Watch out Fiji

This time I have the jump on Peter as I really didn’t want to forget my experience at the bank.  So, it was five to three and I had no idea what time the bank shut but it had the word open, so myself and my other namesake waltzed inside to get a number and were prepared to wait.  I went in there knowing that what I wanted my not going happen because, oh just because.  Anyway, we are sitting there and a minister from parliament that I have met on a number of occasions and have been delighted with his conversation, came and sat down near us.  With lots of banter on all our parts, he entered through a door to my right.  Denise and I then started talking about bank fees and so on, the next thing our minister was back and joined our conversation.  I know what you are thinking if this is the short version I would hate to see what the long version is like.  Anyway, we still had a number of places to go, the bank was officially closed and the next thing we are directed into a private office.  We protested that we were happy to wait, particularly since we were in the air conditioning.  We are introduced to an executive for the bank who happens to be the minister’s rellie.  So as quick as a flash my deposit was made with no issues and we headed out the door with one of those feel good smiles on our faces.

Having a broken toe is for the birds!  I have things to do and now I really do need to stay out of mischief, which is not easy.

I went in to the phone company to ask why they are siphoning money off my account.  They fiddled with the phone and sent me on my way.  Really I think it was to get rid of me.  They didn’t like my line of questioning, although they were the same as what Peter was asking.  You know, why is my phone losing money when I’m not using it. (Them) Maybe your apps are updating, yes that would be great but I have already paid for data.  Double dipping.  Not impressed!!

Fiji here we come

We have two weeks in Fiji where we can enjoy some little luxuries such as fresh fruit and vegetables, and everything else we have missed in Kiribati.  The plan is to spend the first week with family in a place called Volivoli to celebrate Alex's 30th and three days later Denise's birthday, 21 again.  Apparently it has some great diving so we have 10 dives planned.  Of course all this depends on Fiji Airways and everything involved in getting out of Tarawa on time.

We all then go back to Nadi where we farewell everyone and then Denise and I head over to Mana Island for three days and six more dives.  We are staying at the Backpackers Resort in our own air conditioned hut.

Then it's back to Nadi to catch up with other volunteers from Kiribati and Fiji for a two day workshop and some much needed R&R (yes I know we have already had our R&R, but it's not just about us, or maybe it is) before flying back to Tarawa on the Monday.

We don't have any other escapes planned, but I doubt we can last five months without a break.

Some of the suggestions have been to go up to the Marshal Islands for a few days and visit some of the outer islands of Kiribati.

One island we won't be visiting is Banaba.  The only way there is by boat and the last trip took 53hrs in rough seas to get back.

We currently have Melanie (daughter 1) and Scott (Melanie's fiancée) staying with us enjoying everything Tarawa has to offer.  Some of the things planned were a farewell get together for another volunteer, tennis (hopefully with the President of Kiribati), the clam farm (see pic below), Battle of Tarawa (WWII) sites and visit to North Tarawa.

 

Recently I noticed a big crab squashed on or entry road.  It appears that it was about 15-20cm wide across the body.  It is the only large crab I've seen.  I thought with the overcrowding and resultant overfishing that nothing that size would be left.

Cutting trees and clearing land seems to be popular amongst the locals.  The cutting is usually done with a knife and sometimes it is just a kitchen knife, so the whole process takes time.  Last month the locals decided to clear an area on the way out to the main road so all I can assume is it will have shacks erected on it some time soon.

Just out behind where we live, outside our bedroom a few locals have been chopping off stumps with kitchen knives.  The only problem with that is they start around 5am so we wake to the thud of metal on wood.

In all the time here we haven't seen any new trees being planted so can anyone apart from us see a problem here?

Expect the unexpected comes true on most days, but I couldn't help but be shocked when listening to our Kiribati "mother" describing the domestic violence and violence against women in the community that she comes across.  This came from a conversation about frustrations we encounter.  It appears to be far more widespread here than I have ever encountered before.  I was thinking I have lead a sheltered life, but speaking to those in the education and health systems, it is a big problem here.  The disappointing thing is when cases get to court the police have regularly lost the paperwork so the case doesn't proceed.  I would love to say there is a way to fix this overnight, but I have no idea what I can do to help make a change.  Raising the issue is a small thing that I can do in the hope it makes a difference.  The tampering of children and women is an ongoing battle and I find it extremely difficult to act kindly around some of these people.  We all know that I believe in Truth, honesty and caring after the not so lucky but this tares my head apart.  I know none of us a perfect but……….

Thank you all for listening.

Melanie and Scott have arrived at the right time for me as this place was getting to me. We are now off for an overnight stay on North Tarawa. Can’t wait!!

It’s so long for this time.

As always

Big hugs and kisses

Denise and the boy wonder