What goes on in Gizo

Life here is a bit different, and it constantly reminds you how it is.  It seems like everyday I learn something new.  Well the other night I was reading on the veranda, and heard a knock at the door.  It was some of the neighborhood kids wondering if they could climb my coconut tree to get some coconuts.  I had lots of small ones, that are very sweet to eat, and they even chew on the skin. Now I have seen many people here shoot up the coconut trees but these were small kids, about 5 to 7 years old.

I was fine with them doing it, and just said not to drop the coconuts on someones heads.  They thought that was funny as the ran off now smacking each other on top of their heads.  While they were knocking down the coconuts, one fell within a foot of another child, and they laughed at how close it had come.  What is interesting is there are a number of injuries and deaths here from the coconut trees.  If I forget and sit under one, someone will quickly move me, for fear I get hit by a falling coconut.

After this I went by my neighbors house.  Joe Bruno lives there and also works with me.  He is by far the loudest person in town, and rides with me to work everyday.  He generally rides in the back so that he can talk to or yell at everyone we pass.  He bangs on the roof and I stop to pick up people.  His youngest son was one of the boys in the coconut tree, and I go by and chat and eat some food with him during the sunset.  Bruno also has a grandson Jaygone, that lives with him.  Jaygone is not shy at all and loves talking.  He rides down to the market once or twice a week, wearing a big straw hat, and home made clothes.  He does not like to wear new clothes, only ones made from hand me downs.  He calls me Luku, and talks about Uhos (fish) every chance he can get.  He is fascinated by trucks, and when ever one goes by he says it is Danny, my boss.  He is in the photos above.

Today I learned how to fillet fish, and actually did it one my own.  Then we built a fire at work, and grilled some yellow fin Tuna, it was a huge fish that only cost about $4 US, it fed about 12 people lunch!  It was not the most tasteful fish, but they have run out of beef and pork, and the chicken is too expensive.  So the fish is cheaper and better tasting then Spam here, so that is what I have to learn to love.  I defiantly like it better grilled or fried, I do not care for the boiled fish.  I have been loosing weight and either need to eat more or find someone to take in my shorts.  I eat donuts from the market for breakfast, or eggs if I get up early enough.  Then eat Tuna Salad, noodles, or go out for fish and chips during lunch.  Then dinner is usually cooked at home, except Fridays when most the other ex pats and I eat at the Hotel.  About once a week I splurge and go to Wing Sun Store, where he has American candy bars.  I buy either a Mars or a Snickers and it is so wonderful!

Hope all is well at home

Luke