On Monday, we had a man come to tell us some traditional Marshallese bwebwenatos (stories).
On Tuesday, we made Marshallese necklaces/bracelets. One of the educational assistants is very good at making Marshallese handicraft so she brought in some Palm tree fronds and shells. Each student got three strands of fronds to braid. When they were done, we could put a shell in the middle and at the end to make a clasp. The holes in the shells were made by holding the shell in a crevice of rock/coral, then pounding a nail through the top part with another rock. Easier said than done! I was able to pound a hole in a shell, but not after several tries!
My kindergarten kids were able to make their own version the next day since they go home before this activity took place.
On Wednesday, we went to the Alele museum of Marshallese history. I won't say much about the museum because I am planning to take Abby there when she visits in December. I will say that it was very interesting and a good museum to visit if you ever go to the Marshall Islands.
On Thursday, we had a feast of Marshallese food. Each person (staff members and students) were to bring two coconuts and a piece of fish. I am sure that the students had an easier time getting coconuts and fish as they probably just climbed a tree and fished at home. I went to a farmers market for the coconuts and another teacher went to the food store for the fish. It all cost $8 total (for 4 coconuts and 2 pieces of fish)!
Parents and family members came to help with the feast. Some women wove Palm tree leaves to make plates. I tried my hand at the weaving. It was easy once you got the hang of it. Other women cooked breadfruit in an abandoned tire rim. Fish was cooked on the grill. Mature coconut meat was taken out and made into a drink called "u" made of mashed coconut meat, condensed milk, sugar and ice. There was music and lots of children dancing and exploring the ocean in front of school. We also saw different ways to husk a coconut (with a machete or by teeth) and drank/ate a lot of coconut juice and meat. It was a fun day learning culture.
It was the first time I ate a whole fish with its face still attached to it. The meat was easy to slide off the fish, and it didn't taste too much like fish. Just ignore the face while eating. 😄. I also ate some breadfruit, pandanus, and drank some u. It was also my first time that I drank some coconut juice and liked it! I didn't like it before.
My lunch after a student stole my food. Go to my facebook page to see the movie I made of different videos from that day.
It was really good to see the children be proud of their culture and "show off" their skills to the ribelles. Some students climbed a coconut tree that went straight up, others cut open a coconut/husked a coconut with his teeth, others grilled the fish, and yet more wove the plates. They were thrilled to teach us what they knew. It is one of my favorite days/week so far.
On Friday, there was supposed to be some cultural games, dances and food/handcraft being sold on the Alele grounds, but we were rained out. We were able to get transportation for all the students to attend but it rained off and on all day so we were not able to enjoy any games. We did see some dances though. I got a crown made of flowers. It was beautiful and very fragrant!
