Dec 4

Visited Manono - small island off the west coast. Largely overlooked after tsunami due to absence of human death. As you can see from earlier photos (man pointing to where his house used to be), property damage had huge impact on their lives. Am returning there to work with a young boy, Neti. Neti has no fear of the water. Locals here are basically wiping their brows with relief that no one lost their lives. Property damage is difficult, but the grief is different from the south coast of Upolo. I am planning to shoot with two boys, one on Manono, one at Saleapaga - show their commonalities and their differences - hopefully returning here in May to follow up, showing both of their journeys to Apia for the Independence day celebrations, June 1.


One of the things I am most keen to do is share my technical knowledge with locals. My friend Nynette is all fired up about shooting video and stills. I spend much of the boat trip back working with her on shooting stills - her enthusiasm is contagious. It means a lot to me to be able to make this difference for her.


Things about Samoa: Powdered milk is the norm. Something is wrong with me - I may have gotten used to this. Vegemite! They have Vegemite here. I've been looking everywhere in Toronto - but my local stores don't stock it any more. Anyone in Toronto know where I can get it at home?