Summer!!! Log 2006-007

The Wandals at Coromandel


28th December 2006

Busy but not too stressful a start…loaded and & left by about 2pm. Only made it to Isi Bay – sandwich –wine (the left over salmon from Boxing Day made wonderful sandwiches.
Sea Breezes for the crew

Superb dinner (Italian lemon infused pasta dressed with colonna lemon oil, garlic, chili and Spanish anchovies.
Topped off with my Beautiful Parmesan cheese Thank you Helen and Dan, and the new microplane from Neil and Nicki, best one yet.


Lana made a divine and very pretty salad.
Blow our wine dressed up with our Wandals…Coasters shaped like Jandals thank you Katie and Chris
They are very funny putting them on is like squeezing a baby’s little fat foot into a shoe that’s a bit small for them.

Then South Pacific Part 1 and bed.
Lana and I are thrilled…on the DVD we have found Songs only and they have the words. Can see a Sing Along with South Pacific night coming up.
New linen on the bed, looks fab
29th Dec

It’s been an interesting first morning. Dale is fixing the toilet…there has been a steady round of abuse for at least 2 hours.
Give me a f-----g break being the most common. It’s a pain not having an active aft toilet but cross the fingers he will win.
When you see these you could be forgiven for thinking we had a corpse on board.

Wrong
It's Dale fixing the toilet
Bad luck the fixing didn’t work.
Made our way eventually to Palm Beach.
We were joined by Lady Pat manned by Dan Helen Pete Pip, Sophia, Joseph, Lili and Dom.





Rafted up for lunch, Dan ripped into Pizzas, Lana made a roast pepper kinda pipperade, with anchovies and garlic and lots of extra virgin olive oil which was incorporated into a pizza topping. They kept on coming and were delightful.

Punters waiting for lunch

Time for afternoon nap and awakening drinks on Lady Pat-a quick round or two of the ipod quiz, still haven’t beaten the ipod…its cold the kids are swimming tho.
A shared dinner – Cajun Moon made chili. Lana had brought some chipotle peppers this makes a great chili plenty of heat. And this was accompanied by Austin Texas Guacamole and little slice of bread, this was the starter.
Dan cooked steak, tasty salad & potato salad,
Plenty of wine later – bed.

30th Dec
We were not too crisp in the morning but the weather was.
You could be forgiven for thinking we are in the wrong hemisphere.
Lady Pat and crew took off to beat the rain. Cajun Moon crew settled in for the day.
I made a loaf of bread...ate with a plate of cold cuts, nice.
It was warmer sat in sun and sauntered up to Cullimores for drinks

Home to kedgeree well actually "Lana’s rice dish" - the curry powder was missing from the cupboard the Indian curry paste didn’t have any guts but it was delicious despite that.

we watched 2nd Part of South Pacific –had never noticed as a young person when I first it - the racial connotations in the movie...Southern US in the Pacific Islands interesting must have been a bit contentious when filmed.

31st Bloody Freezing Day
Still in Palm Beach-the Cullis were doing a shop for us we were missing some integral herbs and “Frend” the stain remover essential with no washing machine. It seems I have dropped something on almost everything I own.
Lana and I dressed as though it was the height of summer – didn’t venture out of the sheltered cockpit.
Lana foraged and found cockles – I made bread and then little pies out of the leftover chili – a delicious Lana Salad.


This is our lunch time cocktail with mango rum and vodka

Time to move on and after a nap we had a new destination Hooks Bay.


A melon cocktail to start the night. We sent out HNY texts got heaps back and lots of phone calls.




A calm & pleasant night
Bottle Moet Lamb racks, pesto peas Mummy Cath mint jelly on the potatoes again.


Some paneforte and down to watch & laugh at Life of Brian, another unfinished movie – of to be pre midnight. A very pleasant NYE albeit quiet.

1st Jan Welcome 007

It’s fine, calm warm? I’m not sure yet. Time to move on Coromandel here we come.
Pleasant trip across the Firth of Thames, lots of gannets fishing Lana saw 2 dolphins. We anchored off Waimate Island and Lana made some Thai styled Tuna ravioli or stuffed wontons depending which cuisine you are discussing. Excellent.


Lana had a swim on the last day of the year. Dale and I dipped on the first day 007.
It looks like summer but doesn’t feel like summer…bloody cold.
Margaritas were the cocktail of choice tonight.



Moussaka for dinner finished off South Pacific and Life of Brian and sat thru and really enjoyed Charade with Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant. Lots of excellent one liners.

