Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Weight Loss!
Wooo Whoo!!! I've bucked the "girls gain weight and boys lose weight" trend that seems to be the case here (and in many other PC countries it seems). In the last few months I've lost about 7 pounds. That's good considering that my diet here isn't always what I'd consider healthy. However, despite some snacks of fried dough, meals of fried fish, and too many soft drinks, I appear to be losing weight. That's probably because I tend to eat smaller portions here and the heat has probably affected my appetite. Additionally, I've started running and I've been sick the past week. Lent probably also had an effect. I gave up meat (except for fish), sweets, and alcohol. Now that's over and I will probably add a few more ice cream cones, hot dogs, and glasses of wine each month to the diet. However, I plan to start working out more so hopefully the weight loss will continue!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Life as "usual"
I realize that I haven't written on here in quite awhile (more than a month). I think one reason behind that concerns I started up the blog in the first place. I wanted to share with friends and family back home the interesting or weird things that I was encountering or doing here in Tonga. However, now that I've been here more than 5 months and have been living in my house and working at my job for almost 3 months, everyday life here has come to seem "normal." I've accepted occurrences that may have previously seemed odd and now find that much of what I'm exposed to everyday really isn't that "strange" or "different at all." However, I guess there are a few occurrances in my everyday life that differ greatly from my life in the US.
One change that I've noticed recently, which is actually a rather positive change, is that I eat a lot more vegetables. Or, at least, I use more fresh vegetables in the preparation of my meals. Fresh vegetables tend to be cheaper here than the canned or frozen alternatives (though that's quickly changing as the prices at the market have risen 50% or more and the content and quality for that price have fallen). Also, since some of my eating habits here are less healthy due to finances, I find that I need to balance that with the veggies. For example, at least a few times a week my meal may be crackers and peanut butter and jelly or crackers and cheese. Also, fried food tends to be cheaper here, so I often end up eating more of that than I should. I've often found that my behavior when abroad is, "eat what's put in front of you." Thus, when living with host families I got used to eating things like cucumbers , peppers, and onions (just happy to be served some vegetables) that I might avoid if I were preparing my own food or eating in a restaurant. Now, I throw cucumbers and peppers into the majority of meals I make for myself (still not giving in on the onions). I've also found myself experimenting with veggies such as eggplant, breadfruit (kind of like potato), chinese cabbage and pele (like spinach). I'm happy to say that I will return to the US a better cook (or at least a somewhat healthier one!).
Another "different" way of life that I've come to accept is the conservative way of dressing that is recommended here.
In training we were taught that shoulders and knees are not to be bared. In fact, at work, skirts should almost come to the ankles. However, after living in the city for a while, I've come to notice that Tongans who are urban dwellers often don't follow those rules. I've seen many a bare shoulder, exposed knee and even some thighs(!). Some females wear short dresses or skirts with those tight leggings underneath. I see some of this and think, "scandalous!" I also wouldn't dream of leaving the house in shorts that didn't come past my knees. However, on some Saturdays (the one day you can dress more casual) I've taken to wearing a tank top (with thick straps- like a wife-beater) and a skirt that ends right at the knees or capris. I also tried out a work-out tank-top of similar style last night on a run. Going down the street dressed like that feels kind of naughty! But the breeze is so lovely, it's worth it! Before I left the US the thought of dressing like the Tongans in the humid heat (and having to wear t-shirts and pants while swimming) seemed difficult. However, now the idea of dressing like the more liberal city-dwelling Tongans is daunting! However, rest assured that my midriff has still not seen the light of day and a t-shirt and capris are still the outfit of necessity when going for a swim!
One change that I've noticed recently, which is actually a rather positive change, is that I eat a lot more vegetables. Or, at least, I use more fresh vegetables in the preparation of my meals. Fresh vegetables tend to be cheaper here than the canned or frozen alternatives (though that's quickly changing as the prices at the market have risen 50% or more and the content and quality for that price have fallen). Also, since some of my eating habits here are less healthy due to finances, I find that I need to balance that with the veggies. For example, at least a few times a week my meal may be crackers and peanut butter and jelly or crackers and cheese. Also, fried food tends to be cheaper here, so I often end up eating more of that than I should. I've often found that my behavior when abroad is, "eat what's put in front of you." Thus, when living with host families I got used to eating things like cucumbers , peppers, and onions (just happy to be served some vegetables) that I might avoid if I were preparing my own food or eating in a restaurant. Now, I throw cucumbers and peppers into the majority of meals I make for myself (still not giving in on the onions). I've also found myself experimenting with veggies such as eggplant, breadfruit (kind of like potato), chinese cabbage and pele (like spinach). I'm happy to say that I will return to the US a better cook (or at least a somewhat healthier one!).
