Vakapuna, Vaka, mo e me’alele

Vakapuna, Vaka, mo e me’alele
(My means of transportation)

Planes, Boats, and Automobiles got me home safe and sound. The flight from LA was pure heaven for Tevita and myself. Four seats for the two of us made sleep actually possible. We were fed often and enjoyed a few movies at our leisure. Compare this to the 16 (turn 19) hour boat ride from the capital to Vava’u. Around 5pm I happily laid my mat and air mattress on the ground to claim my area for the duration of the ride. Night came and so did the rains. This meant that every inch of my space was now taken by a foot, an arm, or an elbow. The expression ‘packed like a sardine’ doesn’t give how I felt justice. I remember sitting up, looking around, and saying, “this sucks,” then laying down and going back to sleep. Around 5am was a stop in the Ha’apai island group. The stop cleared the boat of half the people and the last 8 hours were pleasant. No sickness. Safe journey.

Arriving home meant getting back to the simple life. I had to leave the part of me that enjoys luxury back on the plane in Fiji. I’m back in a world where watching me read a book is pure entertainment for children. Once at home I was swarmed with little helpers that assisted me in cleaning all the mouse poop from my shelves. I also found a nest of spiders that had taken up residency in a purse. My bug free food storage container had a large family of roaches (including cute babies) that will be tackled this evening after grocery shopping. I enjoy living alone and I’m trying to keep it that way.

The heat is incredible here. I’m not sure which I despise more – extreme heat or extreme cold. There must be a place that is perfect for me.

So now it is time to get back to work. I have 8 months left and I want to feel that at least one of my projects will be sustainable after I leave. I also need to enjoy a little bit more of this beautiful country before time runs out.

Thank you all for your hospitality, interest, generosity, and love. I couldn’t have asked for a better holiday season.

Love,
Adrianne