Halloween

I have learned that Halloween is really an American holiday, the brits and aussies here never do anything special for it.  But since I wanted to, we threw a party at the Gizo Hotel.  It was quite a blast getting everyone dressed up, the staff at the hotel really loved it.  You may ask yourself where do you buy a costume when you are in a third world country, especially one that is a small island?  Well, the answer is you make it,  I decided to be an Island Warrior so making my costume was quite easy.  I walked through the jungle and got leaves, and flowers to put together a skirt, head dress, and arm bands.  I then had the guys at work make a spear and shield. I even learned how to make black paint out of charcoal and coconut oil.  It was quite, fun and I won third prize, which was 100 Solomon dollars or about 15 US. 

Things here have been good.  I have done a good bit of dives, and enjoying the weather.  It was quite cool yesterday evening it got to 79 F, the lowest it has been since I have been here, it made it quite nice and easy to sleep.  I started a class with 4 people doing there Open Water class, the basic diver course and enjoyed it a lot.  There is no swimming pool here, so we do the first part of the course in a shallow lagoon, about 6 feet deep.  The water was crystal clear, and about 90 F, hows that for a heated pool!  There was even large schools of silver fish and some clown fish hanging around.  It was nice having fish swimming through your swimming pool!  I am doing great and really enjoying things, and hope all is well with everyone in the States.  I am very anxious to see the results of the election and am sure there will be a log of finger pointing the next few days no matter who wins.

Luke