Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Angelo's Organic Garden

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Cook Islands

When we visited Aitutaki in August 2005 we bought some very nice fruit and vegetables from a farmer named Angelo. I know he was born in Italy, moved to Australia, married a women from Aitutaki and decided to move there. He was an interesting character and I wonder from time to time how he and his wife are doing. Does anyone happen to know?

Did he have a hand-painted sign that advertised organic fruits and vegetables located near the center of the island?

1

Yes, he sure did. Do you know if he is still around selling his produce? He invited my husband and I over for coffee one morning so we got to know him a little bit. Nice man, very interesting stories and beautiful garden.

2

We bumped into him in 2003 or 04. I'll be there this Nov and inquire for you. I didn't know his name, the locals just referred to him as "the Italian with the organic fruits & vegetables." I remember him as being a bit pricey. Like $2 or $3 for a mango!

3

I would appreciate that, thank you very much. We were on Aitutaki for two weeks and bought produce from him several times. I thought his prices were very fair and he wasn't pushy like Sonja from Tauano's. Angelo was very kind to us and even gave us some fruit on our last visit with him. We sent him some green coffee beans and packets of vegetable seeds about two years ago and I am wondering if he received the package or not. Not sure it made it through customs because on the form I actually wrote green coffee beans and vegetable seeds. Anyway, thanks again for your replies and have a wonderful trip.

4

Yes, produce won;t often make it through Customs at RAR (actually, it's Agric. inspection).

Try writing "candy and gifts gifts" or something like that on the form.

5

Thanks for the tip Raro, I just might do that!

6