Lehner, Philip N., 1964-1965
Page 149
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Transcription
Lehner P. 1964 Nov. 14 - continued 5 that we would return later, we went to the ship; at 8:00 we went back ashore and walked immediately to the large meeting hall where the party was already underway; this time when we arrived, everyone of the crew had a lei on his head and a woven dish full of food in front of him on the mat; we seated ourselves cross legged and were immediately approached by members of the Women's Club who put a lei on each of our heads and gave us each food; there were three kinds of food: fried chicken, taro and a sweet paste made of ground taro, molasses and cocnut milk; they also gave us each an open coconut from which we could drink the faintly sweet milk; up to this point all the dancing had been performed by single dancers (male or female) who wanted to display their agility for everyone; shortly we were finished eating and as the food was cleared the girls started approaching the crew for dances; it was obvious tonight that many of the girls chose the same partners indicating a definite preference; there was more participation in the dancing tonight and more vigor displayed by the dancers; this was met with appreciative laughs and (over)