Saturday, April 19, 2008

So longa, Rarotonga

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I need to find a place that sells this sign.

Last night, a group of us went bar-hopping in town. Fridays and Saturdays are the big nights to go out here on the island. And, since it would be rude not to follow the local customs...we made our plan. So, after a nice 3 hour nap, I headed to a place in town that is known for its ginormous hamburgers. I had heard about them from a couple people at the hostel and, after seeing a picture of one, knew I couldn't leave without encountering one.

Most people know that I love me some In N Out burgers, but after finding the "Palace Takeaway"...

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Now THAT'S what a hamburger's all about!

It's grotesque in size and fixin's. There's a hamburger patty, shredded cheese, tomatoe, lettuce, egg, ham, bacon and pineapple. It's an interesting combination that actually tastes pretty good, believe it or not. There is no possible way to eat this, as is, so after some drastic relocation of a pound of condiments, it was able to make its way into the pie-hole for landing.

I'm certain that these burgers are responsible for the vast moobs (man-boobs) phenomenon that appears to have taken over several of the men on the island. I should set up a "Bro" (man-bra) shop in town. It's all about supply and demand...

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As I started to eat, this dog came ambling up, saw my burger, and sat down right beside me. He must know that tourists are unlikely to finish the whole burger (which I didn't), so he just patiently waits for the sounds of buttons popping and intestines expanding, knowing that he's likely to get a snack soon (which he did).

So, after rolling the rest of the way into town, I met up with the group at the beachside "Whatever" bar and the festivities began. It was very busy and, surprisingly, if you ask the bartenders for a drink...they actually make it for you and, get this, they will keep doing that every time you ask them until they close. This really is a magical place.

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It was a fun night. We ran into a few locals that we've seen throughout the week. This guy played pool with Kirin (the Irish guy) a few nights ago and, it turns out, that the "Bring me a bucket!" burger-joint I had just visited, is his family's business.

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And for you "Survivor" fans, this guy was one of the local natives chosen to help out with many of the challenges the year they filmed the show here in the Cook Islands.

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A fun time was had by all, followed quickly by a much-needed sleep. I woke up this morning feeling pretty good, which was a surprise, considering the quantity of vodka-Red Bulls that were consumed the night before. It was a beautiful, clear day...a nice ending to my trip. I packed up my room and moved my luggage into the hostel main room to await the flight around midnight tonight. Kirin and I headed into town and walked around the farmer's market they had set up.

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I have too many disgusting comments twirling in my brain to make about this sign, so I'll just spare you any samples. Consider it my gift to you for following me along on my trip.

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When I got back to the hostel, I noticed that one of the flea kittys was fast asleep in a very unlady-like position right outside the door. She was oddly splayed out and twisted around...it looked like she had been dropped from a plane and landed right at the doorstep. A new visitor came up and I pointed to the comotose feline and said "Do you want to touch the dead cat over there?" and he looked at the cat, then at me with a shocked face and said "Really...is it dead?".

I enjoy joshin' with the kids...

Well, my trip has come to an end and, to be honest, I'm not happy about it. I am looking forward to seeing/talking to my friends and family again. But, I really do wish I had a few more months of adventures in foreign lands ahead of me. However, life is one big adventure...so anything can happen. Thanks again to everyone who followed along, made comments, and sent emails to me over the past couple of months. It really made writing the blog a lot more fun and, hopefully, you enjoyed yourselves too.

I'm going to keep updating the blog upon my return to Los Angeles, should anyone wish to check in once in a while to see what's up. I'll also let you know if I end up heading out of LA in the future.

You've been great company on this trip and it would be nice to have you all along again for the next one.

Mekka Lekka Hi....mekka hiney ho!

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