…the equator that is.
The first thing that struck me as I stepped off the plane
into Samoa was the heat and humidity. I had been preparing myself mentally for
this weather. I knew it would be different and I knew I would sweat, a lot.
Although it was pretty hot and humid, I thought, hmmm…this isn’t too terrible.
The first week into training and I still didn’t have to
think about the weather too much. Why? Because I was in an air conditioned
hotel and doing trainings in a room that had a great breeze.
Then, we moved to our training sites. Now this was the real
Samoan experience I had been looking forward too. The heat and humidity of the
days exhausted me. I found myself sweating while simply sitting around. Ve vela
le aso (hot day) ended up being one of the first phrases I regularly used. I
thought my body would adjust and eventually it wouldn’t feel so hot. I learned
pretty quickly, however, that not even Samoans have adjusted to the heat and
humidity.
The hottest part of the day, in the early afternoon, tends
to be the time for Samoans to nap. Why? Because what else can you do when it is
that hot and humid?
I adjusted to getting my nap in each day, although mine
tended to be later due to training. At first I would nap in my room, on my bed,
with my electric fan blowing right at me. Then, one Saturday, I realized
something very important: the floors are tiled for more than one reason. I
spent that afternoon napping on the floor and not sweating profusely.
Now, 11 weeks into living in Samoa, I still have not “gotten
used to” the heat. I still find myself sweating while literally doing nothing.
However, I have adjusted to this weather in some ways. On days that it rains,
it feels absolutely glorious and I really don’t want it to stop. Eighty degrees
can feel cool, especially if it is raining. Thinking about winter back in
America, especially when I get told it is below zero, makes me shiver and
wonder: what will I do in two years when I go back? I guess we will see as my
body continues to adjust.
