It was so hard to fathom that after months and months of planning, dreaming and saving I was actually on my way. Tracy and Candy had always said that if they ever got married it was be a destination wedding. We said they had to give us plenty of notice so we could be there with bells on. Two years ago they got engaged and 6 months later they announced a Rarotongian Wedding. We had 18 months to save and save we did.
The last few months have been busy with moving and big job changes, leaving the excitement build to a minimum.
After a week staying with Rach, John and Lu, I finally managed to pack my bag to a healthy weight with plenty of room for shopping and left the cold, dark Hutt Valley behind. At 6am I was checked in, snubbed my friends down in the cafe and followed Paul like a black sheep into the Koru Lounge. Holy smokes, what a good way to wait for a flight!
The flight to Auckland was fairly non-eventful and just when you're about to finish a magazine it's time to land. I had a lovely surprise waiting for me as we got out of the terminal in the form of my Dad, brother Lexi and future sister-in-law Toni. They walked with our crowd over the International Airport, gooing over the gorgeous 5 month old Ginny the whole way.
Our international flight was fine. Sitting next to Mark in cattle class meant we got very cozy. Rather than sitting all together we formed a nice neat line. I walked Ginny up and down the plane a couple of times to give her other people to stare at and she was the perfect wee flyer. The same could not be said for the large group of 20 somethings sitting across the aisle from us. They took full advantage of the wine and by the end of the flight were climbing over chairs, throwing pillows and shaking seats.
I got laid at the airport - take note Anna! - as did we all. The resort is amazing and the staff are all so friendly and helpful. I'm sharing a room with Jo and Mark, which is working out well. We generally are only in the room to sleep and shower so it's no drama to be all together. The resort has set up a tab for us which is awfully convenient if not a little dangerous as I just keep spending. That's what holidays are for though right?! There are two cocktail hours which our entire group is present for. How could we not be when the bar is on the beach and cocktails are half price?! They do a special cocktail of the day which just begs for trying. Plus, it's warm, the waters right there and there's nothing else to do much socialise and drink cocktails. Ahh this is the life!
We've been to market day, lounged by the pool with books, swam in the ocean and been on a sunset cruise for Tracy's bridal shower. It's awesome being here with such great and close friends, we just relax together, eat good food and swim. Oh and the cocktails.
Ginny has been a great traveller, although there has been way too much to see and do for her to consider napping. She's happy to go with anyone and everywhere as long as she has someone to smile at. Tracy's Mum has been enjoying playing Grandma and Jo and I are baby sitting tonight so Chris and Ness can have a romantic dinner. If everyone got their way they wouldn't see their daughter for the entire week away.
Tracy and Candy have been busy playing host to all 32 of their guests, but hopefully they will stop and relax soon. The girls and I have been to the spa today for some relaxing time before the primping starts for tomorrows big day. The ceremony will be on the beach around 3pm (about 1pm Weds for you NZers).
After the wedding there are three more days of relaxing and cocktails before my friends head home at some ridiculously early Saturday morning flight. Meanwhile, I'll be sleeping in and spending the day here at the resort before flying at midnight to LA. Strangley, despite being here in Raro, the USA part of trip still sees like some pipe dream. I'm sure once I touch down in LA and head to San Francisco, I'll be a giddy with excitement.
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