Originally Posted by Macca

Images of Buba on his BMX are amusing. John you don't look older just more folically challenged :-). banque Hawaii building still stands and looks the same. iIRC Cyclone Uma in 87 punched out the mid floor windows and the found fish inside? Impressive given its distance from the water! Vanuatu has taught us many practical skills. Mostly in "the real world" we try not to use them as there are committees to manage such things are we are far to quick to adapt. However it's always reassuring if you know you can do it yourself if you have to. Certainly living here changes your perception of "risk". I was at a local DPR fundraiser quiz night last night with Janet Fruen, Vicky Seagoe, Chrystelle (Vicky girlfriend!) and Vickys daughter (young, french and gorgeous). They were at the neighbouring table. Wish I had these photos yesterday :-)

Originally Posted by John McM

All but my last year was with the French and Americans. The French knew how to design a cyclone proof building.

I was a bit naive with my first cyclone and went windsurfing at Mele bay in the initial winds. I got catapulted by a gust and my car keys were knocked out of my harness into the Bay. I had to break a car window to get to the second set or risk leaving the car at the Beach during the cyclone.

Although I still have all my windsurfing gear I think it's as likely that I'll get back out there on the water as Paul will on his BMX

Btw You may still recognise some of the staff around town. How I eventually ended up as Chief Risk Officer with ANZ in Indonesia with 3,000 employees from this start is still somewhat amazing. I like to think that all of the situations thrown at me working in the Vanuatu environment gave me a head start over people working in structured first world environments. If something happened in Vanuatu you fixed it. In NZ you form a committee.

Originally Posted by Macca

Classic, he looks far younger and she hasnt changed! We know Antoine Boudier well. He's one of the winners from Cyclone Pam (major electrical services contractor to Unelco) - although in truth he was already doing very well having won a number of huge projects over the years. Hes actually a nice guy too. Hes moved on now engaged to a new lady and has a kid by her. Yes Chrystelles orientation is public knowledge. You'd be pleased to know you beat Antoine on the hair stakes :-)

Originally Posted by 993 Targa

Recognised the BoH symbol instantly from my Hawaii days, funny that as it was a long time ago. Odd seeing it in French though!

Originally Posted by John McM

A lot of debate over that one Stuart. Our clientele was almost 100% French and as the bank had been sold to the Americans we felt the need to show ongoing French support in our branding. In the end we translated the name into French and did what the French really appreciated i.e. Held a rebranding party where they got themselves blotto on French Champagne, customers and non customers alike. I learned a lot about psychology there. Invite your detractors as well as your customers and the former become less vocal.

I have a lot of time for the Bank of Hawaii as it was then at least. Their training was first rate. I spent 3 months in Honolulu learning the art of lending the old fashioned way. The genesis of the core principles that I use in my career to this day.

Originally Posted by peterC2S

Tempted Paul...? http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used...-871971366.htm Lovely colour - shame no buckets but would make an epic allrounder