Charles and the Summa tour

We checked out Summa village and went on a little tour. We drove through the main village part and were met by Charles our official Tour Guide. He was great and the it's first time we've seen locals do something really structured for tourism involving conservation rather than the exploitation of their resources (I am quoting Philip word for word here :-) ). Charles was quite good looking too (that's me this time). We went on a mini bush walk and Charles fed the fishes coconut and explained how they have set up a marine reserve there. We also saw giant clams and a sea snake. We felt today, like we were actually supporting local endeavors. Another absolutely gorgeous spot.

Onesua High School

As it turns out, Sara beach was just around the corner from Onesua High School. We met the (slightly uninterested) office lady and the (much more interested) Principal. We wandered around the school, and checked out the house where Philip, Tania, Juliette and Colin used to live. The school is still there, but a lot of the buildings (where the teachers and families used to stay) are a bit derelict. Philip instantly recognized the place and thought it was amazing to be back after all these years :-)
Photos of school buildings, house and water tower in the back yard (for Tania), and sign out the front of the school (we have more photos :-) )

Sara beach

We found another little beach to stop at that had a little café there. It was deserted apart from us, and Roger of course, who owns the place. There are hardly any cafés here at all, so was nice to fine one, and nice to find one owned and operated by a local (most businesses seem to be owned by Australians, the French or the Chinese). Absolutely mind blowingly beautiful spot! The photos don't do it justice.

Heading off

We headed off around the island today! First photo is the back of the apartments where we're staying. We came across some trees that were totally covered in vines - it was like they were covered in ancient cobwebs and dust or something (a bit spooky - that's the last photo). The coast line is truly amazing but it's quite hard to find a place to stop but we did manage to find a wee spot to pull off the side of the road by the beach. 

Last photos for today

We had to head out again because our room hadn't been cleaned (oh the horror... :-) ).  We took a random turn (one of many) and decided to go up a steep driveway to see a plot of land that is for sale (for no other reason than to be nosy). Great view from the top. That's panoramic shot number two. Then we went back into town and walked along the waterfront (along the pocked and potholed remains of what was once a tar-sealed path) - panoramic shot number one.

Photos of us

Here are some photos of us :-) Philip is pretending to get driven around like a local (unfortunately as he is the one who drives he had to get back in the car... :-) ). I'm not smiling (again) but am smiling on the inside!

Banyan tree

We saw this beautiful Banyan tree. Philip remembers him and Tania spending hours climbing them :-)