The culture seeps into my soul, like coconut oil being gently rubbed into my skin. The smells of salt, rotting rubbish, raw fish, sugar, bananas, dirt, sand, dead dogs, sweet toddy, bars of velvet soap, coconut oil, salted smoke fish, soy sauce and fresh bread buns. The sounds of cards slapping the floor on the…
Category: Tradition
Te Toonati (Kiribati Donuts)
I’ve been writing long enough to know that the writing mojo comes in waves. Sometimes it’s there and sometimes it isn’t. It’s so frustrating when it isn’t, but it will pass. So, I’ve decided to pass the buck somewhat. Instead of forcing something that’s not there, I have asked my mum to write down her recipe for Kiribati donuts.
David Katoatau and why you should never underestimate the Kiribati people
Kiribati is such a tiny country and if you don’t know about the country, then why would you care if it sinks or not? THIS is why people like David Katoatau are so important to Kiribati.
Building a Wall (written for The Big Issue)
If I can’t recognize the power storytelling and the advice my elders are passing onto me, how can I expect my future children to understand?
Kiribati architecture and design
The canoe is made by the men in the village, but this couldn’t be done without relying on the strength and quality of the women’s rope. A thought which I find so wonderful 🙂
The Night I Learned to Fear the Ocean
Anywhere else in the world, it is a luxury to live by the sea. In Kiribati, it means that you are the first to be without a home.
Teaote & The Wall
I have written a children’s book. It is a Kiribati story, with Kiribati characters and told with a Kiribati heart. It is called Teaote & The Wall.
Where are you going?
They will laugh at you. Most of the time you won’t know what you’ve done to make them laugh. Just roll with it and don’t take it as a personal insult – they just laughing. You’ll get used to it.
A very Islander week.
I’ve had a very islander week this week. Well as much as one can while living and working in a city. Before I tell you about the two wonderful events I went to this week, I’d like to mention one thing. Obviously, we all have our own personality traits which make up our own…
Aren’t we all the same?
When I was in Kiribati last October, I also had a close friend of mine working for an Aboriginal community in the middle of Northern Territory. We met each other when we were both living in Manchester, UK in 2009 and our friendship began when she came up to me at work (we had started…
The Little Island That Could 