Although Global Volunteers work a full week, we have weekends and evenings to enjoy our surroundings. To be tax deductible, however none of the fee we paid can be used for off duty activities, and the organization can’t make leisure arrangements or recommendations.
This is not a problem if you are lucky enough to have someone like Robyn in your group. A “returning” Cook Island volunteer, Robyn was a fantastic resource. During her stay last year, she discovered Air Rarotoga’s day trip to Aitutaki. 
It didn’t take much for her to convince THIS group that would be a grand way to spend a Saturday.
Front: Dave, Sally and Niki
at the Avarua airport, waiting to meet Paul, our guide.
We got a great view of Aitutaki and the surrounding motus from the plane.
Paul took us on a quick tour of the island, which allowed us to feast our eyes on some very luxurious accommodations!
The rest of the day was spent snorkeling and visiting various motus.
While we were sailing, the crew entertained us with songs and stories.
Last Christmas, Willy’s wife Niki bought him an underwater camera. I’d say he put it to good use, wouldn’t you?
I didn’t see “Survivor: Cook Islands” when it aired in 2006, but once I got home, I watched the video. I wasn’t interested in tribal councils or challenges. Nope. I just wanted to enjoy all the spectacular background photography. Die-hard fans might recognize some of the sights. The show’s opening shots were very much like our view from the plane.
We were starting to get hungry from all the snorkeling and touring. Fortunately, unlike the “survivors” we didn’t have to catch our food.
Lunch was part of our package, and what a lunch it was!
Robyn clued us in to a special feature of the tour…getting our passports stamped at “One Foot Island”, so called because it is shaped like a giant foot. Its real name is Akaiami Motu. Paul taught the CORRECT pronunciation: “eye-k-yummy”.
It was SO worth the $2!
Time to head back. Another great day, with wonderful friends, in a beautiful corner of the Pacific Ocean.
A perfect memory for a snowy New Jersey day!
Destination NOW 
Breathtaking! What a treasured experience!
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Just getting to read your post today – perfect timing in the Cape Cod snow and cold. I like the $1200 a night bungalow – why not make it a life goal???
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