Cook's

Well for sure as the publicity would say a visit to the Cooks islands is a visit to paradise. I choose the easiest gate to those south seas islands and I came to Rarotonga but there are 14 other islands within the Cook islands nation. Nassau is one of them; They have been named after Cook of course who sighted Manuae in the southern group in 1773 ; Together the 14 islands cover a total land area of about 240 sqKm spread over more than 2 million sq km of the south west pacific ocean .First they were declared British in 1888 but came under New Zealand control as soon as 1891 They were given their independence in 1965 but the islanders still retain their New Zealand citizenship and the money is the NZ$. The government operates with a legislative assembly of 24 people choose from the different islands. One representing the islanders in NZ and a first minister is chosen among those 24 The first settlers were Polynesian ( Maohi) and NZ Maoris who arrive about 800AD; the cultural identity is still strong and lives on in the performance of songs, music and dances Lots of hip- swinging !Their identity reflects as well in their everyday gentleness, friendliness and generosity . Of course the missionaries had here as well a big influence and they seem to be avid churchgoers. There are many different churches of many kinds. Here you see the lady owning the youth hostel and her grand child Laetitia .