An islander on a traditional grass skirt lighting a fire by rubbing a small piece of wood over a much larger one — *Damned hard work © A. Harrison*

It can't have been easy, watched by a bunch of bedraggled tourists more interested in trying to shelter from the rain.

In fact, it must’ve been downright frustrating. Both men put in an incredible effort despite the elements being against them. Most of those watching would’ve keeled over after a few minutes, but I could still feel them being judgemental. Wondering about the point of it all when they could just use a box of matches.

When the rains of the South Pacific fall, they have no second thoughts. Which goes far to explain the lush forests of Vanuatu, but makes it impossible to stay dry when exploring the island. Or lighting a fire.

Remarkably, a make-shift shelter from a palm frond worked, and some smoke finally emerged. I have no idea how, as the two men were themselves drenched. The physical effort needed looked exhausting.

The rain kept falling – time to find a dry place to sit and watch the afternoon pass.

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Fire in the Rain

Angkor’s Forgotten Temples

And Yet More Rain