Greetings

Halo evriwan

Arrived in Vanuatu yesterday in the early afternoon. Walked off the plane into a wave of humidity, not unlike a hot summer day in Maryland, except that it is like this most of the time. But just to give a quick rundown: Got into LA on Wednesday the 9th, left on Thursday the 10th, got into Auckland NZ at early in the morning on the 12th....skipped a whole day crossing the IDL. Then got into Port Vila, Vanuatu with a big welcome from other PC volunteers and staff, and some good island music...all in all over 24 hours of being in airports and on planes. But even with the exhaustation arriving in Vanuatu seemed to revitalize all of us, for a while at least. So overwhelming seeing all of the trees and plant life of the island, especially as we were flying in. Spectacular scenery! Had some time to chill for a bit in our hotel that we'll be in for the next week, but then went out with some other volunteers for our first kava drink at a local kava bar, or "nakamal." Very different atmosphere, very mellow. Drink bowls of kava (not tasty) and talk. Went to bed not too long afterwards...long day(s). Today was just a day off for time to relax and adjust to island time (aelan taem). Went out and bought a guitar....very pleased with my purchase. We all went snorkeling out on a small island...absolutely amazing coral reef! So many fish and so much plant life...colors are extraodinary. Had dinner down on the water tonight at a restaurant while they showed a movie outside (50 First Dates)....good time. Pretty tired now though and need the sleep for the week ahead, just for the day ahead actually. Training starts tomorrow...time for more information. But truly glad to be here finally and beginning the on the road to life for the next two years out here. I would write more, because obviously there is so much to tell just about these past two days, but I am tired, sticky, and paying money for this computer usage as we speak. So there will be more to come, I swear...love you all.