Diwali Night...

My landlords were kind enough to invite me to their Diwali celebrations last night- full of food, fireworks and fun! Houses all around us were letting off fireworks throughout the day- even in daylight! Crazy. Of course, we let off some of our own too, as you'll see from the photos below!

Thanks to Sheetangly for lending me her salwar kameez, and thanks to Arti for coming round to drop off some Indian sweets! A truly loving, giving and all round magical occasion- I will certainly not forget my first Diwali celebration in a hurry...

My landlord's sister and I.

Arti and I.

My landlord's sister and niece.

Happy Diwali Everybody!

Fireworks lighting up the skies every night. Women rushing around the shops trying to find the perfect sari/salwar kameez. Fairy lights draped around houses, and Suva city. Gifts of home-made Indian sweets from our new Indo-Fijian friends. The pre-Diwali excitement this week has been contagious; to say Diwali is popular here is a gross understatement!

I had heard of Diwali before coming to Fiji; there are fireworks and processions-a-plenty at Diwali time all around England. However, I'm ashamed to say that my understanding of the festival itself was limited. All I knew was that it was the Hindu 'Festival of Light and Sweetness', and that it was one of the biggest events in the Hindu calender. So when I passed a book-stand with a children's book on Diwali, I snapped it up straight away, hoping to learn more about this festival that had Suva buzzing...

Although usually held in October or November, Diwali is held on a different date each year, according to the Hindu lunar calender. Apparently, the best day to hold Diwali is Amavasya, or 'no moon day': a dark day to truly emphasise the 'Festival of Lights'.
Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. Though there is a common celebration of the triumph of good over evil, each religion- and their respective branches- has a different legend to explain Diwali's origin. In north India, Hindus follow the story of Lord Rama and his wife Sita, who returned home after 14 years in exile. After Lord Rama rescued Sita from the clutches of the demon King Rawan, there was an almighty battle between the two, resulting in the death of the demon. The people of Ayodha, home of Lord Rama, believed that their beloved future king was a hero, and lit the way for he and Sita with diyas (oil lamps).

So, that's one of many stories about Diwali's beginnings...how do I intend to celebrate Diwali itself? Well, the festivities began last week, when I went sari-shopping with two of Patrick's lovely co-workers, Sheetangli and Joselyne. I got to experience the technical art of sari-dressing- and believe me, it is tricky! Major respect for those ladies who were folding, pleating and wrapping the saris at an amazing speed...think I would need a LOT of practice to do it myself! Yesterday, I joined the FCOSS crew at their fantastic Diwali lunch (will post pictures of this up later). There are a few pictures of the FCOSS ladies below...Ro Iva, the lady on the left, made a Fijian version of her sari as part of a competition to find the best 'Fijian-Influenced Sari' competition. Good luck Iva- I think you did a fantastic job! The salwar kameez that I am wearing was kindly lent to me by Mr. Khan, the executive director at FCOSS. I could definitely get used to wearing a kameez on a regular basis- they keep you cool in the sticky heat, and are incredibly comfortable!

As I write, it is Diwali day itself. One incredible, unique aspect of Diwali is how open and welcoming everybody is; a few people have invited us to join them in their nightly celebrations! Festivals are such a fun way to learn about another religion/culture, especially if you allow yourself to be swept away by it all!

Right, I'm off to get ready and don my salwar kameez once more. Happy Diwali everybody! More Diwali pictures to come very, very soon...

Our favourite sari!

The FCOSS ladies: Ro Iva, Shahana, Ashika and me!



Lizzie Hayes' Magical Christmas Travels- Part 6

A little later than usual, but here's Part 6 of Lizzie Hayes' tale. Am pleased to actually use some of my own photos as well for this one!...

Lizzie Hayes' Magical Christmas Travels

Chapter 6

So, the mystery was partly solved

On how the magic globe evolved

But one thing kept young Liz compelled:

The magic that those beavers held.

How were they able to enchant

A beaver-made globe to transplant

Whoever touched it to a place

Across the world, through time and space?

The thought truly blew Lizzie’s mind-

And that’s why she just HAD to find

Her Granddad Steve to get a clue:

He was the only one who knew!

So what went on with Lizzie’s mum?

As, let’s be fair, she wasn’t dumb-

She knew that a secret was kept

And something happened while Liz slept-

But despite all her hardest prying

Lizzie just kept on denying

Any strange stuff whatsoever-

Mum stopped asking altogether.

