LEXI POLLARD
PRIDE STAFF WRITER
Never in my wildest traveling dreams did I imagine a weeklong trip to an island with a circumference of only 20 miles. This island, Rarotonga, captured my interest with not only its unique name but with its intriguing culture and landscape.
Located in the Central-Southern Pacific Ocean, Rarotonga is an archipelago in the Cook Islands. My family and I happened to be on this remote island through an invitation to a special event: a wedding between my second cousin and the princess of Rarotonga. In November of 2002, my pre-teen American self met the laid-back nature of Rarotonga.
Upon landing on the island, I thought the landscape to be similar to New Zealand with tropical trees and views of a crystal clear ocean. However, a tour in a Zebra-striped painted van proved me wrong. Green, luscious plantations covered the island, and I couldn’t help but notice the locals walking along the side of the road. Every casually dressed Rarotongan lacked the same article of clothing: shoes. Later, I realized the barefoot trend revealed the island’s relaxed atmosphere. Servers at the restaurant at our hotel were barefoot as well, and what did I do? I indulged in this cultural phenomenon and walked around town barefoot, too.
The most vivid image I carry is the pool at our hotel. I remember spending hours in the pool one day, which looked out over the vast ocean. The outskirts of the hotel were dotted with chickens and wild birds that begged for scraps of food. One of the most interesting sights was an abandoned hotel, with windows shattered and crumbling architecture. Its unkempt appearance stood testament to the island’s gleefully disheveled personality.
During one of the last days of my Rarotongan experience, my family and I attended the wedding of my second cousin and the princess of the island. The wedding, held on a scorching hot day on the white sands of a gorgeous beach, exemplified the culture’s relaxed nature. The bride wore delicate sandals and a flowing gown and presented herself with poise and grace. At the reception, the coconut trees intrigued my cousin and me. The groom helped us retrieve a single tropical seed from the tops of one of the towering trees.
Although I attended a wedding on one of the most exotic places on Earth and found adventure on every corner of the island, I most enjoyed the time I spent relaxing. My cousin and I received pedicures at a local spa, lounged by the pool and casually walked around markets. As a busy college student now, I think back to my trip to Rarotonga and really cherish the restful time I had there. Luckily, San Diego’s beaches are not far from San Marcos, though none can compare to Rarotonga’s picturesque coastline.
With a newly acquired taste for fresh coconut milk, and the discovery of enjoyment in relaxing in town barefoot, Rarotonga inspired me. Delving into the culture and being a part of a royal wedding made me realize how truly fortunate I have been to see such interesting and beautiful sights.
Photo courtesy of Lexi Pollard