Yes, We Live Here

This morning was an early one. We left the school at 7a to make it to a DOE (Department of Education) event by 7:30a. We got a quick breakfast and then were called up to the front to be individually introduced to all the system's directors, principals, VPs, counselors, and other school leaders. The island is thrilled to have WorldTeach so we are always specially introduced every place we go. It's a little bit odd, since we have been on TV 3 or 4 times, radio quite frequently, and newspaper almost daily. (Mom and Dad, I will send you a copy of Samoa News with my picture in it). They even announced us when our flight landed on the island. The DOE event was pretty short, but ceremony is important is Samoan culture, so it was very important that we were there. 

After a few hours of much needed downtime, we took a trip to the east side to visit $2 beach. (See the album!). Like almost all Samoan views, the scenery was amazing. And we played around the little island that was just 20 yards or so off the coast. We hung out here for a few hours, it was nice to just sit in the water and chat. Only about a hundred times did we say, "Yes, we live here!" It still hasn't sunk in that we actually live in suck a beautiful place. 

Once back at the school, the directors and a few PiCED members threw us a barbeque. It's now our Friday night ritual: bbq, socializing, then dancing. The dance club is in the "entertainment center" -- it's in the same complex as the bowling alley and batting cages. An interesting combo, but definitely a fun place. They have live music every Friday and Saturday, and it's a local hang out. Samoan dancing is beautiful because, even in the clubs, it incorporates many of the traditional moves and steps. The array of music is really funny. They usually play at least one country song, a little bit of hip hop, reggae, Samoan music, and random tunes like those from Grease! We were even able to introduce the cupid shuffle. The fa'fafine are so fun to watch. (The fa'fafine, which literally translates to 'in the way of the woman,' are the Samoan equivalent to transgender. They are men who take the name of, dress as, and act as a girl. They are completely accepted in Samoan culture since it's considered a gender, rather than sexual, issue. This is amazing since the island is deeply rooted in religion. But if a boy feels like he is a girl, then it's perfectly valid for him to take on that role.) Anyway, the fa'fafine are crazy dancers and strut their stuff on the dance floor! Our favorite songs of the night included "Fly Like Planes" and "Footloose!"