Bula! (hi) from Fiji, an ex-British colony that achieved independence only recently,in 1970. Fiji consists of over 300 islands in 14 provinces and is ruled by a dictator, benevolent so they say. And Yes, Figi sits astride the International Date Line, which means we are one day ahead of you guys back in the USA.

We are staying on Matangi, a small, non-confrontational island in the northeast sector, and despite the fact that there are occasional rebellions on the more populous islands, we feel very safe. Geologically, Matangi is shaped like a horse shoe, the remains of an ancient volcanic uprising, with a beautiful bay in the middle. Horace, one of the natives who works here, took us for a hike up to the crest. Check out the photo of him and Albert. The natives who work here are gracious and friendly and have thought about even the smallest creature comforts for a spot so remote. We live in a thatched--roof 'hut' but it has impressive modern conveniences such as a small air-conditioner to cool us at night in our mosquito-netted bed.