Day 38 16th February 2011

Today, we had a very interesting talk by the Deputy Mayor and Local Magistrate of Pit Cairn. He had a huge audience of over 600 people (all that could fit into the theatre). He explained what life is like on the island. The total population is only 57 with 10 school age children. They have 10 hours of electricity a day from a generator but internet access through a satellite uplink which brings them CNN television. They have many communal activities and celebrations and work together on many activities but they rely on a supply ship which calls only four times a year. Apparently the postcards we left with them yesterday will not leave the island until 17^th March until the ships calls next. The island is a British Overseas Territory. They have a school with a teacher who stops for a year at a time to provide primary education but after that the children have to go to New Zealand but the impression was that many did not go. They also have a doctor on an annual contract. There main issues were a drought that was leaving them very short of water. They are totally dependent on rain water for drinking but even the few springs on the island have dried up. The second issue is simply a tiny and aging population. They would like people to immigrate to the island. The Deputy Mayor was very articulate and considering he must never of had to speak to 600 people in one room before he did very well.

After him we had the final talk from Tim Wonnacott who was excellent. He talked about his experience of producing Bargain Hunt and recent trends in the antique world. He has a nice delivery and a natural sense of fun. He is leaving the ship tomorrow when we arrive at Tahiti. This is our first port of call for nine days so many people are keen to walk on land again. Personally I like sailing and enjoy the relaxing environment on board ship. We have booked a half day trip around the island tomorrow afternoon.

Tonight we loose another hour so by tomorrow we will be GMT-10 or ten hours behind UK time. It is quite odd looking at UK sky news because the day is over before we wake up.

I was motivated by Julie’s comments on what are the high points of the trip so far. It is quite difficult to say precisely but we were both very impressed by Southern Chile which was a new world to us. The wildlife and scenery were wonderful. On the other hand I doubt you can get better entertainment than a tango show in Buenos Aires. Equally standing next to a Rock Hopper Penguin rockery on the Falklands takes some beating. Easter Island and Pit Cairn are amongst the remotest places on earth so we will probably never return so they are also rather special. I don’t think we have too many disappointments as yet but certainly Recife in Brazil is not a scenic city. It was more about realising how poor parts of Brazil are. The other administrative factor is that security at the South American ports was a pain and in my opinion not very effectively. We will have to wait and see what the South Sea Islands, Australia and New Zealand are like in this respect.