Another "different" way of life that I've come to accept is the conservative way of dressing that is recommended here.
In training we were taught that shoulders and knees are not to be bared. In fact, at work, skirts should almost come to the ankles. However, after living in the city for a while, I've come to notice that Tongans who are urban dwellers often don't follow those rules. I've seen many a bare shoulder, exposed knee and even some thighs(!). Some females wear short dresses or skirts with those tight leggings underneath. I see some of this and think, "scandalous!" I also wouldn't dream of leaving the house in shorts that didn't come past my knees. However, on some Saturdays (the one day you can dress more casual) I've taken to wearing a tank top (with thick straps- like a wife-beater) and a skirt that ends right at the knees or capris. I also tried out a work-out tank-top of similar style last night on a run. Going down the street dressed like that feels kind of naughty! But the breeze is so lovely, it's worth it! Before I left the US the thought of dressing like the Tongans in the humid heat (and having to wear t-shirts and pants while swimming) seemed difficult. However, now the idea of dressing like the more liberal city-dwelling Tongans is daunting! However, rest assured that my midriff has still not seen the light of day and a t-shirt and capris are still the outfit of necessity when going for a swim!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
I'm an aunt!
My sister had a baby girl yesterday (well, it was January 27th in the US, but January 28th here). I'm an aunt for the first time! I knew this would be one of the most difficult times to be here in Tonga and not in the US. I don't think I will be able to afford to go home for the next 2 years that I'm here, so I won't see the baby for almost 2 years. That's tough because I know I'm going to be an awesome aunt! I have decided that since the baby (Veronica Ann) was born on the 28th by Tonga time, I will also celebrate her birthday that day (which means she'll get an extra present from me the day after her birthday each year, confirming my place as favorite aunt!). Anyway, I wish I could be there with my sister and family now for such an awesome experience.
Not much going on with my work right now. I'm currently developing a survey for the informal sector in Tonga. That basically includes farmers, fishermen (and women), handicraft makers, street-side vendors, and those working in repair and maintainance or others who aren't tracked by the government and don't pay taxes on thier wages. Should be interesting to see who comes out of the woodwork for this one. I guess part of the goal of the survey is to figure out where these individuals need assistance and whether or not they export at all. I've pretty much finished designing the questions and answer choices for the survey and am now just waiting to move forward with visiting communities to conduct the survey. In the "waiting to move forward" time, I've become rather good at Solitaire and G-mail chat...
On the homefront, my kitten is absolutely insane, described by another PC volunteer as a "white devil." She is always running all over and biting and jumping and attacking. I've stopped being concerned with the scratch marks. However, she does still have her cute moments. She still lays on my lap and lets me pet her and sleeps with me until she gets kicked out for being too wild. Anyway, I like her quite a bit despite her psychotic behavior. She keeps me on my toes.
That's all for now that I'm willing to discuss on here...
Not much going on with my work right now. I'm currently developing a survey for the informal sector in Tonga. That basically includes farmers, fishermen (and women), handicraft makers, street-side vendors, and those working in repair and maintainance or others who aren't tracked by the government and don't pay taxes on thier wages. Should be interesting to see who comes out of the woodwork for this one. I guess part of the goal of the survey is to figure out where these individuals need assistance and whether or not they export at all. I've pretty much finished designing the questions and answer choices for the survey and am now just waiting to move forward with visiting communities to conduct the survey. In the "waiting to move forward" time, I've become rather good at Solitaire and G-mail chat...
On the homefront, my kitten is absolutely insane, described by another PC volunteer as a "white devil." She is always running all over and biting and jumping and attacking. I've stopped being concerned with the scratch marks. However, she does still have her cute moments. She still lays on my lap and lets me pet her and sleeps with me until she gets kicked out for being too wild. Anyway, I like her quite a bit despite her psychotic behavior. She keeps me on my toes.
That's all for now that I'm willing to discuss on here...
