Boom.

And just like that, it hit home.

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After 21 days on this beautiful island, fuelled often by the countless minutes of soul searching and questionable song choices on local radio station 88FM, I think life in Rarotonga is starting to sink in.

It certainly feels like I've been here a lot longer - I think that's a good thing - and I'm sure as the time continues to roll on more confidence and local knowledge will help get me through.

The local cuisine here is spectacular. Raw fish, known as 'ika mata', is raw fish marinated in coconut cream and lemon juice. The acidity of the citrus gets right into the fish and gives it the most outstanding taste. Get into it if you have it available wherever you are :)

The people here in the country are awesome. Have had nothing but a positive experience with people here. And given the size of the place - approx. 12,000 is the last estimate I heard - the fact everyone's nice and interconnected only bodes well for the future I reckon.

Workmates are all pretty classic. Had a pretty good time here in the newsroom meeting, greeting and in some cases eating with these folks and I'm hoping it continues to grow and grow while I'm here.

I make no mistake of my outspoken adoration for my family ha. Miss them all like bonkers and keep in contact with them at least two-to-three times a week. You can call me anything you want, I don't care, whanau is whanau and that's the main thing.

Had some pretty naff weather this weekend. While Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights have all been pretty wet, Saturday was especially fantastic: Heavy, heavy rain and more thunder and lightning than you could poke a fork at.

Managed to catch up with a few wonderful visitors. Hung with Lydia from Yahoo.co.nz, who I went to journo school with, and my vicar from St James in Lower Hutt, Peter Benge, and his wonderful family.

Those sorts of catch ups are pretty gold - there's nothing really like seeing familiar faces in a new environment. Thanks to you fullas for making the time to see me, really appreciate it!

Hey @nukuroa, for the record the Avatiu Eels beat Tupapa this weekend. There the rugby wrap up for you.

Finally, I'd just like to emphasise something that has been on my mind for a bit now.

I was having a discussion with a friend of mine who said I was very lucky to be living in Paradise and getting paid for it. While I don't deny that at all - the drive into work is all I need to know how fortunate I am to be working here - to simply say that this has all come down to luck is a bit far-fetched, I reckon.

This whole decision to travel to a country I had never been to before and where I knew nobody wasn't simply 'luck'. It was about more than that, of rekindling a personal fire and to learn, discover and realise just how beautiful the world is.

While there was an element of luck in there being a job available in Rarotonga, of all places, it's about creating your own luck and ensuring you get the most out of your own luck.

Getting a great job is luck, but leaving behind friends, family, extended family and a comfortable life for the unknown

It's all a bit too much to call luck, isn't it?

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And just like that, it hit home. Life in Rarotonga. Let's do this.