GSI crows to 30 voices loud

12/17
I met the owner of GSI—a very busy store in Apia. He is Chinese, doesn’t want to learn Samoan because Samoan has such a small usage across the globe. That doesn’t seem to be a good way to integrate into the community. But his business seems to be doing well. He said he is too busy to study or read, but wants to learn more English through conversation. Maybe I could learn some Chinese while I’m in Samoa. That would be odd. He has been here since 1990, when there was only one paved road in Samoa. He says in the last five years there have been many many big changes. He told me that just because the economy is getting better, doesn’t mean people are happy. He said he has observed that TV is bringing many changes in attitudes and thinking. American influence seems to be pressing hard into Samoa.

I’m in Apia with my host father today. It’s interesting to see places I wouldn’t normally go—Division of Internal Affairs to meet the lady who does trainings with Pulenu’us (village mayors). We also went to the Registry of birth/death/marriage office, the RSA club (lots of pool tables), and the GSI store with Chinese food and ladies accessories upstairs…unique combination.

People ask me what music artists I like. I usually can’t name them, but say I like music for it’s instrumentation—eg lots of good percussion/drumming/syncopation. Today I remembered about the names…here are some artists I have on my mp3 player right now: Phil Collins, Bjork, Moby, Manu Chao (French music from my old housemate), Electroslide, Govinda, Holden. I like good percussion.

Opening my eyes after a nap I see: roosters crowing, birds flying through our fale, a hen with babies (and the laying of egg this morning), occasional dog (family really tries to keep the dogs out of the house), cats x3—who don’t seem to care about the fluffy things bouncing about.

I realized I’m putting a lot more “stuff” on my body after my shower than in the states: the chapstick, antibiotics (I sliced my finger on coral when I was swimming), antifungal cream (so the athlete’s foot doesn’t start growing eyes to look back at me), and mosquitoes roll on (cause the mosquitoes like me a lot).

The Enya reaches global. I just heard the popular Enya remix, between many different Chrisimasi remix blitz, and NZ news. I didn’t bring any Enya with me;(

If the stickers on my water bottle tell my story—it would go something like this: state parks, because I like nature; Ilomantsi Runalaulaian Pirtti, because I like Finland and poetry; UNEEK, because I am unique; Peace Corps, because this is what I am right now and I like my world; Bikeworks, cause I like bikes, kids, and my community.


12/15
30 voices lifted high. A late Saturday afternoon. Choir practice at the EFKS church in the village. I want to learn some of the songs. As I look through the church doors, I see orange reflection—of the setting sun—of the damp concrete. Of the ocean (sami) lapping waves to the left stretching out to meet the sky in the horizon. Waves (galu) crash on the reef out in the distance—which means no large crashing waves for me to listen to;( Coconut trees flap in the breeze (savili). Manaia savili! Sound of voices overlaid with falling rain.
Josh groven (you lift me up) is popular here—was playing before the adult choir’s practice began. I heard the remixed enya song a few days ago..first time to hear that in a while.

It still feels weird that this is where I will stick for two years—living at Tafagamanu and teaching secondary school at the neighboring village of Savaia. The last two months have been spent living out of bags and moving frequently—between the hotel and training village.

I was unpacking my large green duffle bag today. I haven’t used anything in it for the two months I’ve been in samoa. I’m living with the Mayor (pulenu’u) of Tafagamanu, but I also have a room on the school grounds to use. So I can have some family time—with the many sounds—they like to have the TV and radio going at the same time. And babies crying, dogs barking, random chickens walking through the fale (house). There’s also three cats. Let’s be one with nature…but I can also have alone time at my school room…well except that Poka always goes with me. I’ll have to say to family, sometimes just me. Beginning of February many many many kids run through the school. May be very hard to find quiet time. We’ll have to make some quiet time.

There is so much to say. Everything is new again….well except for what I already know about the language. Today was the first day to check out the computer lab. 12 computers, windowsXP, no internet, 3 or 4 printers, 3 ceiling fans, really needing a registry cleaning an defraging. I see many possibilities. Only time and effort will tell. I’m curious to see what’s on the CD other ICT (information and communications technology) volunteers put on it. I taught Poka what fonts are—did an activity…something to add to my list. Poka actually knows a lot about computers…lots to learn.

I think my family (especially Tuala) gets a kick out of my eating habits. Yesterday we had potatoes and fish. I put my fish and potatoes in a cup of broth…yummy ..just like the fish stew my mom used to make when I was growing up. The apple chunks and peanut butter may be a palagi thing too. My understanding of palagi is a non Samoan…or maybe a “white” person. Not sure…

Today Nofo and I walked..a long walk and I realized 85% of what people say still goes over my head. I need to take my dictionary everywhere with me. There are sentences where I need just one or two words to understand.

Another big thing to do later in evening is watch the GoMobile (one of the cell phone companies—along with Digicell) hiphop competition. Poka says the winner gets $5000 tala. The dancing was OK. Dancing on the Step UP movie was better.