I cannot be the only person whose inspiration to visit the Pacific Islands is largely down to the imagery, fascination and humour that Paul Theroux achieves in the Happy Isles of Oceania. At risk of ending up in the Luvvies section of Private Eye it is fair to say this is a travel book like no other. There are great insights into the influence of the Missionaries to the region as well as the solitude and sadness Theoroux experiences in the aftermath of his separation from his wife and the ensuring Gulf war crisis which takes place while Theroux is travelling. A must read.

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This island is so friendly! The people are great and then there is the truly unique 'Cook Islands time'- which is whatever ...
From the garlands on arrival, to the ukelele farewell the atmosphere is relaxed, the vegetation lush and the lagoons warm and clear.
So laid back my postcards took five months to get back to the UK.
Is this a record?
Don't miss the singing in the New Life church on a Sunday, the locally caught fish and the Pan-Pacific canoe races in November. Use the island bus or just walk or swim there.
The best things in life are free but the airfares aren't. Stop off when you RTW.

Far away in the South Pacific

Google map: tinyurl.com/ye5kwll

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