Peace Corps has begun. So far the trip has been surreal.
Our group is 23 people - 15 boys and 8 girls -- probobly the first thing I've been a part of with more boys than girls. It's a fun group and I am definately excited to be a part of it. We are all a part of the REACH project -- Resource management, Enterprise generation, Agriculture, and Community Health -- that's not the exact wording, but you get the idea.
When we arrived in Vanuatu the first thing we noticed was the heat. They were not kidding when they said hot, but it is enjoyable in a way because it makes everyone spend a lot of time outside together. We were greeted at the airport by some current volunteers and Vanuatu Peace Corps staff. They gave us lays, lava lavas (sarongs), and a coconut with a straw. It really did seem like we were entering a tropical paradise. After that we took a tour of the capital by car. There are no homeless, no hungry, the water is clear and blue, and you can drink the water pretty much anywhere.
That night we went to our first kava bar. Kava is the local drink. It is made from mashing a root by chewing traditionally but here through other mashing means, and diluting it with some water. In more traditional areas kava is tabu (not appropriate) for women, but being in the capital we were able to take part. There is a very specific way to take your kava. You go get your coconut - either a half for five cents US or a whole shell for ten cents US. You find a wall to face so no one can see the face you make when you drink it (it tastes very earthy - not a sipping drink). You spit, drink the entire thing, and then spit or garggle a bit with the communal water bottle. It is known for it's valium like properties, so after drinking you all sit and talk. All in all it was a good experience, but not one I will be taking part in too much during my time here.
Now training has begun. Sunday we move on to our training village on the island of Lelepa. This is when the real adventure begins. The island has no running water, no electricity, and we will be fully immersed in the culture and language, Bislama.
More soon.... I miss you all!