Te tumu me’i: a breadfruit tree in the village of Hakahau, Ua Pou, 2011. Breadfruit has been a traditional staple in the Marquesas for hundreds of years, and still appears on the table accompanied by meat and fish, or as a pounded paste known as ka’aku. Historically, Marquesans planted a breadfruit tree when a child was born; the fruit from this tree was meant to feed the child throughout his lifetime.
My apologies for not posting every day, of late! For the rest of 2013 the postings will be a bit less regular due to my being in the Marquesas and not having easy access to the internet. That said, I hope to post at least twice a week. Please stay tuned!
Bisous!
MOKAI
Luck
[pronunciation: moh-ka-ee]
Te ka’avai o Taipivai–the valley written about by Herman Melville in his book, Taipi. 2011.
MEITA’I
Good
or
Well
[pronunciation: may-ee-tah’ee]
VIVINI
Understand
[pronunciation: vee-VEE-nee]
At a wedding feast, 2010: KAIKAI MEITA’I! (eat well!)
MA ONA MEITA’I
That was a good meal!
[pronunciation: mah ohna may-ee-tah’ee]
HI’I
Wall
[pronunciation: hee’ee]
HAO’E
Foreigner
[pronunciation: ha-oh’ay]