All the cemeteries are by the road and presumably close to the homes of the families. Some interesting observations – they always have a lot of sand on top. My guide was not sure why. My best guess is to hold the flowers. Each has a lot of fresh, nice flowers. Also, instead of a tombstone with an epitaph, you will see pictures of the deceased and messages printed on cloth and hung up like banners!

How they stand all the strong storms, I will never know!

Captain Cook came to this island thrice – in 1773, 1774 and 1777. That reminds me of the four voyages made by Christopher Columbus. I get the feeling these guys were as big a fan of island water colors as I am. Interestingly enough, Captain Cook had named these islands as the “Friendly Isles” for their hospitality and lavish feasts. Clearly, what he was not aware of was that there were plots to kill him and seize the stuff from the ship. Except the plans did not work out as the local chiefs had hoped!

And I thought two-headed is fairly rare. Apparently this is the only known three headed coconut tree in the world. For that, it was standing rather unceremoniously out there in an unmarked field by the road.

As far as the eyes would go, you could see blowholes…