Waiting until midnight again,

Liz crept into her granddad’s den-

Discovering he wasn’t there,

Young Lizzie cried out in despair.

Come to think of it, thought Lizzie-

All day I’ve been very busy

Helping my mum make apple pie-

Far too busy to wonder why

I have not seen Granddad all day,

I really hope that he’s OK.

Liz waited for a little bit

But then she soon got sick of it

and decided to head to bed,

to get some well-earned sleep instead.

(Well, you know Liz just as I do-

I don’t think she’ll do that, do you?)

Chumps was waiting for her up there

Giving her a sad doggy stare

Which said: ‘You’ve left me behind twice,

Now I don’t think that’s very nice,

I think it’s time that you and me

Went off again- do you agree?’

Liz did not like a gloomy Chumps

So got the globe for Mr. Grumps,

Gave it 5 spins and held Chumps’ paw

To get to Canada once more.

But Lizzie must have spun too much,

She must have misaligned her touch

For she opened her eyes to see

Her and Chumps both stuck up a tree!

Where they were, Lizzie was not sure-

Was this the forest from before?

They were surrounded by pure green-

In the distance, ocean could be seen-

But somehow Liz was feeling HOT

While in Canada, she had not.

She looked around to find more clues

But as she did, started to lose

Her balance, and fell from the tree,

Bouncing straight off a branch or three!

As she analyzed all her bumps

And looked up at poor lonely Chumps,

She felt a WHOOSH against her shin

That sent her flying in a spin!

But when she stopped and looked behind,

There was nothing there she could find

That could even start to explain-

WHOOSH! And there it was again!

Chumps was barking like a loon

And dangling off like a baboon,

Following something with his head:

‘What are you chasing?’ Lizzie said

Then she saw it! A blur of grey,

Just what it was, Liz could not say,

That moment, Chumps fell out the tree

And Liz heard a voice: ‘Get off me!’

Chumps squealed and ran away with fear

Young Liz felt nosy, so stepped near

To this grey and white ball of fluff

Who said to Liz ‘Oof! I feel rough!’

Was this a koala she could see?

No, Liz thought, it couldn’t be,

Aren’t koalas supposed to be lazy,

Not running around like crazy?

And koalas’ homes were somewhere great:

They lived in AUSTRALIA, mate.

‘G’day mate, my name is Shane-

That dog of yours caused me some pain,

Sorry if I gave you a scare

When I ran round from here to there.’

Animals talking to Lizzie

Failed to get her in a tizzy,

But there’s one thing she had to know:

‘Aren’t koalas supposed to be slow?’

‘Wow! You don’t beat around the bush!

All koalas need is that PUSH

They all just eat and sleep, you see-

That’s why I’ve formed the K.R.G.’

‘What’s that?’ said Liz, ‘I’m out the loop,’

‘We’re the Koala Running Group.’

‘So, just how many others run?’

Shane said, ‘I am the only one:

But all I need is promotion

To get koalas in motion.’

‘That must keep you very busy,

We can help you!’ said young Lizzie.

Shane said: ‘Koalas love to hide

And have foolish amounts of pride.

You’ll never find them, let alone

Get them to run. Nope, I’m alone

In wanting to move round and run

Koalas don’t think running’s fun.

They just eat eucalyptus leaves

At a rate you would not believe.

They think the joy of life’s to sit:

A life that I just had to quit.’

Lizzie said ‘We’ll give it a go,

The process might be rather slow,

But even if we just find one,

That will make your running more fun!

Chumps will see the koalas well-

And don’t forget his sense of SMELL!’

With that, young Lizzie scoured the trees

And once in a while, Chumps would freeze

And look up, then would bark like mad

‘Shh! Koalas will think we’re bad!

Just sniff them out; at the right spot

Whimpering’s fine, barking is not.’

Chumps had to be scolded several ways

Before he’d listen to Lizzie Hayes.

Though she searched far, and she searched wide-

Those koalas just LOVED to hide!

But then! A rustle in the bush,

All three were silent, then a WHOOSH

Came out of nowhere from behind

To which Shane shouted: ‘Do you mind?’

A fur-ball, the colour of ash,

Turned and said: ‘Sorry for that dash!

I’m always running from here to there,

Next time round, I will take more care.

My name’s Walt; I happen to be

Head of the W.R.T!’

‘W.R.T?’ replied Shane,

Walt said: ‘You must think I’m insane!

It stands for Wombat Running Team-

I know how crazy that must seem.

Once, I was chased by a dingo,

Panicked for a while, then BINGO!

