Our family have often wondered what it would be like to return to Niue Island where we lived for two years in 1980-81 when I was teaching at the High School. If we were to do this before the oldest grandchild was full fare then this was the time. September 6 was the date most suitable for us all to set off for a week on the ‘Rock of Polynesia’. Artist, Mark Cross, his wife Ahi and Lofa Misa who had been good friends during our time there helped us to get set up with a rental van and accommodation at Kololi’s Guest House in Alofi village. The sixteen of us were able to occupy the guest house completely and enjoy being a family together in one place. The chooks got us up early and we were ready to explore the places which we knew from the past. Kirianne and Sarah recalled some of the places we visited but Richard and Marie were a bit too young. We found supplies much easier to come by and prices were quite ok. There were many dining places and better access to favourite swimming areas than we had known. It was a week of swimming and exploring... Matapa Chasm, Avaiki Cave, Palaha Cave, Utiko Beach, Hio beach, Limu reef pools and Avatele beach were all utilised. I caught up with four of my former pupils who were still on the Island and two of them came for dinner at a new restaurant near the airport which was really nice. Catching up with our former neighbours, Kupa and Mary Magatogia was a real pleasure as was the fresh coconut drink.... Kupa has put a lot of work into restoring an old unused school house in his village (Lakepa) so it can be used for tourist accommodation in the future. Mark and Ahi Cross have a lovely gallery in town and a sculpture park near Liku village. They also have accommodation for visitors to the Island. We visited the Matavai Resort for a swim and some snacks from the bar so we could see where Sarah and Andrew had decided to spend a couple of nights. They had hired their own car so were able to travel to and from the resort at will. Hardly 4* but nice enough for a relaxing break far from the bustle of Alofi town. The yacht club in Alofi was a nice place for a singalong and a few drinks in the evening... Mark, Ahi, and Andrew entertained with other visiting performers. The week went so quickly we were sad to leave but we’re so glad that our family thoroughly enjoyed the experience and may return again some day.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Dec 2014 10:41:43 +0000
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