The South Pacific

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Fiji, Lord Howe, Samoa and Vanuatu

Fijian village near Suva	Commercial centre of Suva.

Kids going to school on one of the outlying islands in the Yasawa group.	A Fijian guard on one of the Parliament Buildings - before the "troubles"

Market in a village in one of the Yasawa Islands	Lord Howe Island - it has the southern-most coral reef in the world

These hens were almost extinct and are now plentiful due to careful nurturing	The island abounds in bird-life. A walk up the hills to one of the nesting places is like a visit to the set of "The Birds"

It is quite a climb up to Mt Lidgebird but you are rewarded with magnificent views	The lagoon is guarded by the lovely Mt Gower and Mt Lidgebird

Samoa - is it any wonder that Robert Louis Stevenson couldn't bear to leave?	A waterfall close to the capital - Apia

The Samoan Parliament House - not a bad position eh?	A villager is proud to pose for a photo

All the villages are beautifully "landscaped" and consist of open houses (fales) and (almost always), at least one church	Parliament House again

Robert Louis Stevenson's grave is high on a hill overlooking Apia. It takes about three hours to make the trek to the top.	A lovely beach on the northern shores of the main island.

Our villager friend at home. They may have few possessions to clutter their homes but they have great peace and happiness, and want for few things.	Mike tries out an outrigger on the lagoon beside our little cabin on Erakor Island in Port Vila, Vanuatu

The Saturday market in Vila is fabulous with a huge variety of fruit and veg.	The market overlooks the harbour and you can see Iririki Island (a Resort) in the background.

Roadside stall just outside Vila.	On Erakor Island you could get a personal water taxi to the mainland! Just ring the gong!