Diving

In Tolai, the local language, "ravien" means afternoon and "buona tuna" thank you.

Did two dives today and one yesterday and my ear seems to be fine in the water but a bit achy at the moment. The dives were: Dick and Tom, George's Wreck and the Sub base. Went down to 46 metres on George's Wreck.

I went for a walk this afternoon with Vinavel, through the village plantation (cocoa, ruined by moths), then to mission, church, schools, shop, aid post.

Lone traveller

Bert is the father of the owner of Kabaira Hideaway, Stephen. Stephen's mother is Lyn, an Australian who doesn't seem to stop talking unless you walk away from her - perhaps not even then.

A group of nine divers from Sydney are leaving right now - the next group doesn't come until tomorrow, so I'll have the place to myself.

I spoke to Nadia again last night - I can't wait to see her again.

I read yesterday about the Tol massacre and other atrocities perpetrated by the Japanese during the war - hundreds of POWs and civilians were killed.

My ear was very sore during the night but doesn't seem so bad now. Hope it holds out for today and tomorrow.

I must be some sort of freak - the group here seems to think it's unusual to meet someone travelling alone.