Some Oldies But Some Goodies...

While I was staying in Pohnpei here are a couple pictures that I was able to take that I thought you might enjoy. Above I was making Sakau with my host brother Paulis. Sakau is a very popular drink in Pohnpei made from Habiscus roots and pounded on like a rock. Sakau was origionally invented in Kosrae but most Kosraen's don't drink it because of their strong religious beliefs. You mix the roots with water and squeeze them through a shred cut from the Habiscus tree. I am holding the cup that the Sakau is caught in. Directly below is a picture of my host sister, See, and her 1 year old Isha. The next two are taken from a trip my family and I made to a waterfall not very far from my house. The water was intense. In the first picture I wasn't even able to stand up with my host brother and peek my head out at the camera. The second shows the size and scope of the waterfall. As a precaution I had to take medicine before going in the water to avoid contracting Leptosperosis.

It's getting better all the time...

Today we had a half day water day safety excursion. I was able to find my way back into the 21st century world and stop at the Telecomunications facility on Kosrae. The above picture is my house where I live. My room is the farthest on the left and to show the hospitality I have received it is the biggest room in the entire house. I am not allowed at the present time to move into a smaller room however I am still asking. Across the road about 10 feet is the Ocean, which I am pictured standing in front of in the top picture.

In my previous blog I mentioned the fact I learned how to climb coconut trees. The picture below is my first introduction which took place two weeks ago at the Kosrae Village Resort. For some reason that day I felt like Mogley from the Jungle Book...

Welcome to Kosrae!

I arrived in Kosrae 3 weeks ago and have been studying the language and culture as I await the beginning of my service coming in 3 weeks. Madison Nena, the program assistant along with Hilman George, our language and cultural instructor conducts all the sessions. We have learned a lot of great things so far: husking coconuts, climbing coconut trees, running away from ruthless and angry dogs. The perception of dogs here are not as pets but more as defenders of property and the road. They are also eaten during big celebrations. Biking while being chased by them growling has certainly been a exhilirating experience. Food is very important. I eat 3 to 4 meals a day and usually by myself with other family members watching me. The ocean is literally 20 feet from my house. It rain's everyday sometimes for a few minutes most of the time for hours and days at a time. Malem, the village I live in typically runs out of electricity and running whenever there is a terrential downpour. Also, the concept sleeping with bed bugs has given me a new meaning to living as a typical Kosraen. Stay tuned. There will be much more in the future.

For those who have checked this site consistently over the last month I apologize for my infrequent updates. In 3 weeks when I start teaching you will be able to hear from me more...