Surviving Jeff Probst’s Aitutaki – Survivor Cook Islands

Hold a true friend with both your hands. – Nigerian Proverb

Our first two weeks here in the Cook Islands have been great. A week ago, we took an early morning flight north to the island of Aitutaki. We thought that the atoll surrounding Rarotonga was nice, the one surrounding Aitutaki was superb. Maybe even nice enough to host Survivor Cook Islands.

Cruising The Cook Islands

A highlight was the midweek lagoon cruise. We made reservations early in the morning for the cruise to Honeymoon Island and the motu, Maina. Our two English friends, Sarah and Jason accompanied us. Even though I can communicate in Spanish and French, their English English takes a little getting used to. At the wharf, our sea-going vessel lined with tables and chairs was ready to sail the blue waters. We snorkeled in 20 foot deep water over puffer fish and clams the size of a scooter. These were easily the biggest clams I have ever seen. If I got too close to these bad boys, I would be identical to Jeremy Pepper with only 9 fingers. It would make it easier to swim in circles.

A huge lunch of fruit and yellow fin tuna followed snorkeling. This tuna rivaled the best salmon I have had in my life, good eating! Honeymoon Island houses the rare red beak bird. We finished off our motu visiting at Maina. Here we learned how one effectively opens a coconut and gets a passport stampeded at the same time. I snorkeled with bread hidden in my pocket from lunch. Fish found me more attractive than a New Mexican to green chile.

There’s Something Friendly Cooking Here

Upon our return to the wharf, Nadine, Jason, Sarah, and I served as models for a sarong wearing demonstration. I think they chose us not our obvious beauty, but due to the fact that we were youngest folks on the boat. The rest was folks from Rarotonga on a day trip, and they were all easily north of sixty years old.

Survivor Cook Islands

After we booked our around the world flights, we learned that the reality show Survivor was going to film at the exact same time as our stay on Aitutaki. This is the same darn show I have applied, applied, applied and completed so many applications. Even though I wasn’t “officially” on the Survivor island, you could say I was a bit interested being on island. Everyone on island was involved with the reality show in some manner and several sections of the island were closed for filming. On two occasions, I decided to take a closer look. First, I marched down a few back roads to the water’s edge and take a gander at the islands. The second time, I just strolled down the street to the Survivor gate and walked through.

Nadine and I visited Ootu Beach which houses Aitutaki Lagoon Resort. As we stared at the horizon, I looked over my shoulder noticed the slight figure host of Survivor, Jeff ProbstNi. I went over informed him he needs to replace one of the current Survivor contestants with a Texas stud like myself. Nadine and I talked with him for a good 5 minutes about travel, the Midwest, Survivor, and Probst as host. I told him that I would run into again in about a year and a half when I’m on the show winning a million bucks.

Riding My Island Hog

A source of amusement has been our rental scooter to explore the island. Neither Nadine nor I have actually driven a scooter and everyone drives on the left side of the road. Fortunately we started with an automatic little gray crotch rocket. Initially, it took time getting used to drive on the left. Nadine continually laughed at me and yelled “Drive on the left side!”. No animals, humans, or plants were injured during this expedition. Actually, a few Cook Islanders energetically laughed when they saw me having a hell of a time trying to handle the scooter while simply driving onto people’s’ yards.

One evening out by myself, I stopped and chatted with a local guy whose name I couldn’t understand. He chopped down a few coconuts, pulled down a few bananas, showed me his land crabs (ladies beware!), and I played soccer on the beach between four coconut trees with him and his two kids and a neighbor kid. I helped him bring his boat ashore. These experiences reaffirm your faith in humankind and enjoy the blessing of being able to travel.

First Spot Almost Completed

Honestly, the people of Aitutaki have proven to be some of the warmest, most welcoming people we have met so far. I would call them Polynesian Texans. Anytime we were walking somewhere on island, people would stop and offer us a ride.

We now have one week left in the Cook Islands before we continue to New Zealand on July 17th. There is supposedly quite a bit of snow waiting for us.

We are having a great time and wish everyone continued health. Akeeta!

Peace from Survivor Cook Islands!

John and Nadine

You learn a lot while traveling, butt nuggets of information.
– Sarah (our British traveling partner in the Cooks)