The panga had already sped off after depositing this box on the shore. For the first time, I truly understand the psychology behing Cargo cults. Basically, one believes that if they wait long enough, the things they want will arrive on their island from a far off magical place which is capable of making complicated goods and supplies.

For nearly a week, we have been wishing for a new washing machine and then, suddenly – it appeared on the beach as if by magic! The feeling I got when I saw it sitting there was a lot like the feeling I had as a young child on Christmas morning.