Raro authentic, friendly, open

Friendly people, enjoyed the openness,” that’s how John and Donna Mollan describe their experience during their one week holiday on Rarotonga.
Both are retired teachers from Anderson Island which is about 5 kilometres off the coast of Washington State, USA. Anderson Island is about the size of Aitutaki. Its highest point is about 100m above sea level and the population is 1,000. The nearest big mainland town is Tacoma. John taught Metal Work, and Donna Journalism at Junior High School (Grades 8-9) for 31 years. They also tutored part time at University.
This is their second trip to Rarotonga. They were first here in April 2006 working as lecturers on the cruise ship Discovery. This is what they now do in their retirement. They work on cruise Liners lecturing on the destinations to be visited, informing passengers on the culture and people in their ports of call. Through this job they have traveled around the world.
Both declare Rarotonga to be their favourite island. “It’s authentic,” says John, “No-one hustles you to buy anything. Tourists are left to do and see what they want.”
Both have a great interest in culture and people.
During cruises they may spend up to 100 hours preparing for each lecture.
Their daughter has also visited Rarotonga twice and Aitutaki where her fiancé proposed to her. She is a travel agent and was here last year.
On Anderson Island John edits the island’s monthly newspaper which is 20-22 pages long. Their next cruise will be to Mexico during Christmas.
During their stay, they have been at the Muri Beachcomber which they have found excellent. They depart on Saturday.

Headlines : Times 290 02 March 2009
- Lucky $1,000 winner
- Century old palm trees and the French connection
- Koutu Nui takes part in Raui meeting in Moorea
- WOM Award Dinner for Ake Hosea-Winterflood
- Island of Atiu to host Koutu Nui AGM in June 2009