Playing the heart is sturdier in Samoa

in the pics: a nice picture of palms swaying in the breeze; a cold coconut, so nice on a hot, sweaty day; a BIG two story house, not the norm in samoa; another house with...is that tattoo designs on it?...why yes it is! the photographer's shadow, cannot escape..


8/29
I met another PCV at the market. She was walking fast and talking on her phone. We talked for a short time. Then she said “gotta run.” That phrase stuck in my mind for a while. I have never heard anyone samoan say that—even the palagis (white people) who live here. There is no rush rush—at least out here in the village where I live. I sense a bit of rush rush when a car from the city comes to make a delivery at our school. Apia is wanting to be a big “city.” Things move faster, people, cars. There are new sites and smells.

Things in samoa are “sturdier.”

What is hard: planning—not knowing what’s going on until the day or two before. Me—type A personality. Samoans—very type BB personality.


8/28
Today I got pricked and poked. Oh a tattoo I mean. On my virgin skin. My first tattoo. I like it. The students seem to like it. What will my mom think? It’s a small taulima—a band around my right arm. I’ve spent two years in this place and I want something to remember this experience—something that no one can steal, or borrow and it’s very hard to make it go away. I don’t need anything fancy, but a ring (a circle) is an important symbol for me.

Departing words of Tupua Tamasese Lealofi: “My blood has been spilt for Samoa. I am proud to give it. Do not dream of avenging it, as it was spilt in maintaining peace. If I die, peace must be maintained at any price.”
Those are pretty powerful words. Samoa is still a peaceful place. Cool. Peace is very important to Samoans.

I asked my students to name the shapes of playing cards…they did good and the heart seems to be called “love.” And it’s Microsoft Ware we’re using on our computers. China uses a computer, and we don’t slap our feet on the floor. Such are the answers I see on the exams. Spices things up a little bit I think.

I guess I will always have a “boss”—so it’s good to know that I like a boss who gives me a lot of freedom—of which my current boss doesn’t. but I think that is more the culture here in samoa—keep your people very close. I like to roam around, not stay in one location.