I suddenly started to RUN,

And discovered that it was FUN!

I started W.R.T,

But did not find wombats like me.’

‘Mate, I know what you’re going through-

As I have a running group too!

No luck with members whatsoever.’

Liz said ‘You should join together

To make ONE team out of your two,

Then neither of you will feel blue,

Your lonely running days will end-

You’ll always have a running friend!’

While Walt was jumping up and down,

Shane was quiet and wore a frown.

‘There’s something we must do before

I know it’s a good plan for sure.

Let’s go for a run, just to see

If both our running styles agree.’

Walt nodded and said ‘That’s fair play-

I tend to get carried away!’

‘So GO!’ said Lizzie- they stayed still.

‘I said GO, GO, GO! Up that hill!’

Shane led the way, followed by Walt,

Neither of them came to a halt

Until they reached the very top:

Even then, not long did they stop!

At first, old Chumps joined in the race-

But he couldn’t keep to their pace!

Two minutes rest, they came back down

And Shane no longer wore his frown.

‘I won! But you reach a good speed.

Walt, you run very fast indeed.’

Lizzie said: ‘Call the team K-WART,

It’s preferable when names are short!’

Then the koala and wombat

Looked like they were locked in combat

As the pair both butted their heads.

Liz said: ‘Can’t you shake hands instead?’

‘Shake hands? Don’t take offence, my dear,

But that sounds like a strange idea!’

Grinning, Liz said: ‘It’s time to go.

How do we get back, do you know?’

‘Where are you going, mate?’ asked Shane,

Liz said: ‘It’s tricky to explain…’

Walt said: ‘Come with us for a run-

I promise you it will be fun!’

Not knowing what else she could do,

Liz said ‘O.K, but I’ll beat you!’

So off they ran, laughing away,

Chumps thought this a fun game to play,

Liz fell behind, then couldn’t see

Walt or Shane- but where could they be?

She looked behind, but just saw BLACK

Then turned forward and she was BACK

In Granddad’s study, with the dog

And Steve was there, adding a log

To the flames in the fireplace.

Steve smiled and said ‘Why the shocked face?

My love, where have you been tonight?

Sorry I could not join your flight,

There’s somewhere that I had to be

And someone that I had to see.

Sit down: what joys did this night bring?’

So Liz told Granddad everything.

When she finished, Granddad Steve said:

‘When your grandma and I first wed,

Australia was where we went

And quite a lot of time was spent

Seeking koalas in the sun,

But never did we see one RUN,

Or see a wombat at high speed-

A very special thing indeed!’

‘Both of them were the only ones’

Said Liz, ‘of their species to run,

But both of them still made their teams,

Alone, but still chasing their dreams.’

‘Lizzie, my dear, these two creatures

Have both been inspiring teachers.

‘You can do anything,’ said Steve,

‘All you need to do is believe.’

‘If you are trying something new,

Your friends might not want to join you

As they are scared of the unknown,

They’ll think you’re mad to be alone.

If you keep on, if you pursue

Your dreams, you’ll find others like you,

Follow your dreams, be brave and strong-

True happiness will come along.’

With her mind bursting at the seams

With happy thoughts and crazy dreams,

Liz went to bed feeling brand new-

The world was hers; it is yours, too.

Lizzie Hayes' Magical Christmas Travels- Part 5

Here's Part 5- this time in a part of the world that, even though I've only been there once, still feels very familiar to me. Enjoy!

Lizzie Hayes’  Magic Christmas Travels

Chapter 5

Back in her bed, Liz hardly slept-

This secret that her Granddad kept

About the globe and its weird ways

Was far too much for Lizzie Hayes!

The following day, time seemed to drag

Liz tried her hardest not to nag

Her granddad, knowing she must wait

Until her and Steve’s midnight date.

Finally, midnight came around

So Lizzie crept without a sound

To Granddad’s study, went to knock

And on the twelfth bong of the clock

The door swung open on its own

And there was Steve, sitting alone.

‘Come in, Lizzie, my darling girl

Now the globe’s story will unfurl

Before your eyes, right here and now,

The who, what, why, when, if and how.

But first, there’s something you must see,

So come, my dear, through here with me.’

Liz carefully put down the globe

To follow Steve in his green robe-

They walked through a door in the wall

That Liz had not noticed at all!

She stepped into a tiny room

Quite different from the study’s gloom-

Lights on the wall gave blinding glares;

Photos were pasted EVERYWHERE!

