Tuesday, December 30, 2008

December 30th, The Island Effect

A few quick observations, or opinions based on observation, or possibly opinions based on observations with biases, or probably… opinions, observations, biases, judgments and ignorance. Anyway, here is a brief overview of some things we learned, felt and saw in the first few weeks. These are in no particular order.

We’ve become accustomed to…
• Sand on our feet, on our floors and in our beds

• Humidity

• Instant coffee (Nescafe’ Gold) mmm good

• Not necessarily expecting water to come out of the tap every time we turn it on

• Not expecting to drink the tap water without purifying it first

• Toilets that flush only when water does decide to run

• Major scarcity of food choices

• Creating culinary masterpieces with what’s available (including fish caught, fruits and vegetables growing on surrounding trees and vines)

• Sharing with others / community living – so that everyone’s small amount becomes more than enough

• Driving on the left

• A hot, hot sun that will burn you in 30 minutes even when it’s cloudy

• Expecting to see an aquarium like view every time we put our heads into the ocean

• Warm friendly, interesting people every where

• Geckos and lizards in our room every night (They would rid our room of bugs (it was quite nice really.)

• Warm ocean water

• Being surrounded by coconuts and Germans – we like both very much!

• Being the only Americans

• Learning that the rest of the world actually takes 30-60 days off each year - Obviously America doesn’t have the “Holiday” thing figured out yet.

• Mosquito bites

• Roosters (A.K.A. Cook Island alarm clocks)

• Goats (A.K.A. Aitutaki lawn mowers)

• Pigs (A.K.A. Aitutaki Bull Dozers, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

• Losing track of time, the day of the week, and world events

3 comments:

Lane Rackets said...

Man, Estebs! It sounds like you guys are having a blast. I just read a few blogs in a row and I have a few comments of my own. 1. All these pictures look amazing, 2. I think sea cucumbers puking their guts out sounds really gross, but also totally funny, 3. I've never been fishing, but that sounds like fun, too, Good job, Curt. 4. I think those protesters WERE protesting YOUR departure and not Sunday flights in general. Always go with you're gut on those sorts of things, and then finally 5. All those things that your now accustom to seem like crazy good fun. The instant coffee, the room lizards, the fickle water, the community sharing, it sounds good and I'm happy you're getting to do it. One last thing, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year's Eve, and is there any chance you all might have a layover in DFW on your way back??? Probably not, since we're way southeast of your destination, but I just thought I'd mention it. Love you guys! -Lane

live and uncut said...

Hey guys! I just finished reading your blog cover-to-cover--what a wonderful adventure you're having! I'm so happy that this obviously God-breathed family adventure has been so awesome for all of you. I love and miss you, and I'll continue to read about the rest of your journey.

--Love, Stacey

Hayley said...

Geez! you guys must be having soo much fun. The sunsets look absolutley beautiful. I miss all of you. I havent been getting any emails. =[. Maddy- Karli has my email address, too.

Love you guys!!
Hayley