Pig roast!

Some fellow dips wanted to get together and learn how to roast a pig -- the pacific islander way! Our resident pig roasting expert, Henry, was on hand to show the gents how to do it. It's a shame but we don't have the after picture. It was tasty!

Another exhausting weekend

Liam and Steve maintain such an extensive social calendar that they virtually collapsed this weekend under the strain...sacking out on the couch for some much-needed rest.

Petanque and paella

Our Ambassador hosted an ad hoc petanque tournament last weekend -- lots of enthusiasm among the largely beginner crowd!

Farewell Melissa!

Our friend Melissa departs soon -- we're very sad to see her got but have been enjoying some fantastic parties in her honor! Last weekend, some British colleagues hosted a beach bash -- photos below. We hosted a fiesta Mexican-themed event this weekend (photos to come).

We're really luck to have made such a good friend and are looking forward to staying in touch.

Happy 4th of July!

Steve and Liam attended a community Fourth of July celebration at the Ambassador's residence. Good fun was had by all -- particularly Liam, who participated in his own sack race. Steve, meanwhile, served as a tough judge in the chili cookoff!

Memorial Day 2007

This year, Liam was at school so we decided to take a catamaran out to a neighboring island (Gabriel Island). Unfortunately, Steve's back was playing up so he wasn't able to go. I joined several colleagues and out-of-town visitors for a great day out on the sea...as you can see, fun (and much rum punch) was the order of the day!

Wendy in Hammondsport!

As most of you know, I recently traveled back to the U.S. for training and a bit of vacation. Liam and Steve soldiered on in Mauritius without me. One of my first stops was chez the Tompkins clan in Hammondsport, New York -- wine country. The highlight of the trip was meeting baby Markus -- who turned one days after my visit. What a champ! In addition, we toured around, shopped, and tasted wine, among other things. I also took a dip in the FREEZING Keuka Lake (one gets spoiled in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean).

Thanks Deanna, Andrew, and Markus -- you have a wonderful home and I had a fabulous time with you!