Not an inch of wall could be seen-

Granddad was especially keen

On one photo behind the door:

‘This photo’s what I brought you for.’

Intrigued, Lizzie stepped close to see

Just what this photograph could be.

Crinkled, and shot in black and white

It showed a boy with pure delight

Etched on his face, with scruffy knees,

In front of hundreds of pine trees

And mountains rising to the sky…

Then Granddad Steve said ‘It is I.’

‘That boy is you?’ young Lizzie said,

Granddad smiled and nodded his head.

‘But where was this photo taken?

Not near here, or I’m mistaken.’

‘Canada, a long time ago

Around the time of this photo

I discovered the globe’s magic

As well as something much more tragic…’

Young Lizzie did not understand

As Granddad took her by the hand-

‘Please go and get the globe, my dear-

The only way things will be clear

Is if I take you to this place

As only then you will embrace

This story that you want to know-

Go get the globe and off we’ll go.’

So Liz rushed to bring the globe back

As Steve said ‘There’s a special knack

To controlling where you’re going-

(Usually there’s no way of knowing)-

You have to know how much to SPIN

And when to stop- shall we begin?’

Steve spun the globe, grabbed Lizzie’s hand

And took them both to that same land

Where Steve the young boy had once stood-

Except this time, Lizzie felt good!

‘Something useful for survival-

You feel less sick on arrival

If you choose the place you go.’

Young Lizzie said ‘That’s good to know!’

‘This way through the pine trees’ said Steve,

‘The path to Bert’s house, I believe.’

Before Liz could ask ‘Who is Bert?’

The two walked through needles and dirt

Taking in that crisp mountain air,

As they hiked to goodness-knows-where.

The night grew dark, the night grew cold;

Liz worried what the night may hold,

Just as she started to shiver

The two of them reached a river.

Steve cried: ‘Now I know where I am!

We’ve finally reached the river dam!’

But Liz could see nothing worthwhile-

Just in the middle, a stick pile.

‘I wonder whether Bert’s still here

Don’t worry, Liz, you mustn’t fear

This forest- you might get a scare

When you first see a GRIZZLY BEAR

All you have to do is play dead

Then they leave you alone,’ Steve said.

Poor Lizzie was not put at ease

And she was now starting to freeze

But then! She thought she heard a SPLASH

And saw a furry brown thing dash

Behind a tree, just tail showing-

Steve cried: ‘Bert! Where are you going?

It’s me, Steve! No need for your fears!

I know that it’s been…’ ’60 years!’

Said a deep voice behind the tree,

‘I’m sorry, you’re not after me.’

‘Another talking beaver? Mad!’

‘I speak as Bert’s my great-granddad.

I’m sorry sir to let you know

My great-granddad died years ago.’

‘It’s been so long, of course Bert’s dead,’

Said Granddad Steve, dropping his head.

‘Now tell me my son, what’s your name?’

The beaver said ‘My name’s the same

As my great-granddad- quite absurd:

I’m Bert Junior the Third.

You must be Steve, but who is this?'
'This is my young grand-daughter, Liz.'

      Liz was confused, and seemed to miss

Where the globe fit into all this.

Just as she was about to ask

Granddad Steve said ‘We have the task

Of setting up bed for the night-

One of us will have to keep sight

For one of those great GRIZZLY BEARS-

They like to catch you unawares!

Just remember, you must PLAY DEAD!’

Steve patted down the dirt for bed

‘Now Lizzie, sleep, I’ll keep lookout

For any bears that come about.’

Young Lizzie could not sleep at first

Hearing noises, fearing the worst,

But then she woke the next morning

Saw her Granddad, who was yawning-

With red robe ripped and face all bruised

Steve smiled and said: ‘Don’t look confused

I had a tumble in the dirt-

Now Liz, let’s go and find young Bert.’

(Lizzie did not think this was true-

She thought he’d fought a bear- do YOU?)

Beavers mostly roam round at night-

This early start gave Bert a FRIGHT!

It took both Steve and Liz to shout

To get young Bert up and about.

Out of his lodge, he rubbed his eyes,

Looked at Steve then SCREAMED with surprise!

‘Steve! Your face is bruised and bloody

And your robe and hands are muddy!’

‘Never mind that,’ said Granddad Steve.

‘It’s nearly time for us to leave

But first, there’s something I must know.

Your great-grandfather long ago

Gave me a gift that I hold dear-

The very gift that brought me here.

He’d carve ANYTHING out of wood

And what’s more, he was REALLY good!

