21 October 2010
Olsem wanem yu fullas,
This last week has been our most hectic socially since we have been here! Saturday night we had traditional sosoa with Karen’s family- wow, are they generous. There were thirteen of us white people – Howard & Jacqui, and six Peace Corp volunteers who were here as part of their induction. Despite our best efforts we couldn’t get through all the sosoa but I achieved a new milestone – I managed to sit with crossed legs for the entire meal and I have photographic evidence! I have been working on this and am quietly (perhaps not so quietly really) proud of my progress.
Howard and Jacqui stayed with us on Saturday night and on Sunday we went to Church with Karen’s family and it was a really enjoyable service. Lots of singing, shaking hands and being rather more active than I have been used to at Church – a lot of fun. That afternoon Karen, Sandra (Peace Corps Volunteer) and Maryann put on a workshop at Tatau Village. It was to teach parents how to make educational games for their children. It was very very hot, inside a hall with a corrugated iron roof and would you believe it – over 50 parents turned up and got stuck in making all sorts of toys and games. Quite humbling really.
Monday, Diane, our VSA Country Head turned up for a four day visit to see us, Howard & Jacqui and to meet with local people about the possibility for another volunteer. Also Yegor, a Russian/American Peace Corps volunteer from SW Bay arrived and stayed with us a few days. Personally, that was terrific to have the chance to talk sport, physical fitness and other guy stuff for a bit. Of course it meant more joint dinners with the Peace Corps inductees, Sandra, Diane and Karen so you can see just what a busy social life we have been having!
One night during dinner at our place a large millipod also turned up. Man, are they scary. They bite at one end, sting at the other and apparently each leg also has the ability to sting as well. People were standing on chairs and fortunately we just happened to have a jug of boiling water which dealt to the beast. Have a look at the photo – a bite can have you in hospital! The local fowl kill and eat them so I now have a new respect for the local fowl.
The next ten days are in Santos. There is a Kindy Co-ordinators workshop and we are using the weekends in between to have a bit of a look around. We are going to treat ourselves to a bit of luxury at Oyster Island Resort – breakfasts, restaurant meals and massages.
Cheers
Vic and Maryann.
PS Sorry I could not attach the photos - just imagine a horrible wriggly thing that bites and stings and you'll have the millipod pretty right!