Manu vs Scotland

On the 23rd June 2012 the Manu played Scotland at Apia park.  Contrary to rugby watching at home in the Winter, we sat outside in the blazing sun under the shade of an umbrella, drinking cold soft drinks amongst the crowd on the bank.  Our Scottish friend Nicola could be seen far away in the stand waving her Scotland flag!  Unfortunately the boys lost in the dying minutes of the game but was that try that was disallowed a try or was that foot out over the line?????

Tropical Cyclone Evan Update

I took this video at 8.30am this morning from home (Vaigaga) of the cyclone at Category 2 with 50-60 knot winds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CZyz-MEWJM&list=UUSqH7EN8l9rAUMO8hOXzlcQ&index=1 

Next door's power line fell down through our fence this morning so will have to get that looked at after the storm passes.  The power is going on and off now, town is busy with people sorting out supplies.  I am at USP Campus where weather is not too bad and we have the generator running at the moment.  Banana and Paw Paw trees are not faring too well and there are a lot of shredded leaves around.  The Old Man dog is very wet and very excited bouncing around.  He knows something is up!

We are battening down the hatches to ride it out and while we have generated power, will catch up on a few blog posts that we have been meaning to do for several months so watch this space!

Tropical Cyclone Evan

TC Evan is approaching Samoa. It is currently very grey and rainy here. The wind has not got up much yet but it may do as Evan reaches Savaii, does a complete right turn over Samoa, and heads back where it came from. USP Graduation is supposed to be Friday morning so we will see how that pans out! You can track the cyclone here on the very informative Fiji Met Service site

www.met.gov.fj/aifs_prods/Evan%20Threat%20Map%20(1).png

Christmas in Samoa

This will be our first Christmas in Samoa since we moved here. When we first came over 4 years ago you would not have known Christmas was approaching but now there are decorations and trees up and flashing lights plus Christmas ads on the radio and TV. I guess the commercialism has finally reached the rock! Well our tree is up, we have collected a few presents already and now just need to figure out what to make for Christmas lunch. Less of a ham and turkey and more of what will actually be available at the supermarket!

Plantation House - Teddy Bears

Plantation House in Samoa is the home of the best High Tea available in Samoa!  It's the place to go to relax in the tranquil fale setting surrounded by beautiful gardens.  High Teas are served every Wednesday from 3pm in the afternoon and it pays to book if you plan to go along.  Marita is the creator of fabulous scones with lemon curd, tasty morsels of quiche and sandwiches and yummy sweet delights.  Of course a selection of teas are also on offer.

And now in the gift shop, which hosts an ever increasing array of wonderful Samoan souvenirs and crafts, are "Made by Angela Jowitt" elei fabric Teddy Bears!

Samoa’s 50 Years of Independence

June 1^st marked 50 years of Independence for Samoa. (Actually, the independence date was 1 January 1962, but the Independence Day celebrations and holiday are held on  June 1^st each year). 

As you can imagine, this was a pretty big event for the country.  There were plenty of events organised and lots of visitors came to join in the celebrations including many dignitaries from around the world.    

In the week leading up to the big day there was quite a buzz around town. Everyone was busy putting up flags and decorations, painting fences, buildings etc and making other efforts to make Apia look good. A bonus for us was the sudden urgency to get all the roads around town re-surfaced, so no more potholes for now! And the big clean up effort has the town looking cleaner than usual.  

Because it was the 50 year anniversary everything seemed to be bigger, with more people involved. The upside of this was instead of our usual Independence Day holiday, we got 3 days public holiday so a 5 day weekend!  

Angela was away in Adelaide on June 1^st, but after she got back we managed to check out some of the cultural performances. There are plenty of photos on flickr, so check them out.  

I ran in the Independence 10km fun run again. I came in 5th overall and second in the 'veterans' division, only 6 seconds behind the leading vet, but 3 minutes quicker than last year. (In this event once you are over 40 you are considered to be a veteran!). 

Staff and students of USP Alafua practice for the 50th anniversary march

NZSS Timaru 2012

Jona (Fiji) and I




Umpiring



With Kate my room mate and the finals umpire (hoping some of that will rub off!)



Umpires