No gat bia

This bia (beer) store was closed when I came past the other day. So I am wondering if this sign is a little misleading!!!!

In PNG if you have had too much of the amber fluid – or any other colour for that matter – they say “Em i spak tomas.” which means “He is drinking too much or He is drunk.”

Saying someone is “spaked” (pronounced sparked) sounds so much more descriptive doesn’t it?

Dolphin escort

When you go by boat anywhere around here, you usually have a dolphin escort. Sometimes the sea is alive, as far as you can see, with them.

The dolphins around here are Spinner Dolphins – a small breed that flip themselves out of the water and spin around. Quite magical to see.

Dolphins have been known to do amazing things like save swimmers from sharks. Have you had any dolphin experiences?

A pier, a sunny day and friends

It‘s Sunday and these kids like nothing better than diving off the Vunapope pier.

Unlike kids in other places in the world who have the day in front of them, they really don’t have a lot to choose from. They have no computers, game-boys, shopping malls, movies, skateboards or bicycles; many don’t even own a book.

Are they missing out or not?

Murphy's water spout

We call it Murphy’s Law!!! You see a spectacular sight and you don’t have your camera with you. I bet this has happened to you too!

While we were away last month sailing, a storm blew up. It had quite spectacular cloud formations and I took a number of photos of it before leaving the catamaran and heading to the island. (see July 8 post)

As we got to the island I looked back at the catamaran and saw the water spout. Of course where was my camera – on the boat!!! I yelled “Has any one got a camera?” We eventually found Rosie’s little digital, and Joanna took this photo. Rosie has sent it to me to use on my blog.

The spout lasted about five minutes. It is not the first one I’ve seen around here, but it was the closest. We were a little concerned for awhile and were glad we were on the island and not on the boat – with my camera!!!!!

Elusive Duk Duk spotted

The elusive duk duk (pronounced "dook" as in book) has been spotted not far from my house!!!

This tree was decorated in 2005 for Chanel College's 50th anniversary celebrations which co-incidentally coincided with my 50th. I was quite chuffed when a huge 50th sign in stones was set on the hill, and trees in the area were decorated. How thoughtful of them, but really who wants to be reminded?

I'm still looking for the duk duk so stayed tuned!!!!

Low tide at Tovarua

Still at CPL (Coconut Products Ltd), this is Tovarua Plantation Beach where we often have picnics and go swimming and diving. On this day the divers had to trek far out over the low tide flats to get to the reef.

My water babies

Swimming pools are few and far between here. I think there are only three in the whole province. This photo was taken at the CPL (Coconut Products Limited) Pool at the Guria Club, Ulaveo (outside Kokopo). My two daughters were home from school and swimming there.

I miss them terribly and to make it worse one of my daughters is sick at the moment and I feel terrible I am not there!!! So this post is for them.