2nd Jan
It’s still bloody cold. Beautiful blue sky though. We awake to the sounds of cows.
It was obviously breakfast time and they were sauntering down the hill making a
Hellav racket. They took for ever some ran over to the water edge for a wee drink must be making salted beef!!! One slow one was stuck by himself and he cried and shouted for ages till he finally found his way…amusing but noisy.
Good thing it was too cold to swi,m we were surrounded by jelly fish
We moved to Te Kouma
We are plowing through the books in this “winter” weather. It did improve though and Lana and I dipped again prior to lunch.
Lana made a lovely salad... a keeper,
Long thin slices of courgettes marinated in lime juice with a touch of fish sauce.
Thin sliced long strips of carrots gently sautéed in olive oil with S & P and some freshly grated ginger.
Make a dressing of toasted cumin seeds, garlic sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, palm sugar in mortar crushed with olive oil Mix together and pour over hot carrots. Warm a tin of cannelloni beans gently mix all garnish with coriander All eaten with fresh rosemary bread washed down with a little rose.


The afternoon spent reading sleeping tried fishing unsuccessful.
But thank goodness cocktail time rolled up
A new Moscow Mule enhanced by freshly grated ginger.
“You could drink this in rough weather the ginger will stop one from being seasick”
Quote Lana!!
You may be forgiven for thinking all we do is eat and drink. Well you would be right.
Watched Last time I saw Paris. Beautiful Elizabeth Taylor. Bit sad…tears from the girls.
Late night 11pm.

3rd Jan
Now it is really summer
The tan has deepened – the toilet still doesn’t work.

We left Te Kouma after being swarmed by bees. Jelly fish yesterday bees today not good enough really.

Now in very sheltered bay in Coromandel Harbour.
Lana was intrigued with the mussel farms

After great Lana spaghetti with olive oil, chili, garlic, anchovies accompanied by fresh rosemary bread with some lovely blue cheese. A little rose and some Sauv Blanc.
We retired for a nap
1st real swim late afternoon whole circuit for the boat.
Black Russians very nice with vanilla vodka.
I made individual Beef Wellingtons (bit overdone but very tasty) for dinner wine of course

Watched “Respectable” DVD funny Brit TV series about a brothel. Thank you McCreadys
Bed 10.30. Roll on Thursday Book no 6.

4th Jan
A lovely morning .I got carried away and spent the hottest morning yet in the kitchen,
Making scones for lunch, bread for toast on Friday and mozzarella roulade. Team that with a tinned asparagus salad with a warm tomato dressing.


We read and ate, Lana swam, we slept. Then a quick dip before dinner. Yes a dip again the wind had got up and it was a bit chilly again.
Lana made a fab red Thai curry, vege and chicken.


We completed the day with the movie Layer Cake. Good gory end to the day went along nicely with Lana’s cut and bleeding finger. Girls now excited with thought of the new James Bond.
Have read book 6.
Nelson de Mille for me now.

5th Friday
Same port just had a wee drive around to charge up the batteries & get rid of garbage.
Dale fixed the toilet – Hoorah he got baked beans on toast for his breakfast. As a treat.
This bay has turned out to be a cracker.



Made pizza for lunch, Lana roasted peppers for a topping
we used all the leftovers and mozzarella roulade etc as topping for he other one – excellent – washed down with very good bloody marys.
Much warmer had a swim –
After the obligatory nap we had gin and tonics with the last of the ice.
But a bonus we had visitors Leon and Lana who came for drink had to change to wine.


They gave us advice about foraging
Gary who was looking for Dan. they met at Labour Weekend regatta arrived he didn’t come for a drink...
prepared puy lentil salad for dinner enhanced with the leftover peppers.
Lana made splendid corn fritters.



Early evening in Coromandel

We also discovered extra food in fridge got at least another 4 days food – Only problem is Water!!! Getting low
Rowan Atkinson was TV of choice a couple of episodes of Blackadder goes forth very funny.

Back to Nelson de mille Dale has decided to sleep in saloon – What a good night for all.

6th Jan
Cloudy and windy again
We planned an outing…Lana and I to forage following advice from Leon and Lana.
Of course we had to wait for low tide 4pm.
Meanwhile after breakfast and the usual chores we planned lunch – I made polenta with herbs and mushrooms, Lana made a delicious salad with onions tuna, tomato beetroot and filled avocado halves with it. Along with the fried polenta wedges what a great lunch.


