A mums perspective

Whoopee, I feel like shouting as the taxi hurtles up and down the steep hills of San Francisco. Yes, just like in the movies, we fly up steep inclines and are almost airborne before plunging down the narrow streets. Cars line the sidewalks, trams and cable cars clank and ding their way down the middle of the streets. Crowds of people walk every which way. I have only one purpose in mind - to find Treasure Island and the six vaka. I whirl off through the bustling city towards Treasure Island. Originally this small island was a naval base, but recently it has been opened to the public. A large marina has been built for pleasure yachts. The Bay Bridge touches down on the island before continuing onto the mainland. Faintly in the distance I hear the beat of the drums. Immediately I search out the distinct sound of Cook Islands drumming. Throngs of people are crowded into a small area in front of a large white marquee. As I push my way through to the front I can see the bright green and gold of the Cook Islands vaka uniform. A swarthy warrior strides to the front, holding a microphone in his hands. I almost mistake him for Blackbeard the Pirate. But it is Nicholas (Henry) who greets and acknowledges the crowd. He chants and his team joins in. I am proud of my youngest son, and more importantly absolutely delighted to listen to his speech. We have arrived towards the end of the welcome ceremony, which included the First Nation tribes, Fiji, Samoa and Tongan communities. But we are in time for the Cook Islands performance. Beautiful dancing girls, drummers and of course our sixteen warriors off Marumaru Atua.

Our Cook Islands boys and girls have set out on an amazing adventure. It is a personal journey for each one, and they are sharing their achievements with their island families as well as the world. As the grey, foggy clouds roll back, we glimpse the Golden Gate Bridge soaring into the sky and disappearing into the low cloud cover. It is spectacular. There is a constant stream of traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians enjoying the beautiful scenery and views of San Francisco Bay. In the middle of the bay the lonely rocky island of Alcatraz stands sentinel. Ships, container boats, dinghies, sailboats, yachts, and launches of all description ply back and forth in the bay but nothing stands out like the stunning vaka. People watch in amazement and awe as the vaka sail in a flotilla across the choppy waves. There is much speculation from onlookers as to what these traditional canoes are and why they are sailing in and around San Francisco Bay.

Our prime minister, the Honourable Henry Puna, and his delegation arrive for a special welcome feast put on by the Cook Islands community for Marumaru Atua as well as the crew of the other vaka. It is a freezing evening, but his warm words of encouragement and praise for the crew touches our hearts. Henry is an eloquent speaker and understands the hardships they have faced and the frailty of our intrepid warriors. Aunty Mii, or Mrs Q as she is fondly known, has amazingly brought traditional foods all the way from Rarotonga. What a feast she has prepared with the help of the Cook Islands family members residing in and around San Francisco. After sailing across the Pacific for almost a month, without sight of land, the crew are delighted to see familiar faces even the two mums, Pa Ariki and myself. We celebrate Cook Islands Day at Pier 39. It is a sunny warm morning as with pride and awe we watch the six vaka approach Fishermans Wharf. As Marumaru Atua edges into the dock, the crew onboard Haunui send out a rousing chant and haka to our warriors. It is spine chilling to hear the response from the Cook Islands crew. My eyes fill up with tears of immense pleasure and pride in their courage and success.

I cant believe my good fortune. We are invited to sail on Marumaru Atua. Nicholas gives us a quick lesson on ocean safety and then Harry handles the oe, Peia takes command and we are on our way. It is exhilarating. A brisk cold wind is in our hair, and salt spray in our face, as this graceful vaka moves majestically across the waves. I feel one with the vaka and I understand how the ocean calls to our fearless young men and women. We have breathtaking views of the stunning skyline of San Francisco. As we tack past Alcatraz I am glad it is no longer a penitentiary, just another small island in the bay.

What a great way to show off our culture, our traditions and to promote our magical Avaiki black pearls. The general public wandering throughout Pier 39 are treated to a feast of dancing, singing and drumming.

What a wonderful few days with my son Nicholas. I wish Papa Johno could have been there as well. I know he was in spirit.