Rarotonga-Turama, All Souls Day- What A Beauteous Sight

Hanging around Graveyards  may not be your thing, but if you are in Rarotonga for 1st November, you musn't miss Turama, All Souls Day

Held in the evening, it  is a celebration of the departed. It’s a Ancient Catholic Tradition, but I believe other religions participate

The Rarotongans spend days, decorating the graves, which are prominent all over the Island.

I have never seen so many different types and brilliant colours of plastic and silk flowers. They are sensational

There are Mass Grave Yards, but it also common to bury your loved ones on your land.
There are many Mausoleums, dotted around amongst the houses. 

At 6pm, there is a service at the Cathedral, then the priest takes Holy Water he has blessed and sprinkles on the graves. This takes place at Panama, the Graveyard close to the Airport

We watched these people construct their tribute to their family

They finished it off with garlands of Tiare, Stunning

On the evening there are ceremonies and people lay fresh flowers and light candles

The families gather, chat to the departed and reminisce, many happy memories 

It is very beautiful

We drove around the Island and took some shots of Graves on Private Property

In stark contrast to the colour, we found this old graveyard just close to where we are staying
Until recently it was ramshackle but caring folk have reconstructed it.
So white. I love it also

Our favourite Grave. We Love You Dad in huge letters with Dad’s War Helmet, jauntily hanging off the side of the tombstone.

 Obviously not religious. Not one flower for Dad

I thought this was a little sad

White crosses, very few flowers, but an empty bottle, but on the bright side, maybe Uncle's favourite tipple

Rarotonga-Not So Much About the Food This Time-More About the Lifestyle

Bliss Cottage has been, shall I say it “Blissful”

Situated right on the beach, our friend Trish is living in Heaven

And we are joining her everyday

We’ve succumbed to the routine

Wake up, hot lemon drink, a little breakfast, down to the beach, a little wine, some lunch

A nap, pack up and off the Bliss Cottage, where we drink cocktails, 

Champagne Anyone?

swim in the worlds best swimming hole, Have dinner, home, round 8.30.

Watch a little “ipad Taymac provided”, TV.

Bed

And start again

In the meantime we have fitted in a few other bibs and bobs.

 Unfortunately got stuck behind this old Gentleman. He is known as Papa Loius and apparently just drives around never going over 15 kms. Can't get passed him on the narrow roads
Oh well we are not in a hurry

Shopping, dining out 

A Massage from our friend Vira. "His Office" just down on the beach

and for me some cooking and blogging

Gardening even

The talking Books on the ipad, are perfect for the beach.

Look out to the beautiful sea and listening to a gripping novel.

Can’t get much better than that.

Turn to the left

 Turn to the Right

 Look Straight ahead, this is our beach outside of The Cooks Oasis.

 And we will talk a little about the Food

Have you ever seen Squid Rings look as good as this?

Just served with a great crisp salad and local kumera

 La Chef

 The Best Pork Sausages with rice and a tasty little Tomato Sauce

Some other good friends to while away the day

You see what I mean about Paradise

 

Rarotonga Food- Cabbage-Tomatoes-Cant get enough of them

The view from Bliss Cottage

The tomatoes here,are so ripe and fabulous. We are eating as many of them as we can.

They are so juicy, which can be a problem as they bleed and make the other ingredients soggy

I like to remove the seeds and pulp and cut up the flesh

But lets not waste the juice. I decided to make it into a dressing

Make it the acid part of the French dressing

I also think, Cabbage and Tomato are such a good match

Cabbages in Raro are so sweet and crisp. I love them

So let’s make coleslaw, with tomatoes

First finely slice the cabbage

Seed and peel a cucumber

Remove the pulp and seeds of the tomatoes

Slice the flesh and add to the other vege

Season with salt and pepper

Plus a good pinch of sugar

Squash the pulp and seeds, to remove the juice

Drizzle over with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Toss and taste

It needs a little more acid so a quick squeeze lemon juice

Toss again and Voila you should have a delicious salad

Paired with Ham and Potato Salad

Lunch anyone?

Naturally there are leftovers

So for dinner I made Fried Rice

Earlier in the day, I boiled up some Jasmine Rice

When I cook rice to make into fried rice, 

I don’t use the absorption method, as I want the rice to be separate and fluffy

For 2 people

Bring a big pot of salted water to the boil

Add a big cup of rice

Bring back to the boil and cook till al dente

Should take about 8 minutes

Don’t overcook it

Strain toss with a little oil and chill for at least 6 hours

Simple Fried Rice

2 tablespoons Vegetable oil

2 eggs beaten together with

Dash soy sauce and

Freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 onion finely chopped

1 green pepper finely chopped

2 cloves garlic finely chopped

Cooked rice

1 cup Cabbage and tomato salad

Several leaves of basil shredded

Mixed toasted seeds for extra crunch

Heat a wok or a big frypan

Add oil

Throw in the seasoned beaten eggs

Let them cook quickly as an omelette

Turn onto a board and chop

Set aside

Back to the pan add the next lot of oil and onions

Season with salt and pepper

Cook until onions are soft

Add garlic and green pepper

Cook till softened

Add rice toss well and cook for about 5 minutes

Add cabbage salad

Cook long enough to heat through

 Top with egg, basil and toasted seeds

Serve