Cyclone summary

Following the overnight cyclone on February 12th we went down to our cottage the follwing and it was full of water, including a leak from the ceiling onto our bed. All rooms were awash but we didn’t lose anything. The car port blew away but we’d secured the scooter in a large covered outdoor learning space.

The school and in fact all of Tonga lost power (still largely out) and trees and building rubble everywhere. We moved to the ‘guest cottage’.. a simple duplex with two minute bedrooms, a kitchen and eating area and a weird loo and shower with a head height divider. The mirror image through a core door, Klarissa and her husband and two kids are in.

So only limited generator power, couple of hours a day, no refrigeration and one powerpoint to charge things (phones and laptops) when generator is on. (no fans!!)

No night reading, but we watch a dvd in the evenings and play scrabble at cocktail hour (no real drinks only luke warm water). The candles are not romantic at all just a necessity.

It’s ok, we’ve got used to it, it’s been over a week. Luckily when we get water (with the generator, going we madly boil water for washing up and for drinking) luckily cold showers are a pleasant experience as it’s still hot and humid again, now the cyclone is gone.

School is back now, using generators for boarders at night and at main office in the day. Today miraculously the internet appeared for a short time so hopefully will post this tomorrow.

Made pasta with anchovies, garlic, onion and breadcrumbs (a recipe Sarah has had at a restaurant), fried rice with canned corn, onion, wild beans, garlic and chilli and a slice of prosciutto. Porridge made with water and a sprinkling of dried fruit for breakfast. Also have had very spicy corn chips, with melted cheese (in the oven) for lunch. Boiled eggs for morning tea. Yesterday, we discovered dark chocolate tim tams at a shop so bought 5 packets, one or two a day and we share them. Made scones as I have jam, another breakfast option and Greg made a great banana cake and after a day or so we warm/toast it in a pan. The wonders of olive oil a substitute for butter/margarine and lots of other things.

Necessity the mother of invention!! Other suggestions welcome!!!