A little champagne pre lunch to whet the whistle.
So late afternoon then girls took off – had a few problems with the outboard there was a bit of rowing and it was a bit choppy and windy but finally everything worked. And arrived safely on shore.
Leon and Lana were right - all along the beach plenty of clams some mussels a few oysters.
We filled our bucket very pleased with ourselves left them to spit out their sand
Came back quick dip and off to Leon and Lana’s for drinks.
Isn’t it nice to be living off the land said Leon. We agreed.
Nice few wines and home to make Spaghetti Vongale with tomato sauce.
Wrong no Vongale!!! All the clams were empty we had a miserly 6 little mussels to add to the sauce which by the way was very tasty. We fried up a few leftover scone crumbs as a crunchy topping and a good grind of my beautiful parmesan.
Lana and Leon gave bad advice - where we went was a Vongale graveyard. Not a land of plenty.
Not really what you would call living off the land and sea! Never mind.
Started to watch “Love is a many Splendored Thing”.
Bit serious for us and as we were bungy dozing we shut up and went to bed.

7th Sunday

Still cloudy and windy
We moved back to Te Kouma late morning sick of the wind and the view.


Leon and Lana had got us a fresh lettuce and some eggs so it was great to have a crunchy lettuce salad with lunch
I made bread for toast for the next couple of days our Vogels is gone.


Settled into the bay.
Lana decided to make kransky rolls using the wonton wrappers.

Leon and Lana had got us a fresh lettuce and some eggs so it was great to have a crunchy lettuce salad with lunch
I made bread for toast for the next couple of days our Vogels is gone.

Lana made the rolls really nice with Grandma’s tomato sauce.

Next time I am going to make some soft fresh roll. I have a recipe but it takes a few hours. Maybe in the next couple of weeks.
Good Bloody Marys made by Lana.



Hunting for seafood at low tide seemed a good idea. Picking were not good but we did get half a bucket of oysters. Lana shucked them it wasn’t easy but there was enough to make us a very good little oyster fritter starter.
Along with our gin and tonics. The last of the ice.
The wind made life a bit awkward fro swimming so we moved bays and had a dip. It is kinda like summer
Meanwhile we had beautiful roast pork for dinner with roasted pumpkin, kumara, onions & baby beetroot.

Finished watching William Holden in Love etc – Dale had to go to bed early he had been pouring himself his own super strength vodkas and he was getting very tired
He promised to shut down the wind machine it is so noisy. It’s always a bit nerve-wracking when he has had a couple of here he is



The girls started on My Fair Lady lots of sing-along with that. But it was too much for us and we retired as well/ Part 2 tomorrow night.

8th Monday
It was cloudy again we decided to get on our way home and had a really good sail across the Firth of Thames. Lana had a good spell on then helm.
Pod of dolphins joined us for a while I just love them.
We hit 8.2 knots couldn’t quite get to the magic al 8.5 but a quick and easy trip.
Anchored at Te Whau point
It was a left over lunch preceded by a bottle of Champagne.
Roast vege and feta salad. Lots of lovely raw vege dressed with Lana’s nice vinaigrette
Cold pork…
All wolfed down and accompanied by Rose and some Sauv Blanc.

Of course a quick nap then the sun was out so a little sit in the sun Dale and Lana sat on the noodles. The noodles haven’t had much of an outing as of course it hasn’t been holiday hot enough to stay in the water for any major length of time





Lana made a cocktail out of the last of the tequila, some orange…we forgot to put the ice machine on while we were traveling so no ice. It was a good little kick starter though.
Everything is running out. Perfect shopping.
Dinner was a risotto styled dish with a Mexican theme.

I sautéed rice garlic, finely dice yellow pepper and courgette.
Threw in 1 ½ cups Arborio rice. Coated the rice seasoned with S & P
Added a glass of white wine.
Reduced. Added 2 chipotle peppers diced and a couple of anchovies, melted in.
Then proceeded o cook as for risotto adding chicken stock. After about 5 minutes I added a handful of Surprise Peas. Carried on till rice was cooked.
Threw in the remaining kransky chopped.
Finished off with a squeeze of lime, slivered toasted almonds and chopped parsley.
It was a good 'un will do it again.


Finished My Fair Lady. We have eaten almost all the sweet things supplied by various people as Christmas presents and I think we may have gained several extra unwanted kilos.
All in a good cause though for enjoyment and fun.
No junk food here for The Wandals of Coromandel just the best ingredients.

Dale went to bed early he didn’t want to watch the movie… but there must have been some influence as in the middle of the night he burst out in his sleep.
“I’m getting married in the morning”.
Was interesting and a bit frightening to be awakened thusly.
He did it again. Dear me.

