It seems that this time of year we feel compelled to create and/or read lists–the ten best movies, the thirty best female vocalists of the decade, five foolproof ways to lose weight, eight helpful hints you can’t live without. So, I figured I might as well jump right onto the ol bandwagon with MY list. LIke Letterman, I’ll do it as a countdown.
7. WAKE UP EVERY MORNING TO THE SOUND OF THE OCEAN
The KiiKii, your home while volunteering, is right smack dab on the ocean. But then, just about everything in Rarotonga is right on the ocean–the island’s interior is completely mountainous. If you have trouble falling asleep to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, you need to bring earplugs!
6. HANG OUT WITH THE OWNER OF RAROTONGA’S ONLY BREWERY
Yes, Global Volunteers’ country manager is indeed the owner of Matutu Brewery. And, as a Rarotonga resident, James knows everything of importance, like where to get the best pizza I’ve ever tasted! That’s where we were heading right after our brewery tour. Pizza and beer, what could be a better ending to a volunteer’s day?
5. MAKE WONDERFUL NEW FRIENDS
The nicest people become Global Volunteers…take a look
4. LEARN TO DANCE
It seems like everyone on the island sings and dances. Those in the know (like us volunteers) catch the professionals practicing the routine they perform at the local resorts. There is also a show every Saturday at the outdoor market. Here’s a 30 second clip of my favorite dancers. Check out the expression on the little girl’s face, second to the left. Watching her always made me smile.
3. EXPERIENCE A DIFFERENT CULTURE
Cook Islanders are gracious, friendly people who welcome visitors to their island. Family is everything to them. As a volunteer you become a member of the extended family, sharing food and laughter.
Best of all, you learn to appreciate “island time” and a life style that is safer, slower and friendlier than what you might have been used to. You come home more relaxed and more aware of what really matters.
2. ENJOY UNSPOILED BEAUTY
New Zealanders in general, and Cook Islanders in particular, are in tune with nature, and care about preserving the environment–and it shows. No billboards, no litter, no traffic jams–just flowers and mountains and ocean.
1. FALL IN LOVE
Look at these beautiful faces–how could anyone NOT fall in love? 
What a wonderful way to spend three weeks!
Destination NOW 
Beautiful and inspiring!
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Thanks Edie, it was a wonderful experience. I actually cried when I said goodbye to the other teachers…I felt like I was one of the luckiest people I. The world to have had such an amazing experience.
Shelley
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This is one of your best posts yet (and I’ve readm’ all!) … i especially enjoyed the video of the young dancers- so free!!
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I have a bunch more that I’ll share with you when we get together. I know YOU will love the facial expressions on these kids–so VERY expressive
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Isn’t it amazing how, when we give of ourselves, we get so much in return? You will carry this experience with you forever.
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Hi Janis, Thanks so much for your comment and for stopping by. you are so right–I accumulated a lifetime’s worth of wonderful memories during those three weeks.
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Still you were giving unselfishly! Thanks for this blog. It has inspired me to volunteer somewhere needy after I retire at the end of August!
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Thanks Nancy. I’ll bet the time until retirement will go by quickly for you. Who knows–maybe we’ll find a joint volunteer project in the future. I’m considering Crete or possibly Italy as a future Global volunteers adventure.
Shelley
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I’ve read this post with renewed interest. I’ve been thinking about volunteering for some time now. It just seems so far away and I would be traveling alone. I have visited with very nice people from the the agency, but might feel even better to hear from someone …close to my age …67, to help me decision making. I am leaning mmost toward the Cook Islands because it looks so very beautiful.
Sincerely,
Brenda Mitchell
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Hi Brenda, I leave Friday for my 6th Global Volunteer adventure, this time in Portugal. Although I’m married, my husband has never come with me so I have always traveled alone. This time, I’ll be joined in Portugal by two volunteers I met in St Lucia, so even when you travel alone, you aren’t alone for long. If you send me an email at molnarnj@gmail.com, I’d be happy to send you my phone number so we can talk about GV and Cook Islands. It is an amazing experience!
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Very inspiring! I’m considering the Cook Islands as a volunteer.
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It is a wonderful experience. If it weren’t so far away? I’d go again. I loved my time there.
Sent from my iPhone
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