The In-Country Manager for the volunteer program has proposed that I go to North Tarawa for a day as a part of my ICOP (In-Country Orientation Program).
Sounds great, an adventure.
Be ready for a pickup and departure at 4h30 the following morning he tells me.
Why so early?
We are going in a boat from South Tarawa (running east-west) across the lagoon to the middle of North Tarawa (running north-south). Arrivals and departures at low tides mean long walks from and to the shore.
Fair enough. So next morning, I’m awake at 4h00, pack a wide-bream hat, sunscreen and some water and toilet paper in a bag. Another volunteer let me know that it is wise to always travel with toilet paper in Kiribati. There may not be any in a toilet when you need it.
By 4h30, I’m standing in the darkness of the dirt-parking lot of my hotel awaiting the arrival of the In Country Manager.
I wait.
