11 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

The meal. Sadly, as we did not have an umu, the end result did not have that smoky taste to it, but was still enjoyable. Most of the people here were anthropology students from Brown University. Apparently a professor did a lot of research here and left a legacy many students followed. Strange to have an unexpected Ivy League reunion in the South Pacific.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2012/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-29.html

11 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

Grating the coconut using an old-school grater: a serrated piece of metal nailed to a piece of wood you sit on. Afterwards, the coconut milk is extracted by wringing the shreds with as much force as possible between a handful of fibres from some plant.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2012/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-29.html

11 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

Nick was having a small party at his place, and as I expounded on my love for palusami, they decided to show me how to make it traditionally! Here is where I learned how to open a coconut with (the dull edge of) a machete or other large knife.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2012/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-29.html

11 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

Tisa also hosts an umu feast here every week. What a cool-looking place! Heading back, after a shopping trip, we were nearly caught by sa, a daily time of rest and prayer, where cars have to stop driving and people must stop walking around. Luckily, we got back minutes before sa started, and didn't get "sa-ed" as Nick puts it.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2012/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-29.html

11 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

Another view of the bar. There are also accommodations here. Heading back to town, I heard news about a troubling now plant or something strange discovered growing here. Bio-security is a big concern on these islands.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2012/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-29.html

11 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

There were some birds with long tails flying overhead. I met an American who is working here for her second time. She is doing a cultural survey to prepare for the installation of a fibre optic Internet line. She offered me a ride back to town.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2012/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-29.html

11 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

I wanted to go for a snorkel, but the conditions didn't look so good with the tide. I watched some tiny stranded lizards or geckos on this rock. I wondered what they do when the tide comes in more.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2012/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-29.html

11 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

View of the cove the bar is situated in. It took a while before someone, Tisa, I think, showed up so that I can get a drink.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2012/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-29.html

11 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

The bar by the ocean was gorgeous.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2012/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-29.html

11 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

Coming back a bit early, I stopped halfway at the well-known Tisa's Barefoot Bar. I nearly milled it, as it was pretty hidden from the road.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2012/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-29.html