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Paw Paw - Log Day 225: So Many Aspects to Absorb



After both of us fell asleep while watching a movie last night, we woke this morning to glorious sunshine and another yacht limping into the anchorage. Bay Dreamer (Anna and Daniel), whom we'd briefly met in Samoa with their crew of five and a four month old baby on board, had also decided to take advantage of the forecasted benign weather and set sail for Vava'u, only to be forced to divert due to the terrible weather as well.

When we saw them coming through the channel, we looked at each other with a giggle and wondered whether or not we would experience the same inexplicable phenomena amongst sailors. With a completely empty anchorage, would they anchor on top of us? While sailing in the Caribbean, this is something we first thought that only the French did, but we have since discovered it's a world wide phenomena regardless of nationality. As sure as eggs, that's exactly what happened. They were forgiven though when they delivered approx 10Kg from an 80Kg yellowfin tuna they had caught en route.

Then it was time for Roy to collect the three friendly ladies at the dock so that they could complete all the officialdom aboard. Once that was out of the way it was time to prepare for our potluck dinner at Cea and Nico's home, which had expanded with the arrival of Bay Dreamer. We'd been asked to bring a dish that represented our country of origin. So, with no ingredients for hotdogs and hamburgers or pap and boerewors, we settled for Irish stew and soda bread which was devoured in no time.

While we thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful evening, we have never landed at a place where there has been so many aspects to absorb all at once.

Firstly the generosity - Besides the warm welcome and invite to dinner, Cea gave Elaine a beautiful set of earrings and matching hair clip which she had made, as well limes and tangerines from their plantation on Tafahi, referred to as the "volcano" island lo cally.

Secondly, the helpfulness and willingness to arrange horseback riding, cycling, a ride to any of the other villages, acquiring any fruit or vegetables if needed or taking a boat trip to the "volcanic" island to see the plantations and visit the village there.

Thirdly, the number of pigs freely grazing and roaming around, as well as undernourished dogs and horses that we saw.

Lastly, the absolutely basic living conditions. The fale consisted of three rooms - two bedrooms and one living area, all unfurniture, except for a large table in the living area and mats to sleep on. We sat on homemade benches outside and the cooking is done on an open fire. A single light bulb, powered by a small generator, helped us more or less see what we were doing and we're not sure what the bathroom amenities are. Despite all of this, the children played happily and the villagers are contented with the simply things in life!

These observations cer tainly gave us plenty of food for thought after returning to Paw Paw to reflect on our experience, as well as giving us a greater appreciation for the lifestyle we are afforded!

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