." The effectiveness of the breathalyser is still up for grabs. According to a vast taxi driver who Eloise quizzed about the breathalyser - most of the elusive scooter drivers avoided them by either turning around, heading inland to take the old road ( there are only two roads that pretty much circle the island ) or simply stopping and walking. In spite of this a number of people have been caught up. During a visit to the Cook Islands High Court - yes, I know. I do get around - a beefy lawyer representing one of the first teens that blew over the limit, plead Not Guilty on his client's behalf and maintained that he was going to launch a test case. I don't know how this will work but, um, at least it is creating jobs for lawyers.

The flame trees are magnificent. Not long after we first arrived we jogged up to the Hospital that sat on the top of a hill. The view was spotted with patches of the flame trees that were fully blooming. They are like Jacarandas but up close and personal the flower is much more impressive and robust - as if designed to withstand pelting rains.