Kia Orana! (Long May You Live), is the official greeting here in the Cook Islands. Everything is going well here, the weather is nice, people friendly, and Tap is a wealth of information! My research for my thesis is coming together, and in addition to the scientific research I am conducting, I am helping set up the aqua farm to be totally self suficient and sustainable. Since I got here 5 weeks ago, I have designed and set up a hatchery (so no baby fish need to be bought and imported), and aided in the implementation of a sustsainable food source for the fish (building a worm and maggot farm and seaweed growout facility on the property) that will eliminate the need for importing expensive feed. The days are long but rewarding. Currently I am working on drilling a well to find pure salt water. You would think it would be easy on a island surrounded by the stuff, but the lagoon water is polluted with bacteria from agriculture runoff in the streams. So, I dig deeper (using the machine!) everyday in hopes of finding pure saltwater so the cash crop of oysters can be introduced to the aqua farm.
In my free time I have been trying to have a swim in the lagoon everyday (the bacteria in the water is only harmful to the fish). It is beautiful! Friday nite is our "big nite on the town", when we get off the farm and have drinks in the capital city (pop. 800). Saturday morning is the "market day", where I have been able to pick up some unique gifts!
In one week I will have completed all my work and research and flying back to NZ. Back to Lauren, who I miss more than anything in the world.
Unfortunately, technology is slow in the Cook Islands, and because of the internet speed I have found it impossible to download the pictures I have taken. Once I get back to NZ I'll update this blog with some pics I have taken (I've taken plenty!).
Kia Maunuea (later)
Matt
