Packing Advice to Samoa Group 85

Invites have been issued to 16 individuals who will be part of Group 85. I’m not sure if you guys will be getting the same packing list as us 84s did, but if you do, then I must offer my advice.

Essential items to bring:

• Several shorts that are knee-length, or appropriate length. In the village, you’ll be wearing ie lavalavas most of the time, but they’re usually see-through, so you’ll want to wear shorts underneath. When I was first learning how to tie lavalavas, they would always fall off of me, and my host family thought it was so funny. Luckily I was usually wearing appropriate length shorts underneath.
• Wicking t-shirts. They really help me feel less gross in the heat/humidity (you’ll probably be sweating most of the day, especially when you first get here).
• A lot of underwear. If you’re not fortunate enough to get placed in a house that has a washing machine (yes that’s right, two volunteers have one), then you’ll be forced to bucket wash your clothes. The scrubbing is rough on undies and all clothes—eventually they’ll end up with holes. Yay! Also, I suggest bringing sports bras. And FYI, if you bring white bras, they won’t stay white for long… no matter how much you wash them.

What I’m glad I brought to Samoa:

• Headlamp
• Hand weights. Some days are boring in the village, so working out is a good way to pass time. Also, us PCVs like to have fitness challenges each school term, so if you’re into fitness, you’ll be happy you brought a pair (not sure if they’re available in-country).
• Speaker for iPod and laptop. Sometimes the rain is so loud, it’s impossible to hear anything. That’s when the speakers come in.
• Cooling pad. It has helped my MacBook from overheating.
• External hard drive. PCVs love sharing movies, tv shows, music, photos, etc., so bringing a hard drive is a good idea/will save you from days that are absolutely boring.
• Airtight bags. I use one bag to store my laptop and charger (it keeps the ants out and protected from the humidity) and I use another bag to store the clothes that I want to keep fresh.
• Water shoes
• Snorkel set
• Rash guard. Bikinis are okay to wear at resorts, but if you’re swimming in the village, you have to be covered up.
• Board shorts
• Backpackers poncho. Sometimes you’ll be waiting for a bus, and it will start raining uncontrollably. You’ll be happy to have a poncho to keep you from getting wet, while protecting the items inside your backpack.
• Diva cup.
• Several bottles of face wash. You can find American brands here, if you’re willing to pay an arm and a leg.
• Microfiber towels.
• Portable outlet. Sometimes the power goes out unexpectedly, for an unknown amount of time. The portable outlet has been invaluable for me.
• Airtight box. Good for storing iPod, camera, passports, etc.
• Leatherman, or a little gadget with multiple tools, especially a hammer, screw driver, knife, etc.

What I wish I had brought to Samoa:

• An extra laptop charger. If you have a MacBook, you must know that you can’t buy Mac products/replacements in Samoa. My charger broke and I had to get a new one sent from America.
• Cute going out clothes. I only brought a few dresses/skirts because I remember getting the welcome information and reading that it’s not appropriate to wear clothes that reveal shoulders, are above the knee, etc. So because of this, I left a lot of clothes behind—clothes that would have been appropriate in this country. When I say country, I mean Apia (they wouldn’t be appropriate village attire). I’m not saying to bring Vegas-type dresses, but if you like going out, bring cute sundresses, skirts, etc. They’re all okay to wear in Apia.
• Sweats. Believe it or not, it sometimes gets cold at night. Plus the long flight from LAX to NZ is going to be a cold one. My flight was anyway, and I was kicking myself for not bringing at least one pair, so I had my family send me some.
• Can opener. You can find can openers in Samoa but they’re poor quality. And I mean taking 20+ minutes to open up a can.

What I could have lived without bringing:

• Chacos. Chacos seem to be the unofficial shoe brand of PCVs. Don’t get me wrong, they’re great shoes, but unless you’re going hiking every single weekend, they’re not a practical shoe here. The strappy ones anyway because you’ll be taking your shoes off throughout the day. So in my opinion, save the $60-$100.

Don’t worry about bringing:

• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen

PCVs are provided these items throughout their service, and you will be given some once you arrive in Apia. The sunscreen isn’t the best, but it’s free, so I can’t complain.

I wouldn’t bring items that you’re attached to/would be upset if they get damaged or ruined. The humidity is tough on electronics, and eventually clothes end up moldy and/or with holes.

I’ll update if I can think of anything else. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

Update: If you're bringing photos, I suggest laminating them because the humidity will cause damage. Yep, it's that bad!

Sick, Stressed, and I Got Robbed… No Big Deal!

Before I get to the robbery (it wasn't that serious), I’ll discuss the first two topics of this post: sick and stressed.

If you didn't noticed, I haven’t written much lately. Sure I’ve been updating regularly, but I’ve had no desire to write. The reason is because I’ve been dealing with some personal issues.

Because of that, my most recent posts have been picture posts. I’m sure most of you would rather look at pictures anyway, instead of reading the random rants I frequently write. So for those of you, you’re welcome.

Sick: For the past week, I’ve had a cough. It started as a dry cough, and has worsened as the days passed. The Peace Corps nurse did a check up on me yesterday, and told me that my “breathing sounds strange.” Because of this, I was directed to a local physician. The diagnosis: bronchitis. I was prescribed two medications for the sickness, so hopefully the issue is resolved, and soon. The doctor asked if I had anyone who could check up on me last night. I informed her that I didn’t, but would be fine. My heart instantly ached because thoughts of my father and mother came to my mind. If I were in America right now, they would be taking care of me, nursing me back to health.