He thought lodges and dams a bore

And thought that he could carve much MORE

With those great teeth you beavers own.

We met when I went out alone

Into the forest at sunset

(My mum was worried sick, I bet).

Then I thought I heard someone speak

And feeling my chances were bleak

I went to run, but then a voice

Made me less scared, and change my choice.

“Please do not be afraid, dear child

Though I’m a beaver in the wild.”

Who jumped out from behind the tree?

Old Bert! And he said “Come with me.”

What a strange animal to find-

Big teeth, brown fur, flat tail behind-

But still I followed Mr. Bert,

After all, how much could it hurt?

He took me to a HUGE pile of bark

Dragged me inside into the dark

Out of nowhere produced a light

And then! What an amazing sight

For there stood carpentry galore-

Sculptures, statues, tables and more!

In shock, in awe, taking it in

I said “WOW! Where do you begin?”

So old Bert, that wily creature

Became my carpentry teacher

As every evening I returned-

Oh my! What woodwork skills I learned!

But I was there on holiday

The time came to be on my way

Back to England,’ said Granddad Steve,

‘And I just didn’t want to leave!

The last night, Bert took me aside,

Tear in his eye, he said with pride:

“You’ve certainly achieved your best-

Well done, my boy, you’ve passed the test!”

”A test?” said I, “I didn’t know…”

“Take this globe with you when you go.”

And then, his face lit up with glee

As he passed on the globe to me.

Bert said: “This globe’s more than a toy-

It’ll bring you to me, my boy!

Point to Canada on fifth spin-

Then woodwork lessons will begin!”

So I went back ten times that year

More after that; now I’m back here!

Bert Junior, this is a bore-

I’m sure you’ve heard all this before.

But this is what I must ask you-

Are you keen on carpentry too?’

Bert Junior smiled: ‘A story, Steve,

I’ve heard more times that you’d believe.

It’s a tale beautiful and bold

So I still love to hear it told

As I also have a passion

To carve wood of any fashion.’

Steve smiled. ‘We’d best be on our way.’

‘Farewell,’ said Bert, ‘see you someday?’

‘Not me,’ said Steve, ‘my grand-daughter!

Liz, we’re jumping in the water.’

Nothing shocked Lizzie anymore

So in she jumped- one, two, three, FOUR!

Liz did not ask Steve more that night-

What she had learned was quite alright.

Granddad’s globe was from a beaver-

Just three questions would not leave her:

HOW were the beavers so magic?

WHAT was the thing Steve called ‘tragic’?

WHY was Granddad the chosen youth?

Looks like we need to find more truth

Before Lizzie Hayes’ tale can end-

See you at the next chapter, friend.

Celebrating The 'International Day For Older Persons' with FCOSS...

...at Samabula Senior Citizens' Home:

Can you spot me?

...and at Veiqaravi Community Training Centre:

These men are playing 'vidi vidi'- literally 'flick flick'. This is a traditional Fijian game, combining tiddlywinks and snooker all into one! in the background, I'm helping one of the gentlemen to fill out his questionnaire.

1st October is the 'International Day Of Older Persons': the perfect time to review and encourage the implementation of MIPAA across the globe.

MIPAA (Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing), developed in 2002 at the United Nations Second World Assembly on Ageing in Madrid, is a global project that aims to improve the lives of older persons around the world. As representatives of Fiji, one of 160 nations involved, FCOSS conducted interviews with older persons across Fiji to find out their individual needs. These were then compiled into a report to be presented on a local (to Fiji's Minister of Social Welfare) and international scale (to the United Nations). The main goal of all this? To encourage policy-makers to develop policies for the elderly that truly address their needs- that truly listens to them.

FCOSS feel very passionately towards the implementation of MIPAA for elderly Fijians. One senior I talked to at Veiqaravi turned out to be a boxing champion; others taught me how to play a game called 'vidi vidi' (I misheard this at first and thought it was 'wiji wiji', causing much amusement to the FCOSS staff! Am curious about what 'wiji' means now...)

When listening to the senior citizens talk about their lives, it was clear that they still have a lot to offer to society- but are not offered what they need in return. Ageing populations around the world have become a reality, and they need to be dealt with accordingly. Older persons want the opportunity to live life in the fullest way they can. It's going to take more than just 'listening' to senior citizens to produce a policy that will be beneficial; the elderly need to be truly heard.

Despite The Rain, I 'Lovo' Caqalai Island...

