12.27.14. Governor's Cabinet Party

There have been many good meals for the holidays and today was no exception. The Yap State Governor (who is from Ngulu) hosted a picnic for the legislative cabinet, their families, and the American Peace Corps and Japanese volunteers. They roast a pig and have every imaginable local food on the table - fresh fish, sashimi, taro, cassava, chicken, salads and a host of other side dishes. They also bring tuba, a  local drink of fermented coconut. It is an acquired taste, I do believe. I tried it, and a little sip is sufficient. The fermentive flavor is distinctive.

The picnic was held in Malay Beach, a really beautiful part of the island on the west. Picnic tables and a cooking area are there, and a ramp to launch a boat.

My nu-nus (flower wreaths for your head) from Christmas Day make a nice centerpiece with the candle.

Malay Beach.

These men are part of the Cabinet. The Lt. Gov is on the right.

More members of the State legislature.

Guest or appetizer?

Rachel attends 4th grade and wants to be a teacher. She  is my new little friend. Once she got talking I learned a lot. Her birth parents are in the USA and she lives with relatives.

Rachel and the Governor. He was in office for 8 years, now is going to take a well deserved rest for three months on Ngulu. He was really nice with Rachel. He gave me a hug before I left, made sure that I had a place to eat (with the cabinet while I had sashimi), and was very pleasant. He is a well respected governor.

The food was plentiful and delicious. I won't need to eat until next year!

A really big cake!

Men at work.

The Japanese national volunteers. The man in the middle is Hidea and does the IT for the hospital. His wife is on his right, a newer volunteer at the fisheries is on his left. Both men ride their bikes to work.

Judith and Rachel.

The Chief Justice of the Yap Supreme Court. A very nice man who thanked all of the volunteers multiple times for  their service.

Dr. Eric Lirow. With tuba.

10:00 AM Yapese time. We arrived at about 1:00. With plenty of time for the welcome and farewell speeches. And lunch.