Talofa Lava Stanhope from my home land - beautiful Samoa.
This week I have the privilege of working from Samoa. I am here attending the Teuila Festival 2013 - check out the link to look at all the events. http://www.teuilafestival.com/
We watched the opening ceremony yesterday and performances that went well into the night.
The people I have meet already.....all the SRS students that went to code will remember OZ, well he is here with Wairangi Koopu covering the PaoPao events.
I was also on the plane with Te Puke Intermediate - they are here for a cultural education trip - WOW how about that SRS....maybe something we can work towards!
WHAM - BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Nandita who has successfully completed our POSTER and TICKETS. Also to the Media Team for getting a great article in the local newspaper - great work team.
Last night was the Siva Afi competition - each dancer showed off their skills and fearlessness as they performed two siva each. At the festival people can also take lessons with local people and learn to weave, dance and put down an umu.
Today we are going to watch the PaoPao races down at the wharf. PaoPao is the name for canoes or waka ama.
Today we are going to watch the PaoPao races down at the wharf. PaoPao is the name for canoes or waka ama.
GREAT PERFORMERS - EVEN BETTER CROWD!
WOW what a wonderful festival we have here in Samoa - yesterday was full-on day trying to see EVERYTHING.....we saw amazing performers and exhibitors....but what I noticed also was how amazing the crowd was....they are really really enjoying everything and I can't help but be swept up in their enthusiasm for my country and culture!
There was a very special KAVA WELCOME CEREMONY held to welcome all the paddlers from around the world - this is traditionally done in a FALE FONO, but because this was a paopao regatta, the kava came in on a paopao - it was very cool!!! you can see the man in the photo with a coconut shell in his hand.....the cup is full of kava and he is taking it up to all the VIP to drink.
TOFA MY BEAUTIFUL SAMOA......
Thank you for telling us you are in Samoa. Sounds like you are having a fun time. Hope you enjoy the Paopao races and learn some new things. Who won the races?
ReplyDeleteIt is raining here today! Is it hot in Samoa. Yesterday Lyn Kriegler visited us and we had an awesome time with her. She is an author, illustrator and puppeteer.
When you come back we would like to hear your message about your trip to Samoa.
Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip.
From your Room 14 Friends.
Dear Ms Tafa
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are having a fantastic time in Samoa! It looks like the weather is FANTASTIC!! We are having a very wet day today :( We miss you a lot! Have you made lots of new friends? We have some questions for you...
The tattooing looks really painful are you going to get another tattoo while you are there? Tangi
You said that people could learn to make traditional things have you learnt to make anything new? - Paea
Did you have a go at the fire dancing/ Siva Afi? - Tanya
What has been your favourite thing so far?- Daisha
Have you tried any new Samoan food while you have been there- Carlin
Have you been shopping while you have been there?- Matthew
What has been the most exciting activity you have participated in so far? - Nicole
How long did it take you to fly there? - Harshit
We look forward to hearing from you
Come back soon
Room 13
What a lovely cultural experience. SRS pupils will love it.
ReplyDeleteMalo Ms Tafa! It sounds like you are having a really good time in Samoa! Today we went to the hall and did percussion music and we got to play with the drums...all of us got to have a drum! It was LOUD! We had to shout out the words and hit the drums. We miss you lots, and have a safe trip back. Don't forget to buy Miss Huntley a present!!!!
ReplyDeleteFrom the room 11 legends!
hi miss tafa are you having fun ahi
ReplyDeleteTalofa
ReplyDeleteWhat a great time to go and experience such wonderful moments. We are looking forward to you sharing more with us when you return.
Looks like a great place for a staff retreat!
Safe trip back
We are jealous, wish we were there. Maybe next time?
ReplyDeleteRoom 19
miss tafa is back yes shes back now ahi
ReplyDelete