Caroline wuz 'ere

Yesterday I had my las kakae, my official farewell dinner at the province. In Vanuatu these things always have a slightly official character. There is an MC and a protocol to be followed. Flower chains will be hung around your neck, you have to sit at a place of honour, speeches will be given, present will be officially handed over and all staff line-up to shake your hand. After this: dinner time! Tables full of lovely laplap and other local specialties. It was nice to have staff and friends together in one place to say good-bye. And we are having a small repeat on Monday morning as lots of them are also coming to the airport to send me off.

I have mixed feelings about leaving Malekula. Obviously I am disappointed that it has not turned out as I had hoped, and consequently that I am leaving early. On the other hand the conclusion was such a long time coming, I am now ready to leave. I am sad though to leave behind many lovely people that I have gotten to know over the past year. Malekula is such an out-of-the-way place that it is likely that I may not be able to return to catch up with them again. But then again, you never know. Luckily, there is email. And if that doesn't work, I am glad that I will always be remembered by the staff for making at least one valuable contribution to the Provincial office's goings-on. And that is instigating the Inter-Departmental Ruler Fight Competition, to be held every first Tuesday of the second month after Mercury moves into Aquarius previous to the Provincial Councils bugetary session (except during yam season):

 

(Registry vs Cleaning, best of three: 1 - 2)