Cyclones, Letchis, And More Cultural Lessons

6 February 2009. 3:25 pm. IN the library, for once.

Lots to tell! First things first: Yes, there's a cyclone in Reunion, but I AM FINE, and I anticipate that nothing that exciting will actually happen. Mostly it just makes being outside a THRILL-- at any moment once could be consumed in a 20 second wall of la pluie (rain). For the most part, nothing too exciting has happened. The grocery stores are now offering "Cyclone Specials" where you get an extra two liters of water for free. (Generally, after cyclones, the water isn't safe to drink for a few days). Stephanie and I stocked up in case it becomes unsafe and also bought food we could prepare without electricity. Sadly, it's pretty much useless to stock up on baguettes because they go stale. I can't imagine a day here without a baguette. It could be intense. I'll let you know. Anyways, I think the storm's kind of far off the island, and is only making very strong winds, and crazy sporadic rain spells. It may get worse, but probably not. I'm sort of bitter because I wanted to go hiking and mountain biking this weekend, but I'd rather be alive than caught in the cyclone on a mountain. All of the internationals are somewhat bummed because we wanted to get caught indoors for a few days, have some time off class, and generally have an enormous slumber party. Alas, who knows-- there is more time yet in the cyclone season. You can track it at: http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/Cmr/SaisonCourante/satellite/animation.html

Next: Letchis. A small, candy-tasting fruit that is like the mascot of La Reunion. They have a hard, red, bumpy outer shell but a soft pink inside. Unfortunately, their season ended in January, so I won't taste a fresh one. So, you may ask, how do I know what it tastes like? Sound question, blog-followers. Two opportunities. Danone (Dannon, for all you yogurt afectionados out there) produces "Creole" flavored yogurts that are all over the place. The french consume a crazy amount of yogurt, by the way. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, swimming pools (what??).. etc. Anyways, the letchi-flavored yogurt is delicious. My other opportunity came just the other night at a party, when a dear friend of mine who hails from this wonderful island, offered me a rum-soaked letchi. For my Tennesseans: think moonshine-flavored fruit. For all others: think of the taste of ethanol alcohol that has the consistency of calamari. It was quite potent, but suprisingly sweet. Needless to say, I'll do my best to adhere to the addage: "try everything at least (and for rum-soaked letchi fruits, only--) once."

More cultural lessons: The most prominent is that I think people take friendship more seriously here. Last week, one our my friends invited me to her birthday celebration. For me, it happened to be a day I had to get a lot of errands done. So, by the time I was back to campus, I couldn't make it for hunger, tiredness, etc. After a day or so of the Cold Shoulder and Awkward Eye Contact Doesn't Mean I Recognize You As A Friend, she patiently explained to a very confused and culturally inept me that when someone invites you to something- a party, to eat at the cafeteria, to get cafe (coffee), and you accept, that basically binds you to going. It's as good as a contract. I had actually hurt her feelings because I didn't go out with the group and didn't tell anyone I wasn't going to make it, and why not, etc. I tried my best to explain that it's SO different in the U.S.-- that everyone gets invited to everything, and you sort of feel it out if 1) you're really actually expected to be there, 2) who's going, and will it be worth it? and 3) if it's something you want to do. It didn't seem to translate, but she isn't mad. I have to say it's so relieving to have the wonderfully patient friends I've been fortunate enough to meet. Lesson learned, and no worse for wear.

Now a paragraph of little things in list form: I am officially enrolled in surfing class, the campus doctor has a picture he DREW of President Obama framed on his office wall, I do my laundry in my shower because it's so expensive for one load (about $3.30 American buckeroos per wash, per dry), discotheques play OLD American pop music that make the club go CRAZY (think: a techno YMCA, techno Chris Brown, a techno Grease montage [as in, John Travolta/Olivia Newton-John Grease], and techno Eurythmics--- do you TECHNO notice a TECHNO pattern??). Perhaps more on the epic discotheque experience to come. This post is too long as it is.

Finally, I'm trying to outsmart the ants that I share my room with by hiding my baguette so they won't find it. Secret Baguette Hide Out Place (SBHOP) #1: My closet, with my t-shirts. Mediocre response; it took them about 3 times as long to find it. Dissatisfied. SBHOP #2: on my chalkboard. Results to be published.

I miss you all immensely. Be well.

Bisoux,
Chelsea