Christmas Island

How to take a representative picture of a coral atoll with an average elevation of 10 feet and
width of 15 miles? Oh well, here’s what we got.

Christmas Island was used as a nuclear test site by the British shortly after WWII, so we think that’s why the Aurora visited. Can’t think of any other reason that a ship filled almost exclusively with British senior citizens would stop here. There is no dock, no normal civilized amenities, no bar, and no organized shore excursions. We had fun, though, as we had a nice swim/snorkel. Only a few foolhardy folks went swimming in the clear blue water, as we were warned there were sharks. Didn’t see any though, oh well.

Margie took her shore bag with her, and bartered old clothes, candy, and who knows what else for shell necklaces and native smiles. We only carried the little camera, since we were swimming, but finally got a picture of a frigate bird. Watched this guy for 5 minutes and it never flapped its wings. Just soared on the breeze - we were so jealous!

After swimming we went on a short wander around “town”. Phil was wearing only swimming trunks and sandals. Margie had on a brightly colored tie-dyed t-shirt and flip-flops. And of course we both had dark tans and shell necklaces. Two different groups of ship people asked us for directions - they were very surprised to find out we were from the ship also.