Humanity!

I had an ultra fantastic day yesterday.

Aki, Massa, Phillip and I met Hiro and Jemind on the beach at 9am. Phillip and I jumped into the small open bed in the back of the land rover. We wanted to give the dry interior seats to Aki and Massa.

We drove to an archeological site and visited the tomb of an ancient worrier, I can’t remember his name. This tomb is significant in the Marquesan culture because this particular worrier turned into a God.

After that we drove another 20 minutes to the largest Archeological site in the Marquesas, near the town of Taoaa. We walked around the remains of the old village for a few hours picking fruit and hot peppers. We came across a large smiling Tiki. I will upload photos as soon as I find a place.

We drove back to Hiro’s house for a light lunch of fruit, vegetables, meat, and baguettes. An hour or so later we drove to the North side of the island. We stopped by the beach and bought freshly dried vanilla beans from a local man. I’m having some fresh vanilla in my coffee now, it’s awesome.

Then we walked to the beach and picked almonds off of the ground by a nearby tree. We cracked them open with rocks while Jemind picked fresh flowers for everyone. Men wear a flower behind their ear here, it smells quite nice.

Phillip and I got wet on the way back down the mountain. We arrived back at Hiro’s house around 15:00 and started preparing a sushi feast for dinner. Later in the evening his friend Rico showed up with his wife and daughter. We all ate sushi, played guitar, sang songs, laughed, and drank wine and whisky. My belly is soar today from laughing so hard. Rico is a large Polynesian man from the Austral Island group. He is the local mathematics teacher, and his wife teaches English.

At the end of the evening Rico presented Aki and I each with a large box. The box contained food. Canned hams, cheese, pasta, rice, sugar, and flower. Aki and I looked at each other confused. The large man spoke in a soft voice. “It is our way, and has been for many generations. The only way my people could survive in the past was to help travelers from other islands. We do not want anything in return, but only to help you on your travels in Polynesia”.  I had to fight back a tear. I don’t know if I’ve ever received such a generous gift. Food here is very expensive and I’m sure they don’t make much. I was quiet for the ride back to the boat. I have to admit after 911 I started loosing faith in humanity. I would see greed and corruption faster then human kindness, I’m glad that’s changing.

I’m going to meet a local tattoo artist to see his work this morning. After that I’m going to visit Rico’s house for lunch with Aki.

Alcohol here is really, REALLY expensive.  A small bottle of Jack is $65.00. I spoke with Hiro last night and he said I could trade on of my half gallon bottles of rum for a large pig. I only paid $7.50 for the bottle in Panama. Hiro has a spit at his house and we could roast the pig over the weekend. Aki thinks it’s a good idea and will donate a few bottles for the party; we could invite all of the neighbors and have a real island feast.

Lets all try and do something kind today, it really makes the world such a nicer place.

Peace, love, and Polynesia!

– Alex