Tuesday 9th

Finished off the lone tomato along with the end of the toast for breakfast. The recipe I am using for toast bread is working out very well
Motored off to Westhaven.
Lana helmed again it’s a miserable day our timing couldn’t be better to return.



There will washing, shopping and jobs of work to do.
Then Dale and I will head out into the gulf again for a few more days hopefully sunny.
Lana is off to work.

So So Simple Food: Dinner for Stu

So So Simple Food: Dinner for Stu

The Log of 5 Sofas Go Ballistic in Raro.

Heinzie and Mary and Lana and Wrighties
Were off to the Island to have many parties

Day 1 Take Off
Guess who was the most pissed person at the party?
It seems it only takes minutes to go from cute & funny (annoying sometimes)
to Stunned Mullet.

The day started reasonably well apart from being overweight
(Not us - our luggage)
But get this we can carry the excess onto the plane!!!
Everything went smoothly; Ms Lana, Mr Dale and Ms Gilli were entertained in the Koru Lounge – Champagne – bit of food - onto the plane. Almost last on the plane to Ms Mary’s relief…she was worried she would have nowhere to stay on arrival as all the accommodation data was in Ms Gilli’s head. Problem solved.
Easy entry into Raro. The same wonderful old man playing the ukulele, who must have been doing this for ever...entertaining us while we waited…Henry’s Boy picked us up, delivered us, quick unpacking;
– a round of the special T-Shirts – a quick shot of Raspberry Vodka then off to the Spaghetti House for Pizza. Good it was too. Thin crust, pepperoni had a good kick – Dale had ravioli.
Problem was Mr Stunned Mullet had appeared and eating was a problem for him.
Ms Mary had tortilla which came already prepared from NZ but tasty nevertheless.

Welcoming bed, Mr H has trouble sleeping, he was missing in the early morning but luckily after we had hunted for him, found him tucked up on cushions on the floor behind the couch.Good start.
So far it’s raining but so far we don’t care.

Day 2 Shopping

It’s been a fairly good start to holiday of course as mentioned earlier it’s raining.


The OverActives (OAs) Mr H & Ms L went exploring walking Ms M & Ms G went to our local shop Uncle Moes to top up for brekkie. USELESS shop don’t know why they bother opening, pity, quite close but never mind.
Into the family Sword Courtesy Car. Local superette. Excellent Fresh fresh eggs...
Home for lovely best ever poached fresh eggs and bacon.
The OA’s returned had quick bacon & eggs. Morning spent swimming in the rain –

Ms L & Mr D did wood collecting for our fire in the future.
Here's Mr H with his contribution


Ms M, L and G went off to town to replenish supplies.

Boys a little anxious that our time away was making us late for lunch but we did make it in time to Trader Jacks and not only that we had to wait over 20 minutes for a table.
Excellent Ike Mata, fab fresh fish, chips Mr H had a cheeseburger,

no complaints all round.

Home to rest and sleep. Very quite here at Heritage House except for the bloody roosters and small children whistling – Sound of Surf 10 – Rooster and small child Nil.

Helen Guthrie and Joyce Rae her friend came around for drinks.

Ms Lana whipped up a great pasta. Our visitors stayed for dinner they were entertained with a quick rendition of “The Song… Our Favourite Things”. The guests left and the residents watched Tribute to George Harrison DVD. Sensational, time for bed.

Day 3 Rugby Day
Ms M & Ms G went for gentle walk The OAs explored the inner island, Mr Dale stayed in bed.
Started cloudy but has been beautiful. Big wind though also big sea…spectacular. Very beautiful to watch.
Unfortunately last night due to stupid placing of candles the tablecloth had big globules of wax…but never fear, Ms Mary got on the case with the brown paper and the iron and it worked. Good work Ms M.

Pastis O’clock then good lunch; Ms M's scones, coleslaw, tomato salad & Mr H’s famous coconut chili condiment.

Mr H & Mr Dale decided to open up some coconuts. It wasn't exactly successful...it was a bit frightening as they ineptly chopped at the fruit with the blunt knife

Oooooh!!!!
Easy afternoon, a quick watch of Spinal Tap and off the Chillies Sports Bar for food and rugby.
Guess what they ran out of pizzas (This is 7pm!!!) We werw starving so we toddled off to Portofino where the very stressed hostess/owner sat us and warned of delay. Pizza finally came, quite tasty, mind you we were very hungry.
(n.b. Mr Dan informed on return that it was like that last year. Warning don’t bother to go there again)
Back to the rapidly now filled up Chillies Bar the ladies decided a nice wine at another bar would be preferable to crummy Australian wine served at Chillies. After a wrong turn we ended up at The Tamarind. Good opportunities for the girls to have a classy drink without having to pay large money for food ordinaire. (This assumption was made at looking at the table below…didn’t look great, may of course have tasted superb. It does have an excellentg reputation.)
In any case we didn’t get a chance to try in the end.
Too many good foods to eat…too few days.
I digress…
Came home, a little Lemoncello roader and off to bed. Good end to day.
Windy still and coolly comfortable – good for sleeping.