Monday, December 31, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Christmas in Tonga
So I have experienced my first Christmas away from home. Actually wasn't too bad. I will say that the Christmas season did bring on some homesick feelings that I thus far haven't experienced too strongly. I'm not sure what it is about Christmas songs that make them sound so lonely if you aren't home. Maybe lyrics like, "I'll be home for Christmas," or "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas." Anyway, I do kind of miss the chill in the air (or the knock-you-out cold) that accompanies Christmas in the States. The mood is certainly different, almost romantic. I miss all the traditions with the family as well. But, Christmas here was kind of great (maybe cuz it involved lots of beach, ice cream and pina coladas)!
Christmas eve I spent part of the afternoon at the beach with the son of the elderly couple that live right by me, his son and another Tongan. The son is from New Zealand where his wife lives and his son has grown up. They are just here for a visit. His son is named Pita Faiva and is an adorable 3 year old with shaggy hair. He loves water and sand castles and messy mangos and that all makes him great to go to the beach with! That evening, I was really happy to be able to go to a Christmas mass. Myself and one of the other volunteers have found a church where the services are in English. It's kind of far for us to walk so the priest picked us up that night and gave us a ride. The service was really nice with the Christmas songs I know and love. Outside the window during the service I could see fireworks being set off and hear people excited in the street. I was so happy to be able to have that familiar experience of celebrating Christmas Eve mass in such a beautiful setting. Afterwards, the priest brought us out for ice cream before bringing us home. Very nice! This guy likes to translate the Bible from English to Tongan as a hobby (when he's not golfing), so he's rather cool. I spent most of Christmas Day at the beach again with 6 kids this time (including Mr. Pita Faiva and another adorable 3-year-old) and a Tongan couple. The couple barbecued up on the beach and sort of left me with the kids, which was fine as most of them were mature enough to swim on their own and I didn't mind watching the 3-year-olds (which I've decided is my new favorite age group). The BBQ was rather delicious (made more so by the fact we were on a beach) and we stayed to see the sunset. Had to take a moment floating in the ocean, watching the palm trees in the sunset and overall acknowledging the creation of God on His Son's day.
On the day after Christmas, Boxing Day (jury's still out on what that day actually means) all of the Peace Corps volunteers got together and celebrated. The highlight of the day (aside from watching some of them try to climb the coconut tree) was the "pina coladas." I'm not the biggest fan of pinapple milk (it's ok...can be refreashing but not amazing) and don't like rum too much. However, together, it's a most wonderful delicious combination! You can hardly taste the rum and it somehow offsets any negative taste effects of the coconut milk. Dangerous! Had some traditional Tongan kava after the alcohol ran out. Anyway, it was a fun afternoon/evening/night with the other volunteers. Love this crew!!!
See, Christmas in Tonga can be pretty great.
Christmas eve I spent part of the afternoon at the beach with the son of the elderly couple that live right by me, his son and another Tongan. The son is from New Zealand where his wife lives and his son has grown up. They are just here for a visit. His son is named Pita Faiva and is an adorable 3 year old with shaggy hair. He loves water and sand castles and messy mangos and that all makes him great to go to the beach with! That evening, I was really happy to be able to go to a Christmas mass. Myself and one of the other volunteers have found a church where the services are in English. It's kind of far for us to walk so the priest picked us up that night and gave us a ride. The service was really nice with the Christmas songs I know and love. Outside the window during the service I could see fireworks being set off and hear people excited in the street. I was so happy to be able to have that familiar experience of celebrating Christmas Eve mass in such a beautiful setting. Afterwards, the priest brought us out for ice cream before bringing us home. Very nice! This guy likes to translate the Bible from English to Tongan as a hobby (when he's not golfing), so he's rather cool. I spent most of Christmas Day at the beach again with 6 kids this time (including Mr. Pita Faiva and another adorable 3-year-old) and a Tongan couple. The couple barbecued up on the beach and sort of left me with the kids, which was fine as most of them were mature enough to swim on their own and I didn't mind watching the 3-year-olds (which I've decided is my new favorite age group). The BBQ was rather delicious (made more so by the fact we were on a beach) and we stayed to see the sunset. Had to take a moment floating in the ocean, watching the palm trees in the sunset and overall acknowledging the creation of God on His Son's day.
