I have now been in FSM for just about two weeks, though it seems like it's been much longer because of all that I have learned being here! Micronesians have many rich cultures and histories across the four states and it is so exciting to be a part of it!
One of the local Peace Corps staff was training my Peace Corps class (M*76!) on behavior and cultural tradition: Pohnpeians have a tendency to throw trash to the side of the road when they are finished with it, and waste management is a major issue here in Pohnpei. On the surface, this looks like a bad habit, but it comes from the tradition of using natural materials to contain food, such as palm branch baskets--which are still used extensively, or coconut shells. These things when thrown out would simply biodegrade and nourish the soil, rather than polluting the land. Well, it is my opinion that the Micronesians have the right idea. It's just too bad that banana trees don't grow in Chicago--those leaves make excellent platters for family feasts.
Eating locally grown foods is also a major movement in FSM--with the introduction of conveniently canned, imported foods, many people have chosen this route as an easier way to put food on the table, but a diet of Spam and rice is not the most nutritious, so organizations are promoting the much healthier local diet of breadfruit, coconut, taro, yam, fish, and 15 different kinds of banana!
I would just like to put the challenge out to all to try one thing that will allow you to live a little more simply, save a tree, save a fish, love your home!
****
In other news, I received my permanent site placement: I will be in a mountain community on the main island of Pohnpei: no electricity, but indoor plumbing! My mailing address will be the one I've already given to you all, so please write! Love to all and stay tuned for more to come from Pohnpei . . .
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment