This is Sumui point (Ramazon), North Bougainville. If you are observant it is an amazing razzmatazz of cement-like slate rocks, black stones, course to fine pebbles, ponds and puddles in low tide, hardened limestone face rocks grown with green trees, shrubs and lush green vegetation.

My favourite is the sky blue sea and the sea pounding waves crashing against the exposed rocks creating geyser-like white froths shooting up and dissipating into nothingness at the point. When the winds are gale-like and the waves are big you can hear the hissing from breaking waves simmering down.

Depending on your mood you can see a treasure trove of a living natural world or see a quiet forsaken place, dark and dim, devoid of human settlement.

This is a relief stop for passenger carrying Toyota 10-seaters and open-backs between Arawa and Buka. It’s a calming, soothing relief when you stand by the pebbled beach and stretch and flex the muscles and veins and stare out into the open sea after sitting like sardines inside a can for close to 2 hours or so.

I asked a local once, a passenger in the same vehicle, if this area was sacred or had any cultural significance about it. His short response was, “em hap bilong ol Kokomo ia.” I immediately felt a sense of belonging and told him so, that I’m a Kokomo too. Small world. Very small when it’s an Island.

Take it easy as you count down the few remaining days to Christmas. Spend time with the family. Lock up the office or get away from your work station till after New Year.

Be at home instead. It can be the most enjoyable and liberating thing you can do for everyone that matters to you.

Simon Pentanu