Another blog post, another exceptionally bad pun. All will be revealed...

But let me start by wishing you all a happy belated Fiji Day! The 10th October is the 31st anniversary of Fiji gaining their independence from us thieving Brits...and subsequently, a day off from work! To take advantage of this long weekend, we decided to join the Rucksack Club on their trip to Caqalai Island, about 2 hours east of Suva. The first hour was in a minibus, taking us to Waidalice Crossing...a blink-and-you-miss-it bridge, and the 'port' (a loose term- see picture below!) for Caqalai Island.

The Waidalice Crossing 'port', and an example of our 'wooden dingy'.

The next hour was spent winding through a tree-lined river, waving to colourfully-clad Fijians on the waterside, before hitting open water and bombing our way across to Caqalai. We probably could have walked to the island if we wanted to; our boatman jumped out of the boat a few times to push us through shallow water!!

Caqalai Island.

A nice welcome as we approached Caqalai.

Heading further east in Fiji is always a big risk; it is widely known that the western side is usually drier. Sadly, this weekend proved this stereotype. Rain, rain, RAIN for almost the whole time. Not such a bad thing for my progress through 'The Count Of Monte Cristo'; quite a bad thing for my progress in Fiji-based snorkelling. The rain wouldn't have stopped us in the latter, of course...but our lack of warm clothes (caused by my misplaced optimism when packing) put us off, the wussies that we are...

Ah well- as we proved with Colleen and Bob in Thailand, you don't need good weather to have a good time! Here's some other highlights from this weekend:

1)  BOUNTY RUM- When I first got this out at dinner and asked if any of the group would like any, an Australian-Canadian lady called Bran looked at it in shock and said 'Do you know how strong that is?' 'Um...no,' I replied, looking at the bottle...'overproof dark rum. 58% alcohol.' 58%?!? After reading that, I soon turned my measure into a small splash instead! We all learned never to drink Bounty straight after Noah, an American ex-pat, lost his voice for a whole day after just a few glasses.
2) KAVA AND SINGALONGS- To cap off Saturday, around 10 of us sat in a circle drinking kava and singing tunes played by the guitar. Enrique would be proud of the version of 'Hero' that Miki (Noah's wife) and I performed. Each of us were asked what kava levels we wanted in the wooden cup- 'high tide', 'low tide' or even 'tsunami'...nobody was brave enough the latter option! We were drinking with experts too...the staff on the island were able to drink 50 cups or more a day...making them very, VERY chilled. 

One of the staff playing the guitar for us; the kava bowl just in front of him.

3) EUKER- That's right, our favourite rainy-day game came out again on Sunday night. Patrick and I turned out to be a pretty good team...think I've learned a tactic or two since last time!
4)  LOVO LUNCH- Our first experience of lovo, a traditional Fijian lunch. 'Lovo' means 'earth oven' in Fijian, and that's literally how it is cooked- wrapped and placed under ground-laden leaves for a few hours, left to cook and develop delicious smoky flavours. Although the fish and chicken were flavourful and succulent, my favourite part was probably the talo lolo (talo leaves cooked in coconut milk).

Talo lolo...yummy!

The whole feast.

Smoky lemon fish...delish.

5) WALKING AND EXPLORING- Although we didn't go snorkelling, we still managed to see some beach creatures on our 20-minute walking trips around the whole island (yep, it really is that small!). Tiny crabs hiding in hermit shells, bigger crabs sniffed and dug out of the sand by the island's pet dogs, many snails that got Patrick dreaming of escargots (apart from the lovo, the island's food was, unfortunately, not great...)

Our beachfront 'bure' (hut).

Crab-hunting doggies.

Patrick found this pretty quick...

Despite our bad luck with the weather, we'll certainly be back. Caqalai is the haven we always searched for in South East Asia...beachfront rustic huts, hardly any tourists (it was only our group on the whole island), crystal clear sea. If the weather had been better (and if we'd had more snacks), it might even have been up there with Sihanoukville in Cambodia. Still, I hugely enjoyed chatting to a variety of ex-pats, and learning about the different paths that had brought everybody to Suva. Some were librarians for USP, others worked at Pacific Theological College, some had been here for 2 months, others 2 years...all of them were interesting to chat to and learn from. I look forward to joining the next Rucksack Outing very soon!

 

This weekend will probably be a chilled one to save some money. But who knows, we might be able to fit in a cheeky day trip somewhere- though I think we'll be heading West this time...
 

In The Words Of The Late, Great Steve Jobs...

