Social Life

I am sitting here at my laptop with one of those little desk fans that you plug into the computer, to cool me down. The summer heat has set in. And I don’t like it. You know how the temperature these days is expressed as: 25°C, ‘feels like’  28°C. Well, I say it doesn’t really matter what the REAL temperature reading is, it constantly ‘feels like’ about 35°.

Anyway. The hot climate has always been part of the deal, and we knew that. But it doesn’t help me like it any better. It makes me grumpy. – The relative permanence of it just makes me take on a better attitude, at best.

But I was going to tell you a bit about the social life of a volunteer in particular, and of Tongans in general. Being connected to others is really important to us, in good and in bad times. To know others who are ‘in the same boat’ is both encouraging and comforting. There are nine VSA volunteers here at the moment, and seven more arriving in January. We have a really good rapport within that diverse group, and we also have good and frequent contact with the dozen or so Australian volunteers. There is a Messenger chat group which everyone can join, that’s where all the general organising, asking and informing happens. And a little bit of town gossip. Not much…

Often, two or three of us would get together for lunch in a Café during the week, and there are few nice restaurants to go dinner. (‘Nice’ for Tongan standards…) When there is something on in town, like a concert, a parade, a fun run, art exhibition, film festival, walk to the closest island at low tide, outings to the beach – somebody will know about it and spread the word.

Tongans love putting on feasts and celebrations with lots of food, fun and laughter and sharing stories. If they haven’t got an obvious reason to celebrate, they will invent one. They have the ability to put something amazing together on very short notice. Everyone pitches in, and BINGO, it’s ready! We have been part of many such occasions, loving to be accepted and immersed into the local culture. Planning ahead is not one of the strong points here. And we figured they don’t have to, because they don’t need to. Has advantages and disadvantages!

We are thankful to be well embedded in the social life here. By now, we have also formed more special and close-knit friendships with a few individuals – Palangi and Tongans – with whom we can share more deeply and help each other out in times of need. This is one of our lifelines, what keeps us focused and balanced.

I had my last day at work today, with a staff Christmas lunch celebration. How apt!

Seven more sleeps until we leave for NZ. Can’t wait. And: Happy birthday to Melissa, my baby girl! 35 years old today.

I will check in with you all again before we take off. Malo.