Day 4 Market Shopping

Got great fish, herbs tomatoes etc…Ms M & G had lovely chicken satay straight off the grill for breakfast. Bought 5 little flying fish Yum…dinner.
Plus we bought local Ike Mata and fresh bread for lunch. Very nice huge bunches of radishes. Ran into Billy T K up here making new deals.
Had very good coffee in a little espresso bar. So far so good.
It’s a bit cloudy but Dale says it will burn off.

Bought beautiful “Eis” pictured below on the heads of the wahines.

Pastis O’clock again
We are really enjoying this aperitif.
A laid back kinda day lovely salad lunch
Easy afternoon Ms L & G had massages from the lovely Karen excellent…She comes to the house.
The OAs played tennis at Edgewater with some show offs but Mr H & Ms L came through.
For dinner we had the fish a little dry, but tasty, “Watch for Bones” was heard frequently.
Mr Heinz cooked a good steak but pièce de resistance was our practice for youtube.com.
We are going to be out there with “Our Favourite Things” Thought it would sensational we would look such dorks. Very funny
Ms G slept thru and the others watched “Inside Man” guess Ms G will have to watch it again at a later date!!!

Day 5 Wineless Lunch a First for Sofas

Risen early again Bloody Roosters…weather seems calm so far
It’s Sunday.
Bit cooler today and laziness is settling in. Ms M & G opted for breakfast rather than walking, Ms Lana shopped for bread (the NZ Vogels finally finished) brought back freshly cooked donuts.
The computer has thrown its toys out of the cot and won’t dial up but the sun did shine and all was well.

We made it to Sails for lunch. Food average and a first for the Sofas,no alcohol till 6pm.
Don't remember that from earlier visit to Raro.
A sample of alcohol free drinks and alcohol free Sofas in the accomapying photos.

Note the Eis got another outing

So we supplied our sugar rush with icecream – A Sunday drive...as Ms M said…we are turning into our parents, driving around the island, eating icecream for a little treat.
On return watched Les Mis concert excellent and then Justine and Dave brought the little girls around. Quick couple of drinks – dinner and the World’s Fastest Indian. Bed at 10.30 all quite sober – Probably lash out tomorrow night


Day 6 The Lash Out
Day at home the poolman came, the wind had caused havoc with leaves and it really needed a good clean

Bloody Mary’s O’clock
Ms G made bread for lunch Ms Mary made baked aubergine & Ms L made a fab salad.
She also made some excellent Bloody Marys

Yes correct as predicted in this very log…we did lash out.
Mr H made margaritas absolutely excellent, note the umbrellas in our glasses.

We made a roast baby lamb bums dinner

The very cheerful Sofas did several versions of the youtube Favourite things song– trying to get a lead on beats
Not very successful.


The TV went on but some of us didn’t make it. Ms G fell asleep in chair waking to the roosters crowing at the break of dawn.


Day 7 Town Shopping

Not a good look waking with chin on chest but Ms G didn’t experience the usual stiffness in the back maybe sleeping in the chair whilst under the influence is the way to go!!!
The walkers went out in handicap….

The OAs did the usual explore - Ms M & G did the easy version…found nice little café for coffee, the explorers arrived after Ms M & G (does that mean M & G won?) and joined together for coffee
Off to town The TAV Shop got a lucky break. Spent a bit of money there. Went to visit Ms L’s friend Bob Sel. 88 years old passing his twilight years in Raro driving little crippled children in Red Cross Van. A very contented man.

Stopped to look at a lovely little lagoon discovered by Mr H just across fromthe golf course, bit hard to get to though.
As the elder Sofas dawdled back to the car A voice shouted out “Who’s that unruly mob”

It was the 2 male Junior Sofas, setting a bad example by drinking beer and driving.
A date was made for dinner at The Vaimai.