I got a call from a friend yesterday afternoon. This friend brought me oranges and juice and kept me company for several hours last night. So if this person is reading this, thank you for everything. It was unexpected and a sweet gesture.

Stressed: I won’t go into much detail, but I’ve been stressed out. Why? My future is uncertain in this country. It’s upsetting, heartbreaking, frustrating, and everything in between. If you’re religious, pray for me. If you’re not religious, I ask that you keep me in your thoughts. In the future, I’ll go into more detail. Sorry for keeping you all hanging, but all I can really say is that I need good vibes, so send them over.

I Got Robbed: It’s nothing too serious, so dad and mom please calm down. I wasn’t robbed at gunpoint, or machete-point (which would be more likely in this country). After I left the chemist yesterday, I went to a local store to get soup and crackers. I finished paying, and was putting my money away, walking away from the cash register. At this point, everything fell out of my wallet. I quickly bent down, grabbing my debit and credit card first, and then I went for my money. Moments later, a sole (young man), tried to be smooth, as he walked passed me, bent down, and grabbed some of my money off of the floor. I saw him, immediately popping up, and telling him, entirely in Samoan, “give me back my money.” He refused, claiming it was his, so I continued yelling at him in Samoan, saying “you’re a liar” and “you’re a very bad person.” Finally, frustration got the best of me, and I called him an “ass hole,” in English. So that’s that. I have no idea how much he grabbed, other than $20WST (he had a yellow bill in his hand, which is the color of $20WST here). I’m not sure if he grabbed more, and I’m not sure how much money I had in my wallet before this happened. The saddest part in this incident? There were at least 20 people in there that could have helped me, yet every single person stayed quiet. This is all speculation, but some probably figured: “Why should I help the rich little palagi (white) girl?” Side note: Most Samoans believe that all palagis are rich, which is far from the truth. Most fail to realize that I’m a VOLUNTEER—I’m not getting paid to be here. I’m here because I want to be.

Most Samoans in this country are poor, so I get it. The robber saw money lying on the floor, and he did what most people in his situation would do: he took some of it. It’s just unfortunate that he lied, directly to my face. That’s a pet peeve of mine: liars, especially when they’re caught red handed, or yellow handed in this case, yet still insist that they’re innocent.

After this incident happened, I was feeling crappy, and feeling like I couldn’t catch a break. I felt like the Samoan Gods are mad at me: I’m sick, I may go home, and I got robbed, and I couldn’t understand why because I’ve dedicated nearly 9 months of my life to this country. After feeling sorry for myself for several minutes, I stopped the “poor me attitude” and realized that everything happens for a reason. If I’m forced to go home, there’s a reason. I will be upset, for a long time, but if that’s what my future holds, I have to accept it—there’s no other option.

Samoa Independence Weekend

At a fa'afafine beauty pageant. If you don't know what a fa'afafine is, Google it!

At the Independence parade. I was under the impression that the parade would take hours... I was wrong. We marched for about 1 minute... total. 

Lovely decorations all over Apia

At the Pacific Partnership opening ceremony. You can see more photos from the event here: http://angelinaaugust.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-navy.html

The Navy

Last month, Navy groups from all over the world arrived in Samoa, as part of the Pacific Partnership program. The Pacific Partnership strengthens relationships that are vital to deterring regional conflict, improving maritime security, and strengthening disaster response preparedness in Indo-Asia-Pacific Regions. 

I had the opportunity of meeting and spending time with the two groups that were working in Savai'i.

During the Pacific Partnership opening ceremony

The US Ambassador David Huebner

At the end of the opening ceremony, I was interviewed. You can learn more about the Pacific Partnership, as well as read a quote from my interview, here: http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=74554

I went to the Navy's farewell fiafia, and was presented with gifts by the village because I was a guest.

Peace Corps Volunteers and staff were invited to a reception on the USS Pearl Harbor. One of the many perks of being a PCV.

A pre-Independence Day celebration

Lovely entertainment

Touring the USS Pearl Harbor

What I'm Dealing with at This Moment!

Right now I am in Salelologa, at an internet cafe. I finally found a site to watch the Spurs game, and there are ads over the video!

Ahh oh well, at least I can hear the game! Haha

GO SPURS GO!!!

The Jungle, a.k.a., My Fale (House)!

Any idea what the stuff on my top is?? If you guessed MOLD, ding, ding, ding, you are correct!

Another moldy item

Scary looking pinchers!

Taranchula? I was shakin' in my boots when I took the photo, that's why it's blurry.

These bad boys are all over my house!

This gecko fell from wherever its nest is

Another view of the gecko

This newly hatched gecko didn't stand a chance with the ants! The shell was partially attached to it.

A gecko fell to its death, landing on my mosquito net! Kalofae! (What a pity!)

Hangin' on my water filter

I was away from my site for 9 days. I returned to a find that something ate a piece of material that was holding up my mosquito net (on the back left of my net), furthering my suspicion that there's a rat living in my thatched ceiling.

An ant massacre in my kitchen. Thank you, Mortein!

A grasshopper with a stinger? 

Now for the most interesting thing I've found inside my house:

A CRAB, in my shower!!! The question is: how did it get into my house?!

When it's raining outside, I resort to hanging my clothes inside my house, taking 2 days or longer to dry! Yay, mold!

At my host grandmother's house. I love how the chickens and cats mingle!

The tide was so low, the reef was visible! A crazy sight!

What Makes Me Happy

My students!

Some of my Year 4 students... They love the camera!

They love to read! This makes me so happy!

They spent their interval reading in my classroom!