Cook Islands

It's staggering to realise the vastness of the area where we have come to. 15 small islands, yet situated in 2 million square miles of Pacific ocean - yes, can you believe it, an area about the size of western Europe. The Northern group includes Manihiki, Rakahanga, Penrhyn, Puka puka, Nassau and Suwarrow. The Southern group includes Aitutaki, Mangaia, Atiu, Mauke, Mitiaro, Palmerston ( about 50 people live here, all Marsters, descended from William Marsters and his three Polynesian wives), Manua, Takutea and Raratonga. Here on Rarotonga we rode on bikes around the whole island .... it's only 32km!

The sound of their accapela music is absolutely beautiful and very unique. This is not a great recording but hopefully it will stimulate you to hunt for some original recordings in this style.