We sailed a little further in the afternoon to Dobu Island. The welcome on this well organised island was very different from any others we have seen.

According to Dr Rev Bromilow, the pioneer Christian missionary, who landed on the island of Dobu on 19th June 1892, and planted the first Methodist Church, the Island of Dobu was recommended to him to plant the first church settlement because of its central geographical position and prestige. Dr Bromilow in his book; ’Twenty Years Among Primitive Papuans’, reported that Sir William McGregor, the Lieutenant Governor of Papua, a British Protectorate Territory then, directed the Methodist Church to begin work on Dobu island because Dobuans according to him were the fiercest and head hunters in all Papua, and known for their fierce blood thirstiness as cannibals and primitives. So beginning the work on the island offered a test case for missionary work”.

A church was later built in his memory. We were shown around the village by some young guides.

Regina accompanied me as I went looking for birds and her smile was captivating as you can see.

A Classroom “Your best is our best”.

The very precious Kula pieces which are used to trade and exchange goods.

Later in the afternoon we rounded the bay and went snorkelling in amongst hot vents in the sea. It was like seeing stars in the sea, columns of Christmas lights, and lava bubbles all in one. The vents escaped from the sea bed in columns which rose to the surface. I was wary of the bigger vents but actually swam over the smaller ones which felt like someone was gently massaging my whole body with the tips of fingers. On occasion when I tried to catch a big bubble it would pop in my hand and continue its journey to the surface. Below were bomas of coral which was richly varied. Standouts for me were the small purple clams with iridescent green in amongst the jagged edge, the big blue starfishes and the bright yellow cabbage corals. There was every type of coral imaginable. I concentrated on them more than the colourful fish darting in and out of them.

I wonder if they like the warm water ?

You can see where the waters are bubbling up.