Lesson in Kindness from the Avis Lady – Rarotonga – Cook Islands

Our departure from Rarotonga was an ordeal. Our luck turned sour within moments of our arrival at the airport, and I received a lesson in kindness.

After spending a full day attending mass at the cathedral in Avarua, eating delicious fish and chips by Black Rock, and spending the afternoon at Aroa Beach, we were all set to depart on our red eye Hawaiian Airlines flight to Honolulu.

We arrived at the airport at about 9:00 p.m. for our 11:35 departure. I pulled up to the curb and asked my kids to get all the bags out of the car. I was very sincere in my request to remove ALL the bags. ALL means ALL. Pretty specific, right?

After seeing a pile of luggage on the curb and being assured all our luggage was out of the car, I pulled into a nearby parking space designated for rental car returns. I quickly checked the front seat for my wallet and cell phone, and confirming that I had both, I exited the vehicle. I then locked the doors, walked to the office, and deposited the keys in the key drop. It was Sunday night on Rarotonga, so the office closed. It was also the start of Gospel Day celebrations across the South Pacific so the airport was empty and most of the shops were closed.

Cell phone, Wallet, and Passports.

I walked over to the departure area. Ours was the only flight leaving the island that night, and there were no employees manning the desk yet. So much for arriving at the airport three hours early.

It didn’t take long to find my wife and sons. They sat at a picnic table marveling at how empty the airport was. As I walked up to the table, I quickly noticed my backpack wasn’t with them. I asked them where they put it, and they said it was in the backseat for me.

My stomach sank. My wallet and cell phone were in it. Our passports were there too. Even worse, the office was closed and it was Sunday night at the start of a major religious holiday in the South Pacific.

I panicked. My eyes widened, and I sighed. I also threw a bit of a fit because nobody was around to see me. My challenge: How do I get my bag and our passports out of the car?

I immediately looked at my teenage son. Maybe I could convince him to smash open the window and grab the bag. Then I could say that a teenager must have broken into it to steal the radio, right? Security video probably would capture the whole thing, and my 50 year old self stood a chance to avoid the damage fee.

Don’t Smash the Window.

Although a solid plan, I didn’t pursue that option because my wife would have killed me. Also, this is roamwithdad.com after all, and my intent is to introduce my kids to the world so they can avoid a life of crime and debauchery. It wouldn’t have been the best example to set.

Given that we had several hours to kill before our flight, I decided to try a less destructive approach. I then looked for an airport security officer, and noticed two standing near the security checkpoint line. I approached one and told her my story. She looked at me like I was an idiot when I explained the situation. I asked if anyone had a key or could contact the rental car company to open the door. With an easy going expression she told me the employee lived close to the airport and she would call her.

It took about 20 minutes and several phone calls to get the Avis employee on the phone. With each failed attempt, I grew more anxious at the prospect of needing to smash the window and pay a hefty damage fee. However, the security officer was confident she would reach her. She kept telling me, “It’s a small island. She can’t go far.” I wanted to giver her a hug when she finally got her on the line.

Lesson in Kindness.

The Avis lady arrived about ten minutes later. She was dressed in beautiful, tropical floral prints and a flower headdress. But, she didn’t see irritated at all, and smiled when I told her what happened. I had clearly interrupted an important gathering or event, and I felt even more embarrassed and ashamed for being so careless. I was, nevertheless, very grateful she arrived so quickly and was very eager to help.

It didn’t take long to retrieve my backpack. I checked it again for my phone, wallet, and passports. I had about NZ$100 in my wallet and offered it to the Avis employee to show my appreciation. She refused. I then offered her NZ$50. She again refused. I insisted she take something as compensation for interrupting her evening. She put her hand up, shook her head, and said, “No. You don’t have to pay me to be kind.” After that, she left. Lesson in kindness learned.

Now, there is no question the South Pacific conjures up images of paradise in everyone’s mind. With miles of pristine beaches bordered by crystal clear blue water, these islands provide the perfect escape from the day to day hustle most people endure. The resorts are insanely luxurious with their over-water bungalows, five star restaurants, and magical excursions. Beyond the tourist attractions lies the best part – the locals. Their hospitality, generosity, and graciousness is unmatched, and are the reason I keep going back for more. I’ll never forget the Avis lady’s lesson in kindness.