Just wanted to blog about my recent holiday to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands - the closest place to paradise I've ever visited.

I have to admit I didn't do much while there... I didn't go exploring the township, I didn't meet the locals, I didn't attend a traditional church service and I didn't peruse the Saturday markets.

What I did do was spend an inordinate amount of time on the beach at the resort, and an equal amount of time snorkelling in the warm waters of the lagoon. The entire island of Rarotonga is ringed by a reef formation, meaning that the ocean waves crash on the outer reef. This leaves a ring of calm, clear water around the island which is perfect for swimming in and snorkelling to observe the rich reef life.

On our first night there, we arrived at about midnight and headed to the beach, just to see the water. Staying at a beachfront resort helps. The moon was so bright we could see perfectly... which was lucky because one of the few sea snakes found in the region happened to be swimming near the shore. We stepped quickly away from the water's edge...

Thankfully our subsequent four days of snorkelling produced nothing more dangerous than a stonefish on the sea floor (don't step on those!). We saw clownfish, angelfish, puffer fish, eels, sea cucumbers and trumpetfish galore. Snorkelling is an exquisite experience - you suddenly feel like a member of another universe. The water, which is usually a hostile medium is suddenly opened up to you. Not needing to gasp for every breath, not needing to keep eyes shut against stinging sea water, you can explore, observe, marvel and stare. The fish don't care!

Alas, I left the Cook Islands and returned to real life... but I'm entirely committed to returning. Maybe next year.... :)