Paradise and relaxation await on Aitutaki

Getting around Aitutaki can be difficult since there is no public transportation. There are few cars, and most islanders use motor scooters.

On my third day, I caught a ride to Rino's Rentals, which sits just outside the main town of Arutanga - home to the bank, post office and police station.

After some paperwork and a fee of $74 for the week, I set off to get my rental. An employee expressed concern about my lack of driving skills, suggesting I practice a bit and then telling me I should consider a bicycle instead.

After some persistence (and a few laps in an adjacent field), I finally persuaded him to let me take the motor scooter. He warned me about the dreaded "island tattoo" - a smattering of bruises on the elbow that many islanders have from wrecks on their scooters.

I finally set off, enjoying the freedom of roaming around the island (slowly, of course) and discovering the small villages that dot the tropical landscape.

The weather was mild most of the time, averaging about 75 degrees, with a few showers here and there. The water, however, was always warm.

The day I took a lagoon cruise, it was stormy and a bit windy. Yet the water was warmer than the outside temperature.

I made arrangements with Kia Orana Cruises, and the captain of the boat picked me up at about 9:30 a.m. For about $40, I spent the day out in the lagoon, snorkeling and visiting the little "motus," including Honeymoon Island, which was a sand dune 35 years ago, the captain told us.

Snorkeling, you find a rich array of marine life - from puffer and unicorn fish to giant clams that captivate with their rich, neon colors.

On Honeymoon Island, where tradition calls for those recently wed to plant a Coconut Palm tree, I came across a nesting ground for the red tail tropical tern. The baby birds were surprisingly friendly and allowed me to get within a few feet to snap photos.

After a lunch of tuna sandwiches, sea grapes and more poke, we returned about 4 p.m.

That night, my last on Aitutaki, I headed to Pacific Resort Aitutaki and "Island Night" at the Rapae Bay Restaurant. Chef Ben Kirk, who trained in Australia and Singapore, served up a wonderful blend of Polynesian fusion.

Dining in a tiki hut overlooking the water, I enjoyed a three-course, prix-fixe menu for around $40 that featured, among other items, barbecue beef skewers on papaya salad with lemon chili dressing, grilled orange roughy with lemon caper butter and chocolate ganache cake with whipped cream. A glass of Australian sauvignon blanc cost $8.

As I was leaving, I already missed the people - the spa employee with a warm smile and the boat captain who sensed I was hesitant to snorkel alone and offered to accompany me.

To all of them, I wanted to say "maetaki" (may-TAH'-key), thank you, one more time.

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