day 2

Day 2            

Awoke this morning to blue skies and even bluer seas. Having looked at the local school yesterday and met the head master, Amy decided she would like to join the local kids. So we set off the 500m or so to the Yorke State School. We were met by one of the 2 teachers, Mr Donaldson who teaches grades 5, 6 & 7. The other class is grades 1, 2 & 3. Guess what, Amy is the only grade 4 child! So she joined in with the 5,6 and 7s. Another little girl was asked to buddy Amy for the week and together they headed into the classroom. As I walked away it felt a bit like the first day of school all over again, Amy is so brave!

So I walked home and I stopped into the Ibis store to collect some bits and pieces for dinner etc. The locals are friendly and all say hello as you pass. Its still surreal walking along the paved streets with hibiscus and frangipani and palm trees. I feel like I am in a dream and just waiting to suddenly wake up back in reality….I wonder when this will become the reality…

 Ben and I had a walk along the beach ( as you do…) and collected some cocoanuts and admired the ocean. I am really enjoying the walks on the beach and hope to get a bit of fitness and less fatness while we are here

Its surprising how once you have done all those houseworking things and prepared some meals, that suddenly it’s the middle of the afternoon. I walked back up to the school and was delighted to see a happy Amy who said she had had a great day.

Robert finished at the clinic at 5pm and one of the health workers, Veronica, invited us to collects some green coconuts and watch how they are opened. Its amazing how quickly the locals can scale a coconut palm! Within minutes, it was raining coconuts as Solomon pulled the machete out of his pocked and started to slash the palm. It was just as impressive watching the boys crack open the nuts and we drank some delicious coconut water. Its like nothing I have ever tasted, sweet but refreshing, slightly fizzy, delicious!!

The day ended with a huge feeling of relief. Ben is just so content, pottering on the reef, playing his guitar and of course, facebooking. I realise I must get a good routine going for his school work as self motivation is certainly not one of his strengths. Amy enjoyed her school day and says she is happy to go back tomorrow. Rob has had a good clinic day….island life continues