On the day after Christmas, Boxing Day (jury's still out on what that day actually means) all of the Peace Corps volunteers got together and celebrated. The highlight of the day (aside from watching some of them try to climb the coconut tree) was the "pina coladas." I'm not the biggest fan of pinapple milk (it's ok...can be refreashing but not amazing) and don't like rum too much. However, together, it's a most wonderful delicious combination! You can hardly taste the rum and it somehow offsets any negative taste effects of the coconut milk. Dangerous! Had some traditional Tongan kava after the alcohol ran out. Anyway, it was a fun afternoon/evening/night with the other volunteers. Love this crew!!!
See, Christmas in Tonga can be pretty great.
Friday, December 21, 2007
This is Peace Corps?
Now that I'm settled in (more or less) at my site, I guess it's time to update. I've moved into my house and started my job. My house is a modest 2-bedroom with a living room and kitchen separated by a curtain and a bathroom and shower attached. It's actually kind of cute and more than large enough for my needs. It's not as nice as some of the PC houses but it's probably nicer and larger than others. I was supplied with money to purchase a little refrigerator/freezer, a dual burner, gas tank, and some kitchen supplies. A lot of my stuff is still laying around the floor in piles and bags and suitcases, but I have all next week off work so I'll worry about it then. The initial problem was cockroaches but a combination of spraying and roach traps sent from home seems to have limited them. I've heard something in the ceiling the last few nights (mice or rats?), so I guess that will be my next critter to try to get rid of. I have a little kitten but he's too small to be of use in that manner right now. His purpose seems to be to keep me company, sometimes to the point of annoyance. He's always underfoot and gets more than a few bare-footed kicks as a result. Don't worry, he's not abused and is a very happy cat who seems rather taken with me (perhaps because I feed him...).
I also started my job this week. When I got here on Monday I was told that there wasn't much to do since it's the week before Christmas. We have the next week and a half off. So, basically this week I've just been switching between reading up on reports and surveys dealing with employment in Tonga and doing my own stuff on-line. It looks like my main task here will be to create, conduct, and analyze a workforce study. I might be working with an Australian volunteer to get this done. The people here are very nice and enjoyable to talk to. The Christmas party is tonight and I'm thinking it should be pretty fun.
Right now I'm still trying to process my "situation." It really doesn't feel like what you would expect a "Peace Corps experience" to be. I have running water and electricity in my house (and a refrigerator!), inside bathroom facilities, a 9-5ish job, and I live in a city. I'm able to go to a bar, go dancing, go to a restaurant, have easy access to internet, and most people speak at least some English. I established a while ago that the real challenges here (aside from the critters), will likely be the cultural differences, but it's still difficult to adjust to what seems to me to be "city life #2." I should be living in a mud hut eating bugs and speaking no English!
I also started my job this week. When I got here on Monday I was told that there wasn't much to do since it's the week before Christmas. We have the next week and a half off. So, basically this week I've just been switching between reading up on reports and surveys dealing with employment in Tonga and doing my own stuff on-line. It looks like my main task here will be to create, conduct, and analyze a workforce study. I might be working with an Australian volunteer to get this done. The people here are very nice and enjoyable to talk to. The Christmas party is tonight and I'm thinking it should be pretty fun.
Right now I'm still trying to process my "situation." It really doesn't feel like what you would expect a "Peace Corps experience" to be. I have running water and electricity in my house (and a refrigerator!), inside bathroom facilities, a 9-5ish job, and I live in a city. I'm able to go to a bar, go dancing, go to a restaurant, have easy access to internet, and most people speak at least some English. I established a while ago that the real challenges here (aside from the critters), will likely be the cultural differences, but it's still difficult to adjust to what seems to me to be "city life #2." I should be living in a mud hut eating bugs and speaking no English!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Last week of training
It's finishing up! I took my interview today to see how well I can speak the Tongan language. I have a bet going with another trainee that I will do better, so I was a little nervous. I think I'm becoming more comfortable speaking the language but also maybe too lenient. If I think the person I'm talking to understands what I'm saying, I don't pay too much attention to grammar. That could be bad for me on the test... I've done a lot of trash talking with the guy I'm betting against, so I really need to pull through...
We get officially swore in tomorrow! I will then be a volunteer (right now just a lowly trainee). Exciting!
More soon...
We get officially swore in tomorrow! I will then be a volunteer (right now just a lowly trainee). Exciting!
More soon...
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