Went to Whatever Bar no-one home...Pity its a great lttle venue.
Unsuccessful in finding somewhere to eat so came home and had excellent plastic white bread sandwiches with left over lamb for lunch. Sunbathing and swimming





Then 4.30 movie session
“Mommie Dearest” time to shower, make up and join the Sofas in Training Katie, Chris, Justine and Dave for dinner at Vaimai.
Originally the older Sofas had booked for 6.30 but after being asked “Are you in the Old Folks Home? Because we certainly are not” changed our time to 7.30!!!
Once again excellent food Ms L & Ms G agree Trader Jacks had the better Ike Mata. Had grilled billfish, there were curries, tuna, not one complaint. Tasty little samosas for befores. Still voted the Vaimai “The Best Restaurant on the Island”.
There was a birthday girl amongst the customers and she shared her cake with everyone. Very kind. The lovely Shannon and her Husband run an excellent ship.



Home, quick glass of wine and here the writer is about to read and nod off. Good night Diary
n.b. The bloody “Favourite things” song is stuck in Ms G’s head…Ms M has “If you said I had a beautiful body would you hold it against me” in hers. What does that all mean???

Day 8 Massage Day again

The lovely Karen came at 10am to make the girls feel great with her magic hands.
The OA’s went off to the Rarotongan to thrash the Junior Sofas at tennis. And they did
Ms G made bread to feed our masseuse and the day rolled on.
Mr Dale has been excellent at keeping the flies at bay. Lots of spraying…close the bedroom doors, of course there are thousands of dead flies. A virtual fly cemetery.
(There are no photos of dead flies...everyone will be pleased to know).




We had booked early dinner at Waterline, this time not for the old folks sakes but for the wee ones Mia, Leila and Yasmine (The Beauties) who can’t wait till late.
Sundowners on the beach and then a superb dinner.













Little Alana child of the hosts played with The Beauties on the beach….they are all so beautiful it’s wonderful to watch.







Waterline has won the “Ike Mata award for excellence”. Chris and Akisi (our hosts along with Danny their son, and cook) are running another good ship. Curries and beautiful fresh fish were the main features of the menu. Akisi is a Fijian and of course the Fijians are Curry Champions.
Danny brought out the guitars and a little beach music was made. How lovely to sit on the beach and have a great time.

n.b. At this stage we haven’t had any sunsets to write home about… this evening’s wasn’t bad it seems the setting sun attract lots of clouds which haven’t got enough gaps in to get a good view or even much colour.(If you know what I mean) Never mind it isn’t the end of the world.
Came home to watch or should I say a mass sleep thru Larry David…looks like we shall have to watch that episode again.





Day 9 Public Holiday and Homemade Fireworks

The OA’s drove to the Rarotongan to thrash the Junior sofas again…in tow were Ms M & Ms G who walked home from there, not as far as would have liked but at least got the corpuscles moving…the Juniors have improved and it is now 1 match each. The presuure will be on for tomorrow.
Mr D stayed in bed.

We have been having really low tides and the locals and Ms Lana have been out spearing or looking for sea life. Octopi very popular they hide under the rocks.
A bit of excitement this morning a boy arrived on a bike went into the sea with his spear…immediately caught something and dragged it out of the water.
Sticky beak Ms G went to have a look. A Stone Fish… what an ugly bugger deadly too.
Apparently it's Good Eats, you boil it get rid of the slimy skin and poisonous spines.
Don’t think it will be on our menu nevertheless.
Our neighbour was on the beach as well, he was the informant, he hadn’t seen one in 30 years. When the OAs returned the little killer was committed to film by Ms Lana
Another local turned up with an Octopus.
The Public holiday was celebrated as a big Gospel Day. The OA’s went to watch and filmed it for the rest of us who lazily lay around the pool.

On their return we went down to the Brunch Café part of the Sunhaven Motel.

They serve breakfast all day and have a fish special for lunch. 4 Sofas had very nice panfried fish and chips. “Viva La difference” Mr H had corn fritters - mistake…a little ordinaire and not cheap at even half the price. Go with the flow in Raro the fish is excellent.
This cafe is like Tearooms out of middle NZ. Very clean and tidy you almost expect gingham tablecloths. Would have had wine with lunch but only wine supplied once again the cheap nasty Aussie wine $6 wholesale. $29 restaurant. Best to be dry I think. Luckily we had had Pastis O’Clock. So we weren’t deprived
n.b. Ms L managed to set up a deal with a local for a new Ei. Very pretty too.

Afternoon was spent resting and preparing for the Sofa’s in Training and the Beauties to come for the family tea.
When they arrived of course the Beauties were in the pool like a flash…just loving it.








