In the world they call PARADISE!

Talofa! (Hello!)

Great flight in this morning! I slept the whole way, except for waking up for meals (typical me). We arrived in the airport early this morning and were greeted by fellow volunteers already in the country and some of the Peace Corps staff. They put leis around us (mine was pink and green---beautiful colors!). We drove through villages to the capital of Apia, (on the local buses) where we are staying. The houses are incredible- open houses and very colorful with lots of kids playing outside. It is very hard to describe but there is such a peaceful feeling here, and lots of smiling people. Lots of sunshine too and 80s---gorgeous! and it is the same everyday (except usually it rains). We had bananas and papaya for breakfast, chatted with current volunteers, and then went to an ava ceremony. We all wore lava-lavas, and drank the ava drink. It is a huge ceremony in the culture here and used to welcome visitors and other events. Hopefully, when I go to another one, I will understand a little more of what is going on! We then had a great lunch---breadfruit which is like a pootato, but better, rice, chicken, and best of all, got to drink from a coconut! We then had some language training and now have the rest of the night to explore Apia.

I am definitely enjoying Samoa, and everyone has been so warm and welcoming!

Love you all! Tofa! (Bye!)
Sally