We moved slowly about our preparations to get on our way. Being in the chief's own house made us feel like we were imposing. Faces would appear through the bushes checking us out constantly. We never seemed to escape the local natives' curiosity. Although the open windows were a welcome respite from the heat and humidity, the threat of malaria hummed close to our ears each night.
Malaria is rampant through all of the islands.
Strange bugs and animals were everywhere. Walks through the jungle revealed a long history of headhunting and strict tribal rituals. There were certain areas where women were not allowed to go. This included the particular areas for meeting nature's call. Everyone did it in the ocean so discretely that we never saw them.