Ate the remainder of our fab meat from the Neat Meat Company in NZ for dinner,
Scotch Fillet cooked by Mr Chris on the Barbie, lamb bums in the oven –
Ms L made an excellent Asian stir fry with beautiful fresh Boy Choy from a stall on the street.
Some dear old Auntie supplied a lovely Chocolate Cake courtesy of Clem’s Superette.This became Chris’s birthday Cake.



Now the highlight of the night was the ritual lighting of the FIRE.
Mr D with help from Ms L & Mr H had been vigilant in fossecking and foraging wood and coconuts for the fire. It was a spectacular blaze.
Here is the Wedding Arch pre dinner...



Lots of drinks pre and after dinner getting primed for the highlight of the night which was the ritual lighting of the FIRE.

Mr D with help from Ms L & Mr H had been vigilant in fossecking and foraging wood and coconuts for the fire. It was a spectacular blaze.


But the "Fireworks" was the burning of the Wedding Arch, all filmed of course.
There was collective deep breath taken as the flames looked likely to burn the fronds of the coconut tree above. But all was well. A hose was on hand just in case.








Just like Bonfire Night should be…the Beauties loved it as did the Firebugs…

The older Sofas performed the song but we were a bit lacking in backing music, the disc was missing. Turned up in the morning of course, in the CD player. Anyhow somehow sadly I don’t think we are going to be on youtube.
The Juniors picked up The Beauties and wandered home and we settled down for another session of Larry David.

Now a very funny thing happened, Mr Dale decided it was time for bed and he lurched out of the chair and moved with haste with a fabuloys lean on...just skirting the arm of the couch which seated Ms Mary and Mr H and then sidestepped along the back of the couch culminating in a further lurch right over the top of Mr H landing face down in Mr H's lap. A big shock to Mr H.
Dale is going Balls-listic about Heinzie in Raro!!! Excellent.

Oh we saw a whale only just outside of our la goon it dipped and then dove down flicking its large tail how fabulous

Last Full Day Hasn’t Time Flown
A double eat out has been planned. Whatever Bar, lunch and Stephanos for dinner. The time has flown could do with another couple of days BUT let’s not be greedy.
The usual walk for Ms M and Ms G, Mr H and Ms L went off to play tennis, Mr D stayed in bed. The OAs were beaten by the juniors the series is a draw. Very Good.
All decided going out to lunch was stupid as we had lots of food left so sumptuous food was prepared once again. The tennis players Chris and Dave popped in quite conveniently so we were able to ensure there were no left overs.
Last night drinks at Heritage.

Prior to dinner we drove to the Rarotongan and guess what we had the perfect sunset,

Stopped the little red car did photography and then we joined the Juniors for a drink and finally “The Song” was filmed.
After a few rehearsals in the afternoon finally we worked out that Mr D should accompany us on the guitar.
Fitting the new verses contributed by Mr D and Ms L are being thwarted by the stupid solo on the backing track. Also it was decided that we would take a verse each and all join in with the last lines and chorus…
Well much better. Chris filmed the fiasco…trouble was Ms G couldn’t read the words without glasses neither could Mr H and Ms L by the time we played pass the glasses laughter had taken over and generally it has been agreed that we may be even too bad for youtube.
Pity.
Off to Stephanos for dinner what a lovely little place, run by a young Italian couple. BYO….good chance to finish off our wine…Not a big menu but no complaints.

Very tasty bruschetta, lots of superb topping. Beautiful homemade pasta, Ms G had fettuccine with tomato based sauce and prawns. Mr H had Spag Bol, The others had ravioli with creamy sauces, very rich...
Sorry Ms Mary had the tomato based sauce and Mr D had funghi in his cream sauce, all pronounced delicious.
The Juniors minus the Beauties joined us and once again we had to have fun.
Justine caused some mirth she covered herself in citronella to stop being bitten…it was a little overpowering this then resulted in the very childish older Sofas singing the dead ant song you know - dead ant dead ant dead ant dead ant etc…(Pink Panther theme)
Arms and legs asunder. I think you had to be there.

On the way home the sofas continued with lots of silly old songs, doesn’t take much to amuse small minds.
Last sleep coming up. It has been great having the Sofas in Training with the Beauties for the last few days. Lots of laughs and most important…tennis partners for the OAs.
Ms Mary and Mr H are off early the others not till after lunch…time for last minute swims and sun.
Last Real Day…Last Bloody Rooster O’Clock!

