midnight worms: white baiting vanuatu style

Following the dramatic turn of events a few weeks ago, last week was relatively quiet. On Thursday I was invited to go with the SANTO2006 scientists to view the Palola worms. Basically, during the full moon at this time of year, the worms emerge from the coral reefs to mate and are harvested throughout the pacific. So after my french lesson, we pilled in the ubiquitous mini-van and headed 1hour south west to Tangoa Island, arriving at around 10pm.

Following a hairy boatride across a shark-infested channel, we made our way to the village where we were welcomed by the mama's, including the presentation of leis and kakae, and then headed to the coral reef. There was a big swell running, pretty big waves smashing against the rocks, so thankfully the decision was made to go to the calm side of the island, where about 10 small outrigger canoes with bamboo torches were floating a few metres off shore. On the foreshore, a couple of people used plastic strainers to collect the worms as they came out of the coral, attracted by the torchlight. It was kind of interesting, but at midnight we were all pretty much set on going home. However, the bus wasn't leaving till 2am so it was into the sleeping house to spel smol. The bus driver was also sleeping in the fale, so I thought we'ld be a shoe-in for getting onto the bus. Little did I know that nearly everyone else had managed to get across the channel and were champing at the bit to get home so the bus was fulup. Luckily for us stragglers, a second bus arrived and we managed to get home around 4am.

Other happenings this week: My VSA programme manager and a journalist with VSA arrived, so the weekend saw a nice dinner at Hotel Santo on Saturday and a swim and bbq at Beachfront resort on Sunday. The main reason for the bbq was to farwell Peter's partner Margaret (my mountainbiking buddy) who was off to Manilla for a course and eventually back to sea for four months. Unfortunately she left on the Saturday evening flight, but it was still a good farwell : )

Also, it looks as though my assignment is likely to change. As you may be aware, my Director is in the Solomons and there is not a lot of work happening at Wantok. So I'm starting to put some feelers out for some other work, at this stage the Provincial Council's Environment Unit is the likely location. As WTEC is my postal address, this may change in the near future, so will keep you up to date. Keep the post cards coming!

Also, for anyone who has had the (mis)fortune of observing my domestic skills you will be suprised to know at how domesticated I've become! Saturday saw the floors being scrubbed on hands and knees, I've been making mince pies, including the pastry from scratch, fudge, quiches, tomato sauces etc. There's a tonne of ginger in the market at the moment and I've managed to find a recipe for chrystalised ginger.... Who would have thought eh? So recipes are also greatfully received.

Other news: I'm getting my first island dress made in preparation for the trip to Pentecost in November. I've tried on a few and they are truly awful: I must be a bit taller than the average Ni-van as the ones that fit my shoulders aren't long enough, although you could fit about five pregnant Sarah's inside, they're so voluminous! Imagine a colourful powderpuff with long skinny arms and legs poking out. So I've commissioned a dress to be made, longer and more fitted.

But wait, there's still more! At WTEC, us girls seem to be coming up with a range of crazy ideas... The latest is to get some motherhubbard dresses made up for us, similar to the above but with a hoodie! We could become island fashion icons! We are also investigating the production of Bislama Croc shirts (see previous blog posting about Steve Irwin's "No swimswim witem ol crocodile" for the six designs). So many ideas, so much time!

The exit wound for the boil is healing nicely and am now showing my face without bandaids! Will be a nice scar to go with the broken collarbone bump: what is it with overseas adventures and medical misadventures!