As JHamm mentioned in response to last night’s blog, it is really something special to have friends on a small island half a world away that we met via a bottle with a note that we tossed overboard. Very small world. And today it got smaller. Our friend Epile led us to the next village, through the jungle, down to the beach, through the water to the school. We love visiting the schools on these islands but today’s had a special draw. And a Fulunga connection. The Head Master at the Nairai school is the brother of Koro, the women who taught me to weave in Fulunga! I knew it was Simi before the smiling man coming our way introduced himself. He looks, and laughs, just like his sister. And Simi was just as delightful. (Simi has not seen Koro in 14 years! But they stay in contact by phone. In fact Koro had called Simi to tell him that Charisma was in their way to Nairai — small work connections.)

The "path" to school.

Headmaster Simi and family.

And of course my day is complete when I can teach children to play Farkle. So surrounded by about thirty kids I explained the game and we played. Kids catch on fast and it is a great way to share our languages. And I always learn something new. And of course I taught them how to say nothing in Spanish…nada! They loved it.

Ann teaching the kids how to play Farkle.

As we hiked the thirty minutes back to Lawaki we were accompanied by Epile’s dog Tiger. Tiger is not a big dog. About the size of a Springer Spaniel. But he has a special talent. Tiger hunts and catches wild pig! Go Tiger! Epile said they may go pig hunting tomorrow morning but it is far too early for us to attend. But we promise to find out if Tiger was successful.

I spent the rest of the afternoon chatting with the chief’s daughter-in-law as she wove a beautiful mat. Laiti happily discussed the different weaving styles with me. She can identify the island origin of a woven mat in a craft mart just from the construction. Nice.

Chief's wife is also an impressive weaver.

And really nice was Bob taking a nap at Esther’s only to be awakened by Epile who decided it was time for a bowl of kava. So a gentle voice worked through Bob’s dream inviting him to kava. Island life…issa (which is like awww…in English.)