Peace Corps Celebrations: 50 Years in Micronesia
My apologies in being remiss in keeping my blog updated. My
reason or excuse is my hard drive died on my computer. I do my blogs at home (I
am sure the leadership at work will be happy to hear that) and so could not
edit pictures or access the internet.
While it was another short visit, I always feel a special
level of happiness when I arrive on Yap. (And it is not without its problems,
if I might add.) It happened the very first time I arrived and I had that same
feeling of happiness and peace on this visit. I do believe it is a very
personal thing, not everyone shares in my feelings of ease here, and that is
their loss.
My days were filled with visits to see the staff at Public
Health, for whom I will always have a special place in my heart, visits to the
refugees, visits with friends, and many walks around the lagoon with Shorty and
Buddy and Cyd (Sid) when we left from the hotel and Blondie was joining us when
we were up her way. We went to Mass at St. Mary’s and walked the stone pathway
several times. Made a special effort to have at least one meal at each dining
establishment, and more at those that allow Shorty to sit by my side. We also
had a stop at our favorite ice cream shop and ate the ice cream in the park.
And we saw many friends at the dances and enjoyed catching up on the latest
island news. Connie, Daniel’s Mom, had a special dinner at their new apartment
with a blessing, and they both are taking great care of Shorty and Buddy. As we
were leaving Connie’s (we as in Shorty and Buddy and Buddy and me) a man told
me that Buddy belonged to him, and I said nothing, but Buddy greets me like a
long lost friend with as much enthusiasm as Shorty, and follows me around like
that proverbial “puppy dog”, although he is getting quite old in dog years. So
the dogs do get around and feel comfortable where they are safe and fed, and in
my case with them, attentive. There are new pups at Oceania, and it was fun to
watch them grow and make progress physically. I named the smallest one Logan
and Daniel would like to adopt that one when she is a little older.
I stayed at Oceania Hotel, a lovely establishment where the
individual rooms are built to look like the traditional house. Mark and Jen are
the proprietors and are from the New York. We have become friendly and I do
miss their company. They have done a great job in taking over this hotel and
the rooms are spotless, there is hot running water, air conditioning, and
everything inside works. You can get by with using the overhead ceiling fan.
And each one has a lovely balcony with a view of the lagoon. Their cook, JR, is
topnotch. He creates great tasting meals with beautiful presentations using
local foods with a flare. Even if you do not stay at the hotel, it is worth a
visit to the restaurant for a chance to enjoy a breakfast or dinner. And the
$4.00 burgundy wine is not bad! A bargain at any price.
The first event for the celebration was a very nice dinner
at ESA. The food was excellent as per the usual at ESA. There were many people
there, not many previous PCV, but locals who were involved in the PC program in
both Micronesia and Palau. Both were US trusts, now both are independent
countries. It was a great time to meet the other volunteers and share
experiences.
The next major event was the men’s dance at the living
museum. These are performed at night, with well-placed flood lights. The dance
was excellent, well attended by many local people, and Shorty was on his near
best behavior. He had never been in such a crowd and growled once at a woman,
who to me resembled the person who scalded him with water, so I guess I don’t
blame him. But just in case, I kept him close and he eventually put his head on
my lap during the dance. Buddy was with us before the dance when we were
walking around. He is a funny companion. He sticks close to my side when we
walk, but if I stop, he keeps walking then he loses me. He did this a couple of times. The first time
was on this night and he went back to Daniel’s house. The next time he lost my
side, he waited until the dance was complete then walked in the center looking
for me, then stuck like glue. The last time he lsot me, he went to Daniel’s for
dinner, then waited for me at the hotel. (Did that man really think Buddy was
his dog? Ha ha, I jest. Of course Buddy
is his dog. We just take care of Buddy for him!)
There is one annoyance on the island that many have tried to
change, but without success. On Friday night, the music blasts from the Pine
Bar Grill. Since it is located on the lagoon, the sound travels far and wide.
Unfortunately, the music blares until 4 AM. Yes, that is 4 AM. The band stops
at 2 AM and the last two hours is recorded music. It disrupts the life and
sleeping of everyone who lives on that side of the bridge and no one seems to
be able to convince the owner not to do that. I thought ESA and Oceania should
have a late night special, then people can hear the music and enjoy dining and
drinking at another place. The food and ambience at Pine Bar is great. And I do
enjoy my visits there very much. But the loud music until 4AM is a major
deterrent for many people. A compromise could be to stop the band at midnight,
and play music quieter if they must continue to remain open until 4 AM.
The next day of events for the PC included a fair type of
atmosphere, where I bought a lovely water color from a local artist, and many
types of island crafts were available. It was a fun atmosphere and I think the
organizers did a great job in managing the set-up. One thing that they could
have done was to follow tradition and give all of the returning PCV a nu-nu so
that they could be recognized in the audience. There was recognition of one
volunteer only, one of the first group of volunteers in Yap. Otherwise, if
someone did not know you, they would not know you had previously volunteered in
the communities. I think this would have been particularly important for those
who were there many years ago and may not be recognized.
This was another very special trip. I have many fond memories
of friends and colleagues and experiences in observing the traditional dances
and other ceremonies. There will always be a special place in my heart for Yap.
Here are a few pictures of the visit. I hope you enjoy them.
Mark, a proprietor of Oceania. Jen was in New Jersey. I missed her company.
My dog Shorty, resting on the stone pathway, waiting for me to catch up. It was really hot on this visit, for Shorty, Buddy and me.
Shorty and Buddy on the stone pathway. A beautiful walk, it is a workout in the heat.
The men's dance is held at night.
The women did a tribute to President Kennedy, who created the Peace Corps. Three young American PCV were among the dancers for this tribute. Can you find them in this picture?
Love watching the little girls and boys participate in the dances. They are learning the traditions and this is one of the most beautiful in Yapese culture.
Angie, a friend of mine from Public Health, and her brother, getting ready for the bamboo stick dances. These are high energy dances and a real crowd pleaser. Perhaps I enjoy taking photographs of the preparations as much as the dance itself. So much work goes into preparing the dancer, all help done by Mons and Aunties and Grannies. And much effort is made by the dancers as much practice is needed. A major commitment on the part of the dancer, family and community. And well worth the efforts.
Dancers performing the stick dance.
The man on the right is Don Evans, who has lived in Yap for many, many years and done many wonderfult things to promote the culture. He also was in charge of planning the events. The man on the left built the canoe. I apologize for forgetting his name.
This is Tim Ruda. He was the MC for the event and he also works at the airport.
Shorty quickly found a cool refuge under the stage. He could nod off and still know if I left as my legs would be gone and he would get up to find me.
Shorty is really quite fond of Buddy. But Buddy is teaching Shorty some bad habits, or are they survival strategies?
Wrestling was also included on the agenda of events. It is unusual for girls to wrestle, and while I don't know the rules of the sport, it appears that she won.
Buddy found a little friend. She liked Buddy from the start. A lot of people are afraid of him because he is big, but these two made fast friends.
A long day, Shorty slept well.
JR, chef at Oceania. If you are going t o Yap, do not miss one of his specials.
Daniel and Connie. This was an open house after they moved into a new apartment. The house was blessed to keep all who enter safe. Including Shorty and Buddy.
Shorty playing with one of my socks that I made into a ball for him. He had no intention of sharing with Cyd.
A quiet place under the car at the break of activities. Shorty is in the front, Buddy is in the back. Both protected from the brief rainfall during intermission.
