With a population of about 20,000, Palau is perhaps the easiest place in the world to meet the 'big-wigs.' They're everywhere, and everyone knows everyone. They show up at parties, they hang out with the populace, when, frankly, you'd think they'd have something better to do.
I just saw an Asian couple pour a ton of salt on their watermelon before eating it. Just now. As I'm writing. Salt. On a watermelon. What the hell?
Back to Presidents, though, there’s a new medical student down here – a guy from U Hawaii (who, coincidentally, did his undergrad at U Washington). His father, it seems, is running for President of Palau (and, I imagine, is one of the front-runners, as Chin-Seid signs have been absolutely EVERYWHERE on this island… his dad would be Chin). He seems like a cool enough guy, though we’ve only chatted with him a couple times – and have not yet had a chance to actually hang out with him. So, there is a potential that, in a few months’ time, I will have an in with the new President of Palau. Don’t mess with me. I'll bring down the full wrath of the Palauan military on you. That is to say, I
Okay, this couple is sharing ONE plate of FOUR watermelon slices, and salting them. Seriously, how are these people not dead from starvation and/or hypertension?
That is to say, I will bring down the full force of the small contingent of Navy/Air Force stationed here. The ones that are here on infrastructure construction missions. That's right. Fear me.
Speaking of Presidents, the current President and Vice President were at the 4th of July celebration I went to, hosted by the Navy guys here – I met both, got a picture of both, and a picture with the President. Between these guys and the Minister of Health, I’m just massively-connected down here. You need something? I know a guy.
Apparently, down here, whenever there’s any minute problem, who gets called is entirely dependent upon who you know. The President, Tommy, literally will get called if the sewage backs up into someone’s house and he happens to know the guy – so delegation of responsibility is really not an apparent priority here. His house is half a block from ours, too, and is fairly modest for what you’d expect of the President – it’s not even the biggest house on the island. Like, seriously, who the hell does he think he isn’t?
2 comments:
Good to know you haven't been eliminated on Survivor, Fungus.
I share your confusion with the whole "salt-on-the-watermelon" thing. My friend Karen has put salt on her watermelon as long as I can remember. I tried it once, just for shits and giggles, but I can assure you- the taste elicited neither. I can only assume it to be an acquired taste. Blech.
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