To America, From Vanuatu, With Love

So, I was going through one of my numerous ‘thoughtful’ moments as I walked back from the school in the evening and I just couldn’t help but start compiling a list of “Things I Miss in America” and, in contrast, “Things I Love About Vanuatu” and I decided, at that moment, that I needed to write these thoughts down (and, of course, share them with everyone). I continued to ponder these questions in a kava-induced stupor later that night and once I found the time I wrote them down. This blog is the finished product of those efforts.

      To America with Love (Things I Miss – in no particular order)

20-mile long runs at Nike HQ with Troy immediately followed by breakfast at Hometown Buffet (and don’t forget the coupons).

Long runs with Braxton following nights of copious amounts of drinking.

Politically incorrect, socially inappropriate, and morally reprehensible conversations with Justin.

Completely pointless, heated arguments with Crawford over arbitrary topics.

Dunkin’ Donuts (this one will probably have to wait awhile unless DD expands to the West Coast or I happen to end up in the Northeast again and following DD is probably a rather unimportant factor in choosing a career and place to settle down, but worse decisions have been made).

Regular access to Fast-Food establishments.

The McGriddle™.

Lack of Kava.

Cold weather.

Running on a team – finally feeling the longing again.

Running on something, anything, that is not a 200m round soccer field.

Regular access to Milk

Refrigeration, Microwaves, and Bacon.

From Vanuatu with Love (Things I Love – in no particular order)

Kava (like most things in my life, it’s a love/hate relationship)

PCVs – I’m not sure if it’s because PCVs are just totally awesome people or because after being on an island for so long any American would make me all warm and tingly.

Port Vila – some might disagree, but considering that our Peace Corps office is in the middle of a tourist hotspot, I think we are pretty lucky. Once again, it might just be my desperation for Western World Creature Comforts, but I’ve noticed that some PCVs don’t get as much satisfaction as I get from the destination.

Work. I’m a work-aholic. A lazy one, but a work-aholic nonetheless. Work can be slow, but I really do enjoy not being in a classroom finally.

Voodoo – Late-night Port Vila hotspot. Some PCVs will definitely disagree with me, but I am quite fond of the night club.

The Women – ‘nuf said.

Nambawan Bitter – micro-brewed in Vanautu.

Bananas or Taro and Coconut Milk.

Nalot Breadfruit (Blackman Cake) – they roast breadfruit over a open fire, then on a big piece of wood they pound the fruit into a pulp until it looks like a giant pancake, after which they pour boiling coconut milk all over it.

Fresh fruit – especially mangoes and pineapple.

Access to fresh fish, shellfish, pork, beef, and chicken on a fairly regular basis.

The breath-taking beauty that constantly surrounds me – especially awesome while stoned on kava.

Kenny. As soon as he asked me if I had “Blue Video” – pornography – his place on this list was assured.

Being able to walk around shirtless in athletic shorts all the time and still considered a professional – being judged on my knowledge and character, not what I wear or look like.

Island Hopping.