I worked the morning shift, showing round a mixture of government officials and their families, expats, harbour staff and the crew of the adjacent cargo vessel. Everyone was very flattered and excited that Greenpeace had come to visit Pohnpei.

Some had seen the ship on CNN, others were thrilled to see a real helicopter. One visitor – a sky diver – had seen the helicopter in the air a couple of days ago and was impressed we’d managed to get air clearance as the daily flight between Guam and Pohnpei normally occupies a six hour ‘safety’ window that precludes all other flying.

Caution aside, Pohnpei’s a great place. I’ve always had a roving eye for island retreats and had been attracted to Pohnpei’s location, good rainfall and it’s geography – i.e. it is mostly high enough to withstand a climate-change-related rise in sea level. Today, I found out two other plus points; the locals are really friendly and the main town has wireless Internet with plans to lay fibre optics cables around the rest of the island.

Tonight we have a more formal evening. Lagi, who seems to know everyone in the Pacific, has invited FSM high society to the ship for a presentation and drinks.