Beware of too much talking!

Yesterday, my husband, Hal, and I (along with our dogs, Jack & River) went to the Pacific Islander Festival at the Huntington Beach Public library. Presented by Pacific Health Partnership (PIHP) the event featured the Cultural Traditions, Performances and the Arts of the Pacific Islands. Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Aoteroa (Polynesia), guam, Northern Marianas, Marshall islands (Micronesia) and Fiji (Meleanesia). Island Villages, Cultural Demonstrations, Live Hands-On Arts Projects, Authentic Island Music & Performers, Story Telling, Pacific Island Food Booths and Craft Vendors. While the food we had from Tonga was excellent, the rest of the festival left much to be desired, in part because the Master of Ceremonies did not know when to stop talking and let the performers perform. We waited and waited to see acts perform while he gibbered and gabbered for about 15 minutes inbetween each one. There were only about 4 actual craft booths and the other vendors were selling touristy items that you would expect in a touristy area - some made in China. As an on line retailer (www.giftsfromadistance.com, www.girlsofallages.com, www.catattitude.com and www.dogloversrock.com) I am always on the lookout for unique native crafts and was hoping to find something there but I was out of luck. did I say the food was good?? Of course, I did. What we ate was excellent - our plate included two pork ribs (we opted for pork but next time will try the sibi - a lamb rib, I believe, sweet potatoes, something green with ham (looked like spinach but was a little bitter), a sausage that kind of reminded me of a banger, a crab salad and the Tongan version of chop suey, which used those thin, opaque noodles and was quite good. I am going to search for some Tongan recipes to try at home. All and all it was a nice day for a walk in the park but the festival itself, other than the food, was a little disappointing. Since it was only the 2nd Annual Pacific Islander Festival, we are hoping it will be better next year. Still reading? Shop at www.giftsfromadistance.com. Type in "bts" at checkout. You will receive a 10% discount on your entire order!

Aloha,

terry