The International Frog Race

There was tension in the air when we woke up this morning. The trees were blowing, the ocean
looked too rough for kayaking, and the idea of canceling the day's events was circulating.
You probably know about Melbourne's Horse
Race, but overlooked Fiji's equivalent, International Frog Race.  In the late afternoon, people started gathering in the one space beside the pool.  The old speakers were set up, music started playing, and the rivalry, mainly between The Aussies and The Kiwis began.  (We understand, why when they yell "KIWI KIWI

KIWI, the New Zealanders respond with "baa baa baa, but why, when they yell "AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE, do they respond with OI OI OI?"  First the bidding went out for the sale of the 10 frogs, each bedecked with the name or flag of the country it represented.  The frogs were then dumped in the middle of a circle, until they chose to begin their race to the edge.  A couple from Melbourne had the winning frog, Okonkwo.  Fifty percent of the money collected goes to Fijian charities, and the rest to the purchaser of the first, second, and third place frogs.

Tonight we witnessed a race,
'twas frogs that gave a good chase;
They started out slow,
And seemed sluggish to go;
But quickly picked up the pace.
                                     Dave