tsunamis and funerals

The first day in Samoa was an adventurous one. We got our new Samoan names…my name is Lili. We did a ceremony welcoming us to the country of Samoa. This is done in the villages as well. It sounds like we will be a part of it a lot of times while living here. For the Ava ceremony there are a few speakers that say things. They are the leaders of the group welcoming us. It is a big deal to be one of those people. There are also two people that give us coconut shells full of kava. We all say something in Samoan, drop a little bit onto the ground and drink the rest. I still think kava tastes like dirty water!
After the ceremony we were given some time to rest and we were in our rooms. A little while later we heard knocking on doors and were told to meet in the conference room (also the dining room). We were told about the earthquake on another Pacific Island and that we were in a tsunami watch because of it. While they were talking to us sirens began to go off and it was immediately changed to a tsunami warning. We all ran down the stairs and jumped into vehicles so we could flee as fast as possible. After the cab of the truck was full, we all began piling into the bed of the truck. I think we had at least ten people in it. We began to go up hill. While in the vehicle we saw little children and immediately one of our trainers jumped out of the truck bed and went to go assist these children. We also saw a woman in a wheelchair and someone running to bring her uphill. We travelled until we reached the Peace Corps hostel. A few volunteers that were nearby also showed up. The rest of us in training and volunteers went to the country directors house. They were constantly on the phone making sure everyone was accounted for and safe.
While outside the hostel I talked to one of the volunteers and learned about this worm that people eat. Apparently it is only available once a year and this Saturday is the day people go out with nets to get it. I guess they eat it raw. It costs like $100 Samoan a worm because they are so rare.
Not too long after we were safe and clear to leave. We weren’t allowed to be in the back of the pick up anymore, so we had to wait our turn to get back to the hotel.
Later that day….we heard another siren….at 5pm….
They apparently do it at the end of the work day…
And today we learned they do it at the start of the work day….at 9pm.
In the morning we took a walk. A few people wanted to scope out the terrain for running. There are quite a few uncovered manholes so it was good for them to check it out. We also learned about the local dogs. Apparently they do not like runners and they will attack them. Many many many people told us to carry rocks or sticks to hit the dogs.
Today was a holiday for the tsunami and earthquake victims. We saw a parade of the funeral procession. Just like in the US, they use four ways on the vehicles.
Things are going well and it is such a beautiful place to be here!

address

Write to me!
Lillian Watson, PCT
Peace Corps
Private MailBag
Apia, Western Samoa
South Pacific
(its a 98 cent stamp!)

In N Out

So today I woke up waaaaaay too early and my roommate and I decided to walk around to find breakfast. It is pretty funny because walking to where the food places are away from the hotel you have to walk right by the runway for the airport. So there are planes looking like they are about to fall on your head the whole time. It reminded me of Wayne's World...
We had some training sessons and then had lunch. I went to In N Out. it was an amazing burger. I love In N Out. I wonder why they don't spell all the words. It is an awesome place because they have nothing on their menu and it is easy to order. The drive thru line is ridiculous. It seriously stretches for blocks. There are no tables because it is so popular. I loved my experience there. I loved it so much that I rushed there later on for dinner before leaving our airport for the flight.
We checked in at the New Zealand desk later... and it was kinda crazy because after I checked in they decided that all staff members take a break for a meeting. So this gigantic line followed behind. I was so happy that I got in when I did!
Right now I am sitting at the gate waiting for the flight. I think we checked in 5 hours early for the flight...I was asked by Alyssa to watch her bags while she changed into UnSamoan gear for the flight... I told her I would. Someone wanted her bag pretty bad and so they started a fight with me... The TSA security had to take me away and I am sitting in a "special area" waiting for the flight...hoping to still get on... None of what I just wrote about Alyssa's bag is true....She just asked to be a sidenote in my blog.
Anyway Ill be in Samoa in the morning. Ready for the heat!

Good bye normal life, hello unknown!

After a morning of random busy times... Jen Took me to the airport. I have so much luggage I better be ready for this! After our tearful good bye and one last call to mom, dad and billy, I was off on my own.
The flight to los angeles was packed and I think I was too nervous to sleep.
I haven't been to Cali in years... So it was crazy seeing the skyline in a polluted haze. I got to baggage claim and the ceiling was broken.... Apparently LAX has really gross stuff living above carousel three.
I got to the Radisson in time for check in for our group... Apparently this is the hotel for all US groups ready to leave for some place because the army is here along with a lot of other groups. Our group has I think twenty people going to Samoa and twenty people going to Tonga. It's kinds funny because they are so close but because of the date line they could not be further apart in time. Apparently with the tsunami last week the news reported how one was on Tuesday the other on Wednesday.
We were given an ATM card to take out money for dinner..and the atm in the hotel ran out of money. So we went off to invade a new hotel in search for money. After, I went off with a few others that are Tonga bound walking around the awesome clean streets of LA looking for food.
After dinner I met a few of them for a drink in the hotel bar...
I think all the travelling made everyone exhausted because it seemed everyone left for their rooms by 9:30.
In my room I played with my sleep number bed which I am convinced is just a fancy air mattress until I fell asleep.
We have a long day tomorrow and I am anxious for what's in store