5 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

This was definitely the highlight! Baked palusami, possibly even from an umu, with a slice of breadfruit. One of the most delicious things I've ate in Polynesia.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2012/05/2011-nz-to-sf-day-23.html

5 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

Octopus (eke) with coconut. In retrospect, I'm not sure if I was supposed to have used this as an ingredient in cooking something.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2012/05/2011-nz-to-sf-day-23.html

5 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

Punanga Nui Sunday market. Mainly a tourist development, it was pretty lively and had a surprising amount to offer. I came mainly for the food stalls run by locals.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2012/05/2011-nz-to-sf-day-23.html

5 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

Walking to the Sunday market in town. The warship may have been American, but I'm not sure.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2012/05/2011-nz-to-sf-day-23.html

5 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

Approaching Rarotonga. As you can see, it's not a very big island either. I feel like I'm finally returning civilization compared to Aitutaki!

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2012/05/2011-nz-to-sf-day-23.html

5 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

Passing the edge of the lagoon, an oasis in an otherwise endless and featureless ocean.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2012/05/2011-nz-to-sf-day-23.html

5 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

The southern portion of the main Aitutakan island, you can see it's really not that big, which is why it was so quick to bike around on, even on a terrible bicycle.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2012/05/2011-nz-to-sf-day-23.html

5 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

The main island of Aitutaki on take off.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2012/05/2011-nz-to-sf-day-23.html

5 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

This flight was a bit fuller, but still pretty empty. I wasn't the only one with flowers around me, you can see a Polynesian wearing a crown of flowers in the seat near the front.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2012/05/2011-nz-to-sf-day-23.html

5 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

To my surprise, I was presented with a lai when Tom (the owner of the guesthouse) drove me to the airport. I guess I was supposed to get one when I arrived too, but he didn't realise I was coming for some reason.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2012/05/2011-nz-to-sf-day-23.html