As predicted The Heinzies left Ms L, Ms G, and Mr D went off to have brekkie at the “Brekkie All Day Long Brunch Café”…wrong, they were closed.
So the remaining Sofas went to Manuia Boutique Hotel. Lovely little restaurant your feet in sand while eating…D & G had sundowners and ate there last time with the Woodses.
Nice little omelets, order a bit stuffed up but tasty.



Filled the Sword Lend a Car with gas only $35 for our whole 10 day stay. A big dinner due for Mr Mal Sword to say thank you.

Home to relax, read, swim, pack. Junior Sofas arrived; they needed a base while waiting to check into their beach house The Capitan’s Retreat.
The Junior Boy Sofas went to get us Take Aways from Whatever...excellent fish burgers. WE may not have made the bar but at least we ate the food.

Katie filmed the remaining Sofas throwing a dead “Ei” in the water to say au revoir to the beautiful Island of Rarotonga. As General MacArthur said “We will return”
Would you believe as soon as the “Ei” landed in the water the tape ran out and rewound.
Last night the most beautiful sunset…now as Chris and Dave and us in the little red car got to the airport just as our plane was coming in. So Ms L got to stand under the plane
The most amazing sight. We hadn’t got around to it in our ten days…meant to be I think.

Easy check in no baggage overweight problem couldn’t say the same for us probably, glad they don’t weigh people coming in and going out, one would never go on holiday.
As it turns out Ms L knew important crew on the plane and we got a lovely bottle of French Champagne. Made up for the abysmal lounge at the airport.

What has happened to Air NZ, ghastly uniforms…they are crap, badly made, the shades of grey to greenish grey, the men’s shirts ,look like they are made of nylon washed too many times. Lunch a crummy foccacio sandwich…a fly cemetery cake (great remainder for the hundreds of dead flies in our Raro beach house)…tasty enough but where is the 3 courses, you know a little salad, little hot meal, dessert and a hard roll with cheese that takes you half an hour to open. At least it filled in at least half and hour of the travel time.
Anyway we had to beg for extra wine but then our lovely purser arrived with real glasses filled with our favourite wines. This was very pleasant. Nice enough plane, the sound not fantastic and watching a movie with your head on your side. Get a good crick in the neck. Thank god it wasn’t a 13 hour flight.
But let’s not let this ruin a perfectly good holiday.

“The Five Sofas May Not Have Gone Completely Ballistic” but they had a fab time.

Some Awards need to be handed out:

No 1 Mr H for taking longer than anyone ever to make a tomato sandwich.
No 2 Mr D for getting the most sleep.
No 3 Ms G for reading the most books
No 4 Ms M and Mr H for completing just 1 book each in 10 days
no 5 Ms L for the ability to lie in the sun longer than anyone else.

n.b.It really must be noted Ms M's book was 4 times the size of Mr H


So now to the tune of "My Favourite Things"
Presenting the 5 Sofas in Raro...

Heinzie and Mary and Lana and Wrighties
Were off to the Island to have many parties
Shots of Tequila then Heinzie will sing
These are a few of our favourite things

White wine and red wine and good friends to drink with
Sunshine and music and good books from wordsmiths
Cooking and eating the world’s greatest food
These are the things that create a good mood

Champagne in glasses whilst perched on our asses
Pate de foie gras and shellfish with sauces
Down by the pool with a drink in our hands
All we need now is a lovely live band


When the wind blows
And the rain falls
And we’re feeling sad
Just simply remember to give us a wine
And then its not alllllll tooo bad.

The nest day we go in our little red car
30ks round the island it’s not very far
We try all the restaurants and also the bars
And on the way home we overtake all the cars.

As dawn is breaking the rooster it crows
He goes all day cause that all he knows
The cat and the mynahs they wait at the door
They plead to Ms Mary who gives them what for.

Its cocktail hour, it must be, its five
Suddenly all the sofas are feeling alive
The evening is young the umbrellas are out
In the cocktails that Heinzie is now bringing out.

When the wind blows
And the rain falls
And we’re feeling sad
Just simply remember to give us a wine
And then its not alllllll tooo bad.




The other extra verses which weren’t published
But here now for posterity.

The pig it is suckling and crosses the road
Ignores all the bikes then all traffic slows
The chickens run after the rooster who crows
I’m King of the Heap and I don’t care who knows


Its cocktail hour, it must be, its five
Suddenly all the sofas are feeling alive
The evening is young, The girls go to the benches
To concoct a new dish they are wonderful wenches

The pig it is suckling and crosses the road
Ignores all the bikes but then everyone knows
The pork when it’s eaten is covered with string
Makes Mr Pig one of their favourite things


Logging off.