Day 122 Market day

Rarotonga personality
Saturday is the big day at the open air market that is next to the Harbor. There are dozens of semi-permanent stands that sell foods, produce, clothing, tattoos and various souvenir nick knacks. I don't usually take the big camera ashore but I wanted to try to capture the mood of the place so I carried it along.
After buying some vegetables and a breakfast waffle, I strolled around with the camera. At first I tried to take some candid shots with the long lens but wondered if people would be offended by having their picture taken so I asked on vendor if they would mind and got a big hearty smile in return. After that I would go up to a stand and ask if they would smile for a picture. You will see the results... beautiful people looking very happy. At one point, I saw two men talking and asked them as well. They looked a little reluctant (of maybe it was baffled - why would I want their picture) so I told them I was making a slide show on the Cook Islands and wanted to show people what a beautiful place it was. I was rewarded by another round of warm smiles.
In French Polynesia at election time we saw demonstrations by people who wanted independence from France. Even though France appears to provide a substantial amount of financial support, there seemed to be a feeling that French rule was tolerated at best and in Huahine we saw some grafiti that said "No Howlie here" - meaning in essence - white man go home. We never felt any sense of hostility, especially when they learned that we were not French, but there was definitely a sense that they wanted Polynesia for the Polynesians.
The Cook Islands are independent but linked in some loose way with New Zealand. Many Cook Islanders emigrate to New Zealand and some come back years later after they have achieved some financial independence. Also, most of the million + tourists who visit the islands every year are from NZ. The attitude toward the whites here is completely different from that in French Polynesia. People are very friendly and open and they seem to welcome their association with NZ. Almost everyone says hello as you walk down the street and everyone speaks English. Most have travelled to other countries and they do not seem to mind being part of the 21st century.
From what I have seen, I would recommend Rarotonga as a place to vacation.