I walk out of my home stay mid-afternoon in capris and a dri-fit shirt (even when running I need to dress conservatively). I forgot to bring a belt here so I improvise and grab one of those sturdy pieces of reed Tongans use for weaving. My clothes are still a bit on the big end, but I know it's just a matter of time before a diet of taro and white bread kicks in to add some padding around the waist. I take off down a dirt road. My Tongan training instructors have warned us against wandering into the bush alone, so my run is a bit limited to going back and forth in town. I don't mind this route because I enjoy the attention I get from locals. Some elderly men are out "eva-eva pe"(just wandering around) and they greet me with a "malo e lei lei". I continue through town and stop by a group of 14 year old girls on their way home from school to take a turn on their jump rope. Tonga is called the "friendly islands" for good reason, and I feel welcomed in my new community.
After all the safety precautions I've thought of for insects, sharks, and assaults I've found the most surprising and realistic danger to be the viscous roaming dogs. As I round the corner and sprint up a hill, a pack of 3 stray hounds follow me snarling and flashing their teeth. I heave the closest nut I can find, but they continue barking and threatening. A local man calls them off but I'm still a bit shaken by the incident. I realize that I need to be on the look out next time, and I pick up some rocks. And so you have this funny image of a "palangi" (foreigner) in her long shorts and fancy sports shoes with a stone in each hand, and a few things occur to me:
- Jenny & Ily fully converted me into a "runner" (and it's an addiction)
- My fellow PCV's idea to get a pet pig may not be that ridiculous after all (and I might just follow in her footsteps).
- I'm adjusting to my new life in Tonga while managing to retain aspects of my old identity.
I jog back home feeling grateful that all my limbs are still intact, and ready for a well earned ice cold bucket bath.
1 comments:
Good thing you have the experience of well trained dogs like Jet here at home which I'm sure helped keep your nerves down while on the sprint he,he!! How is your host family? have you met the prince yet? remember to tell him YOU are "Queen Sheila" but willing to speak to him:-)! Do you have running water and electricity? Are you attending church on sunday with the fmailies? I'm sure our family dinners have well prepared you for those events he,he!! I miss you sas! Sand and I are still getting use to our new little home. Keep us posted~love, Kar..sheila sista
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