Bananas, mangoes, limes, coconuts, red fruits and... olives?

January 15, 2007 - Rarotonga

Knock at the door, darkness, mild disorientation, heat, smells like somewhere tropical. Voice with an accent different than mine, perhaps English. Off the top the voice sounds a lot like Eddie, a housemate from England who I met in Sydney five years ago. Five years ago. That feels like a long time to remember a voice. Voice asking me if I want to share in dinner. Why is a stranger asking me if I want dinner?

The stranger is the downstairs mystery room mate. As I arose to address the issue at the door, the lights came on. I still don't know who turned them on or how they came on, but they are on. The island's electrical supply is via a diesel generator somewhere, and I had surmised earlier the lack of lights was simply due to the astronomical cost of power.

I wish I could remember the Dutch couple's names. It is almost getting too late to ask again.

And what was I dreaming about? I don't remember that either. Something. It vanished like mist in the sun at the sound of the knock at the door, feeling of mosquito net at my fingertips.

Paul arrives tomorrow - an interesting kettle of fish to be cooked there. He is going to love it here. On the morrow I shall pretend to be tour guide in Avarua, and perhaps make some coffee. something low key.

In the meantime I mourn my failed mango endeavour. I found one low enough to reach. It smelled like mango and looked like mango and was disappointingly apple green inside and tasted far too bitter. Lesson for tomorrow: What do ripe mangoes look like?