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, 

and the only way to be truly satisfied 

is to do what you believe is great work.

And the only way to do great work 

is to love what you do. 

If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. 

Don't settle. 

As with all matters of the heart, 

you'll know when you find it." 

R.I.P.

Lizzie Hayes' Magical Christmas Travels- Part 4

Right, a few disclaimers might be needed for this next chapter, as I went for a subject a liiiiiiiittle bit out of my depth. Best way to learn, right? But I'll save those disclaimers until the end- don't want to ruin the surprise, after all...

Twice Liz had travelled with the globe-

It now was time to prod and probe

Her Granddad Steve, to find out more

Why did this globe let her explore?

She knew how weird and wild it seemed-

But this was NOT something she’d dreamed.

Along with Chumps, she went downstairs

To face her mother’s baffled glare.

‘You’re so bruised Liz, are you alright?

You look like you’ve been in a fight!’

‘I’m fine thanks Mum- just need to talk

To Granddad- can we take a walk?’

But Granddad looked a little scared,

‘Not now, dear Lizzie- I’ve prepared

A HUGE breakfast for Boxing Day-

Pancakes and bacon on the way!’

Her favourite food- but Liz was cross

Was Granddad Steve trying to gloss

Over the subject- what’s to hide?

So after breakfast, Lizzie tried

To ask her Granddad once again,

Who said ‘Not now.’ Liz said, ‘But when?’

‘I’ll tell you when the time is right,’

Said Granddad Steve, ‘later tonight.’

So Lizzie sat through Boxing Day

Just wishing the whole day away-

And only at the midnight chime

Did Granddad Steve say ‘It is time.

Come to my study, with the globe.’

Then flounced off in his flowing robe.

Keen Lizzie obeyed Steve’s command,

Went to the study, globe in hand,

‘Come in!’ said Granddad, ‘it’s unlocked!’

And that’s before Lizzie had knocked!

Carefully, Liz turned the handle

Into darkness, save one candle

Only lighting her Granddad’s face-

‘Come here, my dear, and take your place!

Let me explain all that you’ve seen

And tell me everywhere you’ve been-

But I think before we begin

That we should take a little SPIN…

Hold my hand, nothing to be feared!’

Said Granddad Steve, stroking his beard.

So Lizzie took Steve’s bony hand

And spun her way to some strange land…

She fell down with her usual screech,

Opened her eyes onto a BEACH!

As Steve brushed off his sandy robe,

Liz said ‘Where ARE we on the globe?’

‘South America, I believe!

Now come this way,’ said Granddad Steve.

Liz said ‘Have you been here before?’

This question Steve chose to ignore.

He scoured all the rocks and sand

Young Lizzie did not understand!

Liz looked at the sea, sparkling blue,

Unsure of what else she should do.

‘Liz! Come here!’ Steve suddenly cried,

So Lizzie sprinted to his side

And stared at what looked like a rock

Until she got a mighty SHOCK

As that same rock began to move

Steve certainly seemed to approve,

Out popped some legs, and then a HEAD!

‘We’ve woken Carlos from his bed!’

Said Granddad Steve, ‘This tortoise here

I’ve visited for many years-

He’s almost the same age as me!

¡Hola Carlos, estoy aquí!’

Slowly, the tortoise turned his head,

‘Steve mi amigo, ¿está usted?

‘Sí Carlos, con mi nieta-

¡Es la mejor del planeta!

Steve said to Liz as Carlos smiled

‘I know that this seems pretty wild

But Spanish is what Carlos speaks-

I learned the tongue for MANY weeks

Before I could talk and comprehend

The words of my old tortoise friend.’

Lizzie looked at Carlos a while,

Who said to her, with a sleepy smile:

‘iHermasos ojos azules!’

‘Carlos, Lizzie habla ingles.’

Then Carlos said ‘I had no clue!

My name’s Carlos, how do you do?

From my words, I’m sure you can tell

I cannot speak your English well!’

‘Lizzie, I will translate, no fear,’

Said Granddad Steve. ‘Old Carlos here

Said you have beautiful blue eyes!’

Well, this took Lizzie by surprise!

‘Lizzie, pleased excuse me a sec,’

Said Steve, ‘There’s something I must check.’

Carlos and Steve spoke Spanish fast,

Liz wondered how long it would last

Until Steve cried ‘Why, it’s a shame!

You only have yourself to blame!

We’re looking for your wife TODAY!

There’s no way she’s gone TOO astray!’

