July 22, 2012

Spotless Crake

A few days ago: I took the bird book to Valentine to show her the picture of the Blue Lorikeet and the Spotless Crake.  She said the Spotless Crake used to walk along the shore but no more. Lorikeet, yes, years ago, but no more. Toau was nearly birdless compared to Raroia and Tahanea. Valentine wanted us to know that Gaston quit smoking. Did we nag at him about that the last time we were here?

Church this morning: little flags, like Tibetan prayer flags, were strung back and forth across the ceiling - very pretty!  The church was filled with local plants and flowers arranged by church members. Other than that I don't like this church so much. It looks like some European came and tried to build a heavy airtight stone edifice like you would find in Germany or somewhere.  There was certainly no view of the lagoon, hardly a breeze and very few smiles. Same priest as in Fakarava, 110 nautical miles away! After this service he will go to the church at the other end of the motu. We wonder how he does it. 
 We've had two meals in the hotel where Vince's family is going to stay. Last night, fafa, something like spinach. Today crudites (raw vegetables). Yum!! It's amazing the things you crave when you've been deprived.