Travel to the far corners of paradise. To the islands of beautiful beaches and the friendliest people in the world. The Cook Islands offer the visitor a glimpse of South Pacific life that has changed little in the past century. The author survived a hurricane to enlighten the reader to the special places that are Rarotonga & The Cook Islands. This guidebook is written in a relaxed style, full of helpful information, presented with a touch of humor and the author's personal opinions. You will enjoy the lighter side of this well researched guidebook as you discover the natural beauty of these islands.·One whole chapter on the unbiased evaluations of all classes of lodging on Rarotonga. ·The most extensive listing of accommodations of any guidebook of the region, including photos, Website listings and E-mail addresses. ·Complete trip planning from Luxury to Budget, whether you are traveling from Philadelphia or Peru. ·Extensive coverage of activities on each island. Diving, Fishing, Snorkeling, Horseback Riding, Surfing, Tours and Cultural Events. ·Off the beaten track suggestions for accommodations, tours and restaurants. ·Coverage of all thirteen occupied islands in the Cook Islands chain. ·Complete Inter-Island Flight schedule and Rarotonga Bus Schedule. ·Over 40 maps and pictures.
I always pictured someone else writing my biography. I checked my website and the back of my most recent guidebook and didn't think either one were adaptable for a biographical sketch, so here goes with a brief dissertation on my life.
Believe it or not I was born in Hollywood, California in 1946. Grew up in the greater Los Angeles area until my parents moved to Santa Barbara, California in 1959. I graduated from San Marcos High School in 1964 and attended Santa Barbara City College for two years, un-successfully majoring in draft evasion, prior to being drafted into the Army in 1967. In high school my abilities as a golfer far exceeded my scholastic accomplishments and I ended up in Army Special Services running a golf course in Germany. I played tournament golf in England, Europe and South Africa before returning to America where I served as an assistant golf professional in upstate New York. I married and had two wonderful children while working in Syracuse and returned to Santa Barbara in 1974. To that point in my life writing and islands had not appeared on the horizon, it was a period of hard work for me, having taken over my father's Ceramic Tile Contracting business. I was a workaholic, type "A" to the bone, having little time for my family, seeking my father's accolades and acceptance, fulfilling none of my needs.
Then I went to my first Jimmy Buffett concert. A light went off in my head and a new persona emerged. Papa Mike was born and frozen concoctions and swaying palm trees replaced tile countertops in my dreams. I started listening to my inner thoughts and realized that I wanted to travel and write. Why not combine the two and become a travel writer? The trouble with inner thoughts, is that they are not totally rational and the frozen concoctions only succeed in further blurring reality. Why not? Well for one you don't know how to write. So there was a troubling period in my life while I managed to get divorced (twice), piss off my business partners and generally run amok, while I learned the basics of writing. Eventually I learned to balance the two careers, made friends with both ex-wives and retained some understanding friends and business partners.
Perseverance and a lot of luck have led to the three island guidebooks I have published. They are not perfect, but I do not apologize for the books. They are factual and help people discover the magic that exists on the tiny places that are tropical islands. My contracting company has completed the tile and marble in a dozen stores for Nordstrom, but it is a far greater thrill that I feel, when a reader compliments me on one of my books. I think I have found that balance in my life. Thanks Jimmy and hope to see you all down island.
Mike Hollywood
Islamorada, Florida Keys
June 25, 2007
UPDATE November 2009
My fourth guidebook was published in November 2008, The second edition of Papa Mike's Cook Islands Handbook is available worldwide through Amazon and other Internet bookstores. I am still summering in Montana and wintering in the islands, it's a tough job, but someone has to do it.
Papa Mike
Emigrant, Montana
October 6, 2009
