Cook Islands Update # 5
Saturday Morning - March 11 - A day off yesterday ended up with meeting with the President of the NGO (Non-Governemental Org.) - a powerful group here that champion the cause of all the non-profits on the island - They are always "fussing" "Government". Mary, Marianne and I went to "Island Night" at one of the local bars - Dinners and dancing show. This one was great because it was not advertised at the resorts so there were fewer tourists. Though not a "slick" production - all the dancers and singers were family, it was really fun. Unfortunately, JW was chosen to dance!!
This morning we ventured into the Market in town where local vendors from 6AM until noon sell everything from fresh produce, cooked food to arts and crafts. As typical a tropical downpour drove us under cover for about 15 minutes resulting in instant flooding. These are just unbelievable rain storms that appear out of nowhere. Needless to say there is no break in the humidity. We all bought a couple goodies and then retreated to the air conditioned Telcom office for some Internet time. Marianne and I are going to stay in town for lunch and then take the "clockwise" bus back to the KiiKii to chill out during the hot mid-afternoon hours.
Tonight we have been invited to the home of the Red Cross Director Niki Rattle and her husband. They live on the western side of the island and said to come by 6PM so we can enjoy the sunset. Tomorrow we are going to one of the Cook Islands Christian Church services. Apparently it will be a full morning affair with "tea" afterwards (usually a huge pot-luck meal).All the women dress up in their "finest" sporting beautiful hand made straw hats. Unfortunately, I can now understand why Diabetes - Hypertension - and Obesity are major health issues in the islands. The Red Cross is initiating a Diabetes Education project along with all the many ones there already undertake. Niki is hoping to get some glucometers for community blood sugar screening along with some BP cuffs and stethescopes fro blood pressures.The hospital has ONE.
Sunday, I prepare for my journey to the outer island of Mitiaro with Charlie and the board chairman of the Red Cross for 4 days of training in the community and the school. No Internet there so would probably won't hear from me after tomorrow until the end of the week.
Photos are of the market - and our "Island Night"
Later
Saturday Morning - March 11 - A day off yesterday ended up with meeting with the President of the NGO (Non-Governemental Org.) - a powerful group here that champion the cause of all the non-profits on the island - They are always "fussing" "Government". Mary, Marianne and I went to "Island Night" at one of the local bars - Dinners and dancing show. This one was great because it was not advertised at the resorts so there were fewer tourists. Though not a "slick" production - all the dancers and singers were family, it was really fun. Unfortunately, JW was chosen to dance!!
This morning we ventured into the Market in town where local vendors from 6AM until noon sell everything from fresh produce, cooked food to arts and crafts. As typical a tropical downpour drove us under cover for about 15 minutes resulting in instant flooding. These are just unbelievable rain storms that appear out of nowhere. Needless to say there is no break in the humidity. We all bought a couple goodies and then retreated to the air conditioned Telcom office for some Internet time. Marianne and I are going to stay in town for lunch and then take the "clockwise" bus back to the KiiKii to chill out during the hot mid-afternoon hours.
Tonight we have been invited to the home of the Red Cross Director Niki Rattle and her husband. They live on the western side of the island and said to come by 6PM so we can enjoy the sunset. Tomorrow we are going to one of the Cook Islands Christian Church services. Apparently it will be a full morning affair with "tea" afterwards (usually a huge pot-luck meal).All the women dress up in their "finest" sporting beautiful hand made straw hats. Unfortunately, I can now understand why Diabetes - Hypertension - and Obesity are major health issues in the islands. The Red Cross is initiating a Diabetes Education project along with all the many ones there already undertake. Niki is hoping to get some glucometers for community blood sugar screening along with some BP cuffs and stethescopes fro blood pressures.The hospital has ONE.
Sunday, I prepare for my journey to the outer island of Mitiaro with Charlie and the board chairman of the Red Cross for 4 days of training in the community and the school. No Internet there so would probably won't hear from me after tomorrow until the end of the week.
Photos are of the market - and our "Island Night"
Later
posted by Lab-Rover at 4:12 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home