The I-Kiribati people love their music and hanging on buses is nearly always a mind changing event. One, because you are glad to have got a bus after a long wait and once you get on the bubble gum music can only put a smile on your face, well my face at least. I’m sure there’s a PHD here in the effect of music on everyday life and everyday people just waiting to be researched. Musical influences seem to come far and wide with songs freeing Nelson Mandela, wanting an African man, doing the zumbo, and Kiribati versions of Western songs.
A bus without music blasting out is a bit odd here, some buses have created extra seating in the aisle by laying down a whooping big speaker. Too much base does wonders for the bottom ! A favorite activity of mine is a bit like “spicks and specks” with a twist, trying to remember the name of a western song being sung in Kiribati. It’s funny how those tunes imprint on the brain but trying to remember the name of the song is another thing, or trying to forget the name of the song at 3am after it’s taken up residence for the last 15 hours is equally maddening.
I’m sure in 1963 or was it 1966 when John Denver penned “I’m leaving on a jet plane” he wouldn’t have even know where Kiribati was, er, maybe he still doesn’t. This country doesn’t make too many peoples travel bucket lists and I suspect it’s not on his either. But just imagine he could sell out Betio stadium and he wouldn’t have to worry of he forgot a few words they all know them.
There has been an increase in international flights into Tarawa in the last few months, there are now 10 a month instead of 8, competition has hit the pacific skies with “our airline” flying in twice a month. Mind you in my research trying to make a booking on them is another thing. But I have now joined the Wednesday excitement and waved people off on the plane. Just a couple of weeks ago 13 people from my work, people with disabilities packed their bags (no one had over 10 kilos and half of them were under 5 kilos !) and made their way to Australia for a training fellowship. Assisting the group included getting 2 wheelchair users onto a totally inaccessible plane, no air-bridge here, one was piggy backed on board and the another pulled herself up the handrails, then directing 5 blind people with the first one holding onto the shoulder of a sighted person whilst everyone else tagging on, meanwhile the others with physical disabilities sorted themselves out. They are an amazing bunch of people who really do make the most of their abilities and just get on with doing whatever needs to be done and achieved.
It seems every Kiribati person or group here travels with an esky or plastic fish box, these people were no different and this box was filled with their grass skirts (different ones for different dances depending how much hip action was needed) and other accessories for their national dress. Along with these were a couple of the wonderful woven mats which no doubt someone is sleeping on until they find there new owners and other handicrafts to be shared as gifts. Of course the whole quarantine procedure was a bit concerning, especially someone actually declaring the goodies and getting them into Australia.
It was busy 3 hours at the airport that morning getting everyone away. It had been hard to get across what it may feel like to be cold (their arrival temp was just 15 degrees), and living here in a constant 28-32 degrees, I too am wondering what cool weather is like.
I am very happy to report everybody, all the bags and the handicrafts made it safe and sound through to Melbourne.
Arriving in Melbourne.
Seems some were tired, they only left with 2 in wheelchairs !
This week it’s my turn to leave on a jet plane, I’ll leave the musical buses, yellow fin tuna and my ocean view for a few weeks to hit some R & R in Fiji and Australia, yahoo here I come. I’ll take along a couple of woven mats as gifts, see if I can find something with long sleeves to keep me warm and take the biggest suitcase I can find. It may not be filled to the brim leaving here but it will be maxed out coming back after I stock up on dried fruit, nuts and the odd bottle of wine !
Cheerio
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