Not Samoa's fault

It appears that my inability to post regularly and often is not only a
symptom of being in Samoa. It is Tuesday here in Fiji, my last day
before going back to Samoa. We had the HIV Global Alliance meeting
yesterday and we have another meeting all day today. I was hoping to
have at least a half day to go into town to see the "city" life of
Nadi and buy some little things for Misa and Leilani and Whitney. It
is not looking good. All the meetings last week finished at 5:30pm
making it impossible to get out, Saturday we went to a Fiji village
for a tour and the whole cultural experience so by the time we got
back the stores were closed and of course Sunday, why would you want a
store to be open on Sunday? Monday thru Saturday your money goes to
capitalistic ventures, Sunday it goes to God, everyone knows that!

All in all, the trip has not met my expectations, and that is not
because I haven't gotten a chance to go into town when things are
open. The forum last week was not focused on the topics and delivered
the results I (and others I talked to) hoped for. Of course there are
some things I will be able to bring back and share with the staff and
volunteers in Samoa but many of the questions and uncertainty on some
programs remain.

I just wanted to touch base with you all. I am planning on posting
more about the Fiji village trip but I need to see if i can track down
some pictures first. There was a camera being used the whole week by
the organizing staff so I figure I can get those pictures. Yes, I
have a camera but when there are ten cameras floating around and that
combined with the fact we have email I find it more than silly to
insist on massive amounts of pictures of the same things from
different cameras. It's not that I'm lazy. Ok, it may have a little
to do with it, but that's not the whole reason. Additionally, when
you think about it, it is better to have someone else take pictures
because then you might be in a few of them. Anyway, I have rambled on
a bit longer than intended on this and getting back to the point, I
hope to get those picks and post them.

I'm off for my last nice hot shower with great water pressure. Oh so
bitter sweet!