70th Birthday’s

Posted on by Graeme

Time to celebrate.

Although Ann’s birthday was not until later in December, we started celebrating early and flew to Rarotonga with some friends (Jude, Paula & Ann all had birthdays in December)

Muri Martangi

The time together started with a shared lunch on the deck of our accommodation. Muri Matangi situated on the waters edge at Muri Beach

First meal together

We started the week very quietly

We were very spoilt to be able to stay at Paula’s cousin’s house

Paula & Ann.
Ann enjoying the pool by the rear deck
Warm weather, a day bed and a good book.

We walked the beach and swam in the lagoon

Everything you need is right on your doorstep.
Ann on the front lawn heading for a swim.

We headed to “Charlies” for Paula’s birthday. We had a great meal and were entertained by a very talented local band playing baby-boomer music

Charlie’s
Paula & Jude
Ann enjoying the ambience of Charlie’s restaurant as the sun went down.
Lovely ambience & great company
Jude & Paula, Hilary & Jane, Ann & Graeme

It wasn’t long before the music got the better of the ladies

Paula, Ann & Jane getting into it.

The Sunset was spectacular from the dining area

We got up early (for some) and headed along the beach for breakfast.

It was so early that they hadn’t finished raking the beach.
Breakfast at the Pacific Resort Muri Beach
Jane & Hilary enjoying breakfast at the Pacific Resort.

We hired bikes and went exploring taking the inland route around the island.

50cc bikes struggled two-up
Amazing view from up by the hospital
Muri Beach Lagoon

After a busy day it was time to head out for dinner again.

Antipodes Rarotonga

The Antipodes staff all came out to sing Happy Birthday to Paula, Jude & Ann.

What a fun night.

The next day it was a ride around the coast to Marie Nui Gardens for lunch and a walk

Maire Nui Gardens and Cafe
Maire Nui Gardens walking tracks
Lovely walks through the gardens
Stopped for a swim on the way home.

After a blustery night several coconuts came down in the wind.

Not as easy as you think.

……. And then the wind got up and the rain came bucketing down.

Wet and Wild
Swimming in the rain was such an exhilarating thing to do to celebrate a birthday

Almost packed, But time for a last breakfast together.

Great Breakfast with cool live music.
Jane & Paula

……. and also time for one last swim.

Okay so its raining, so what!

Then its off to the airport.

What an amazing time we had in Rarotonga with a group of people who were happy to just go with the flow.

Heading home relaxed, refreshed and looking forward to whatever or where ever life’s journey take us.

Cheers

Nice beer at Trader Jacks