Third Day in Pohnpei

Pohnpeian Word of the Day: malek = "chicken"

Well, my slovenly day in the Telecom building fell through - by the time I walked back to the house to get some paper, my lack of sleep caught up with me and I passed out. The next thing I knew, a knock at my door awakened me. It was time for the family barbecue in Kitti.

We all piled into vans for the half-hour drive. I rode with Leto and his wife Kathy, along with one of (their?) little girls named Emma. The route took us by the national government buildings in Palikir - like most modern construction around here, they stand out like a sore thumb in this place, where the humidity devours anything metal and most houses are slapped together from whatever materials are available.

Eventually, we arrived at the large nahs where the get-together was to be held. Everyone was busy with some duty or another - the men were gathered around a barrel in which a fire was lit and over which was placed a steel mesh laden with marinated chicken, while others were scraping coconuts, pounding taro and grating bananas.

While we waited, Meghan and I entertained ourselves by playing with the children. I learned yesterday that my drum is apparently quite the novelty, so we brought it out and tried to get the children to play - they were extremely shy at first, but eventually it was impossible to hold them back. I would play a rhythm, then pass the drum around the circle and have each of them attempt to copy it.

At some point, we were also lead through the jungle to a nearby river. As we walked, our guides pointed out various plants, including sakau. When we arrived, we found a group of a dozen or so people swimming and playing in a deep part of the river. I wish I had brought my swimsuit.

The meal itself was amazing, as every meal I have had here has been. My favorite dish was the cucumbers in kimchi sauce, and I also had the opportunity to try taro for the first time. After cleaning two chicken legs down to the bone, I was stuffed to the rafters.

I am very thankful for my adopted family - they have embraced us as one of their own, and this is definitely helping with the homesickness. A few of the boys have really taken to me - in particular, they love the drum, so I'm glad I brought it. Anyway, I'm exhausted so I think I'll head home now.... Enjoy this video of our music-making day. I really suck at ukulele.