International Bulletin - May 2001
Commentary - Cooks
 Cook Island traditional dancers entertained conference participants. |
My daughter Margaret rented a motorbike to get her to a scuba site after meetings. I had the unique experience of arriving at an early morning board meeting on the back of the bike - a first for me!
A highlight was a garden party at the Queen's representative's residence. HRH Princess Nanasipau'u Tuku'aho of Tonga suggested that I position myself beside her to photograph the very beautiful fashion show that was presented. It was perfect.
After the conference my daughter, Margaret, and friend, Richard, traveled to Australia and New Zealand. Margaret had only four days to enjoy these places because she had to go back to work, Richard and I continued on.
In Australia we enjoyed the delights of Melbourne; shopped for treasures in Victoria Market, visited dear friends and listened to rare Bell birds while enjoying a river cruise in "Australia's best kept secret, Malacoota".
In New Zealand we were totally impressed with the lush greenery, huge roses and other flowers bloomed everywhere and thermal water filled swimming pools and provided water power. We had an opportunity to mingle with the people. On a tour a couple of guides wore lovely hand carved neck-pieces. I asked if I might be able to get one. His response was that he had carved it himself and it was not for sale.
On the other hand, two days before I was to leave for Chicago I fell on a beautiful mountain trail in the Tongarira Mountain area and received a rather nasty fracture to my wrist. Richard had to stay behind as I was transported to a hospital in Hamilton, the largest in Australia. About 12 hours after it happened (at three in the morning) I was given a plaster cast, some food, a few hours sleep and all at their expense! At 7:30 A.M. the nurse came by to invite me to her home to rest and wait for the train that Richard would be on to take us to Auckland. At lunchtime I offered to take them (two nurses) to their favorite restaurant, they agreed happily and new friendships were born. They were so very caring, as was Richard who took over at the train.
Last Modified: November 29, 2002