You see Liz, Carlos lost his wife

After he caused her too much strife!

No time to waste, now we must leave.

That’s OK, Carlos?’ ‘Vale, Steve.’

Steve took the tortoise on his back

(Carlos was old, his pace was slack)

The three of them walked from the beach

As Granddad Steve began to teach

Young Lizzie, with a happy smile:

‘San Cristobal is a small isle

Part of the Galapagos group

Off Ecuador, home to a troop

Of giant tortoises on shore

Who lay their eggs- and wait! There’s more-

Don’t make a sound, don’t say a word-

Hear the elusive mockingbird!’

As neither Steve nor Lizzie talked

Lizzie saw just how far they’d walked-

A rainforest with stifling heat

Plus spiky plants just by their feet

And silence- then the rarest sound,

Which meant a MOCKINGBIRD was found!

Then Granddad did something absurd-

He sang just like the mockingbird!

Young Lizzie caught a flash of white-

A bird swooped down to Lizzie’s height.

‘¡Hola, Conzuela!’- in reply

The mockingbird trilled to the sky.

‘Mi amigo ha perdido

Su esposa- ha salido.

¿Dónde está? No sabemos.

Liz, I’ve just explained that Carlos

Lost his wife, when she departed-

This young bird here is kind-hearted

And might have seen his wife around.’

The mockingbird then trilled a sound-

‘Oh, ¡GRACIAS!’ cried Granddad Steve-

Who ran like you wouldn’t believe

For Steve was old, but he was QUICK!

So quick Liz thought she might be sick!

Poor Carlos, bobbing up and down

On Steve’s Back wore a queasy frown

Until they reached another BEACH-

The last thing Liz thought they would reach!

But Steve kept running thud-thud-thud

Towards a rock-pool, brown with mud,

Then he stopped dead, waited a while,

Slowly began to smile and smile-

‘My dear grand-daughter, see those bubbles?

That’s the end of all our troubles

For I think that the wife is found!’

Releasing Carlos from the ground,

Into the mudpool, Carlos fell-

He stared hard at one surfaced shell…

Then that shell grew a tortoise head!

‘Oh Ana, Ana, ¿es usted?

‘Carlos, ¿dónde has estado?

iMi amor, te he echado!

‘Now Carlos found his wife,’ said Steve,

‘I think it’s time for us to leave.’

‘Adiós Carlos y Ana,

See you soon! ¡Hasta mañana!

Then Granddad Steve took Lizzie’s hand

And ran full speed through speckled sand

Back through the trees, they heard the laugh

Of mockingbirds- Steve chose the path

That seemed to last for many miles-

Lizzie was almost out of smiles,

Much more running, she could not take-

Then suddenly, they’d reached a LAKE

With nothing but grass all around,

Lizzie’s breathing the only sound.

‘Lizzie, this lake is El Junco-

To get back home, in we must go!’

Lizzie was stunned- ‘You mean we JUMP?’

But Steve just laughed ‘Don’t get the hump!

Now jump after I count to 3-‘

‘Please don’t! I’m scared!’ said Liz, ‘You see

I nearly drowned when once I fell

Into the sea- I can’t swim well!’

Steve grinned and said ‘Don’t worry, dear,

I promise there’s no need to fear,

Don’t hold your breath, just after ‘3’

Jump feet first in the lake with me.’

Don’t hold her breath? But why? but why?

Wouldn’t she drown? Wouldn’t she die?

However, she knew that she must

Put into Steve all of her trust

And so she jumped- but just felt AIR

Rushing around her everywhere

Then silence. Liz opened her eyes

And found (which came to no surprise)

That she was back in Granddad’s study,

Somehow clean, not wet or muddy,

And Granddad Steve sat opposite

Grinning at her, not fazed one bit.

‘Oh Granddad, can you tell me now?

Where did we go? What, why and how?

But Granddad gave the BIGGEST yawn-

‘My dear, it’s coming up to dawn.

Tomorrow night, come meet me here,

Same time, same place, and then my dear

You’ll find out all there is to know.

Now Lizzie, off to bed you go!’

Will you join Liz tomorrow eve

To find out everything from Steve?

I know she’d love you to be there-

But for now, dear, goodnight, take care.

DISCLAIMERS: I am not an expert of Spanish/ the Galapagos Islands. I apologize if I offend anybody with mistakes, and will gladly correct them...as long as they're within the rhyme scheme...(joking, will actually correct if wrong!). I wish the picture was mine,  but it isn't...it belongs here.