Hitting 25!

Happy 2014 everyone, I hope that everyone has had a delightful holiday!
A happy tale for my end of the year included me hitting my 25th country, hooray!

I actually got sent to the Cook Islands on a last minute trip with work. Whilst I can't go into the details and share those with you, I can tell you that it was a movie moment, and something that is once in a lifetime - I will never forget it.

Unfortunately due to it being a work trip we didn't get to explore as much as we would like. HOWEVER we did (colleague and I) find ourselves with an afternoon spare to explore the small Island of Atiu. We stayed at the beautiful Atiu Villas (lovely, friendly and informative hosts) and took a small hiking tour to see some caves. Being a small island, I can assure you that there weren't any paths specifically to follow and we had to climb over fossilised coral (bizarre in the middle of the jungle!)

The caves were spectacular and also the home to these tiny little birds that live inside. The most interesting thing about it is these birds use a sonar system, much like a bat, and feel their way through the caves by little clicking sounds. Strangely enough, their eye sight is perfect, as they can see well outside in the sun as well. The only place you will find these birds is on this island!


We even climbed further into the cave to find a little rock pool deep inside, where we lit candles and submerged ourselves into the crystal clear, cool water to relax. Absolute pure bliss after a busy few days!!

The people of the Cook Islands are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and I would recommend going if you ever get the opportunity - and they can dance! We did manage to see a cultural show before boarding our late night plane back to Melbourne and it was a spectacular display of colour and history through dance.

So thankyou work for giving me such an amazing opportunity and pushing me over the line to hit my 25th country before turning 25!

....in just a couple weeks I will be hitting number 26, when I hike the Thai-Burma railway with my dad... BRING IT ON!!!

 
Love B xox