Room with a View

9.23.07
From the lanai of “Room with a View” bed and breakfast in Port Vila
Looking across the water at the other peninsula, watching something drift out to sea. Awaking to the sound of a rooster crowing. I’m here, the journey begins.
After 24 hours of travel from the Sheraton at LAX to Port Vila. Arrive on the tarmac. First off the back of the plane. The Peace Corps has a reception. Coconut milk, cloth skirts, name tags, hand shakes, pictures and quick tour of Vila by Eddie from Big Island of Hawaii. Then intro by Kevin George the country director and security by Relvie. Evan (62, Jewish widower), Chris (30) 4Her from Sacramento and Ryan (28) tattooed Texan are here with me. The current group takes us to a nakamal (kava bar). Try it. Smells like carrot juice, not so terrible tasting, but little effect even after second shell. Told this morning that it wasn’t that high quality. But don’t see myself getting into it. We took an hour wokabout with Katie (NJ) and Eddie. Through the streets and even a bit of jungle to a French restaurant. So much information. They current group is diverse. From mid 60’s married couple to young 20’s. Got to know Javy from Oakland via Wisconsin. Baseball fan and looking to organize teams for the Ni Vanuatu. Perhaps I can get involved.
I looked up and three figures from the other peninsula’s beach have moved to the middle of the bay. They are barely knee deep.
This bib is run by Koreans. Breakfast is fresh French rolls, fruit, and sausages. First taste of bread fruit. Like it. Sweet and a bit sour. Texture melts in your mouth. Big seeds like kidney beans. Young fellow from Yukon (teaches in Japan), nice conversation with us new fellows. Two older French women, minimal communication. The French fellow quiet. Last night as with arrived he was playing his clarinet. Beatles tunes and more.
What are those fellows in the bay collecting?
Last night seemed like so much data transfer. Yet I know it only begins. Today is Sunday. Quiet. Quiet. Quiet. Recharge batteries and settle in. Tomorrow morning is real beginnings of training. Some trepidation about learning language. Roxanna (60s w/ hub) says her husband after year hasn’t really mastered language but is here and that the weight will fall of the big guys. I really look for that. I also look forward not to being in city. Long for the village life.
Awoke this morning, it was drizzling. Now can feel the sun beginning to strengthens is presense. Soon I’ll need sunglasses and will surely begin to perspire from the heat and humidity. As I look at the plants I’m reminded of Hawaii. At first glance of architecture it could be the Caribbean. But the people look so South Pacific, Donavan’s Reef, and National Geographic. So much ahead