20.12.2012
Hello hello,
I hope this finds you all well.
Well, after two long days on planes, I'm finally back in London for a few weeks. Fortunately, I was still around for much of the festive party season before I left Honi-Freakin-Ara. Well, it all started with...
Rainbow Pool Party
I went to a super party at the beginning of the month (yes, another AusAid sponsored party). The theme was a Rainbow Party...it was incredible - even the swimming pool had a rainbow images projected on to it! Beaucoup d'effort! Unfortunately, I wasn't sent the email containing the small print obliging everyone to be thrown into the pool mid-dance! Drats! and curse those AFL chaps! Twas a colourful night indeed although after reaching the end of the rainbow, I was still unable to find the gold!
Maligayang Pasko
Yes - I even went to the Filipino Chrisymas Party more recently, which was entertaining to say the least. Now, I know that Filipinos have a reputation for being a very warm and friendly bunch of peeps but 150 Filipinos in one room celebrating Christmas was such a sight - Lots of singing and dancing as well as copious amounts of laughter. I can't tell you how much it makes me feel like Philippines is just around the corner - such an added bonus. The other great thing is that I am accosting (not being accosted - Filipinos don't think I look Filipino so don't approach me) so many Filipino people of which many love to cook Pinoy food for me :) Home sweet home.
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
I also helped to organise the CBSI Christmas Party this year. 120 people, tonnes of food, drink and music as well as much singing in the form of a Departmental Christmas Carol Competition. Now, many of you know that 1) I don't like singing; 2) I can't sing!
So, being tasked with picking the Eco Department's song and organising rehearsals was not really a welcomed opportunity! What's more, everyone here grows up knowing how to sing because it's expected of them for church. My biggest fear of trying to sing with talented singers was reaffirmed when one of my work colleagues said that I was out of tune THREE times in one rehearsal, and even suggested that I should just mime! I laugh at it now but during the moment, I recall my jaw dropping with such shock! The thing is, I know that I'm a rubbish singer. Just not used to the direct nature of Solomon Islanders yet I guess. The actual evening went well. I compromised by being the conductor singing quietly away from the audience (I know you're all laughing at me - stop laughing!) Surprisingly, we didn't win! However, the Financial Markets Supervision Department deserved the accolade what with an upbeat song, individual solos, and even a rap was included - that's right, the words "Go Mary, Go Mary" were used!
A brilliant night!
Guadacanal Tour
Just before I left, I went on a hike on Guadacanal Island with friends and the army folk guided by a a historian, John Innes, who specialises in Japanese and American WWII history in the Pacific. He only visits a few times a year and usually tours US and even Japanese war veterans trace back their footsteps, so his knowledge is so vast. He has even helped relatives locate lost loved ones - his stories are incredible and even made me cry at one point (I know - emotional Kenn.) It was fascinating how many lives the Japanese lost in their attempts to become rulers of the Pacific.
That said, the day although dreadfully hot, was so much fun. I don't think I have laughed so hard since playing Fluffy Bunnies with Elena and the gang! Sorry - that sounds odd. I'm not laughing at the war stories. We were so hungry after 8 hours of hiking and driving because we only had 15 mins for lunch and little sustenance bar a sandwich and coconut biscuit. By the end of the day, we had become delirious in the heat and couldn't stop laughing. Quel jour!
Well, time to go and finish off that Christmas shopping in Oxford Street (so strange to say this) and hopefully see you later tonight. If not, here's to a great Christmas and good health. Until next time, folks.
Maligayang Pasko!
Kennton xx
P.S. Colourful and amusing photos to follow.
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