Cory and Mya's Pics: 2011-08-14

Albert Cove a Second Time: What Scott Did

The "old man" (yes, that's really what everyone called him) invited Scott in to join him while he shouted directions at the women teaching Steph to build the lovo. All in good fun with lots of laughter as the women were doing just fine. But the men who usually built the lovo were still up the mountain. Scott was told that if the women didn't do the work, none would get done. Not really the case, but the old man sure was having a good time just sitting and watching that day. Yes, Scott eventually did get off his butt to come help...but mostly with pushing kids on the swing. We wouldn't want to disrupt the old man's game after all!

Lovo Start

What to do with all that chicken in a freezer that isn't working? Take it ashore of course and share with friends. Steph asked if we could cook it in the lovo (earth oven)and we got full points for participating and learning how. First dig the hole. Then go into the jungle and find fire wood and stones. Have the kids get distracted in the hot spring. Cut the wood to size and construct the log house. Cheat a little with diesel fuel to get it burning and place the stones on top.

Bu Break

The tree climbers had gone up the hill to the farm to get taro for the lovo. but there's always another way. Mya was all over the idea of using a bamboo stick to retrieve a green coconut (bu) for a refreshing drink.

Lovo Burning

The log house burns away and eventually caved in dropping the hot rocks to the bottom. Parau and Kai returned from the farm with fresh taro. It was pretty late by then so there was some pretty quick scraping to get everything ready for cooking.

Lovo Loading

Cut banana stalks were placed on top of the hot rocks. The stalks have too much water in them to burn. Then on went the cassava and dalo (taro) with the foil wrapped chicken on top. Cover with leaves and dirt. Voila!

Lovo Cooking

Lovo Waiting

The lovo takes about an hour to have everything cooked. So everyone gathered in one house and watched "Free Willy". They asked Steph to time it, but the timing didn't feel right so there was more waiting:)

Lovo Ready?

Lovo Eating

Banana Cake

Our Albert Cove friends asked if they could have a party for us before we left. Wow did they ever put a lot of effort into our farewell! This was a full day event. The lovo this day was loaded with all kinds of extra things including banana cake which was a new treat for us. Green bananas were grated and then layered with coconut milk in the giant pan. Since it was a party for us, we weren't allowed to help much today but Steph got to grate some coconut for more milk. Then they asked if we could take more pictures and sing:)