USC Alternative Winter Break in French Polynesia
Writing and Pictures by Rachel Bennett ‘18
Editorial Work by Ayman Siraj ‘18
As the sun set at the heart of the island, we were welcomed to a feast. In the middle of the Tahitian jungles, local men and women pulled colorful foods from a traditional earth oven set deep into the ground.
The group after a tiring day of prepping food for 200 people.
The palm fronds securely wrapping the various fruits, vegetables and meats were signed from having been warmed and smoked for hours. After unwrapping and preparing the food with careful hands, a collection of older women, adorned with crowns of beautiful and vibrant flowers, served us cooked taro, raw tuna, ripe mango.
As I sat at the table, feet pressed into the soft jungle earth, I could hear the small waterfall not hardly a few feet from where I was seated. Over the soft sounds of the jungle, the locals began to sing traditional Tahitian songs. Strumming ukulele’s with sun dried hands, and singing with large smiles and bright eyes.
This past winter break I went on a USC Alternative break trip to Tahiti. Alternative Break is a program that gives college students the opportunity to help, learn and connect with other people all around the world. Each trip offered by Alternative Break has a service focused objective. The Alternative Break trip to Tahiti was focused upon environmental and cultural conservation.
Learning how to weave traditional Tahitian baskets.
We explored the big island of Tahiti and traveled to Mo’orea, a smaller neighboring island. In each location, we were given insights into the issues and efforts undertaken to preserve the Tahitian culture and natural environment.
Our first day was spent in Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia. We visited government buildings, met government representatives and learned about the political system of Tahiti. We also learned about the lasting effects of tourism and French colonialism on the environment and the traditional culture of the Tahitian people.
The Assembly of French Polynesia
The lessons we learned from our time in Papeete provided a foundation of understanding for the many meaningful experiences throughout our trip.
Our next stop was the heart of the island, Fare Hape. Fare Hape is where we truly got to experience the natural environment which is so rich and full of life. We were greeted by members of the Haururu Association. The Haururu Association is a nonprofit focused on protecting and sharing knowledge of Tahitian culture, as well as preserving the natural beauty of Tahiti.
We traveled to a camp in the Papeno’o Valley where we worked at their cultural center and learned more about their exciting youth programs designed to reconnect young people with their history, tradition, and culture. During our stay, our Tahitian hosts shared stories and wisdom which were entertaining and enlightening. We helped remove an invasive plant species which was spreading throughout the forest and helped in preparing a traditional Tahitian feast.
We went hiking in the Papeno’o Valley. The amount of undisturbed nature around us was surreal.
Our next stop was the Taiarapu District, where we were introduced to our home-stays. Each of us was assigned a Tahitian family to stay with for a couple days. I was initially apprehensive to stay in a house with strangers that did not speak English, but my concerns soon melted away as we were welcomed with open arms and incredible kindness. I would never have imagined how quickly I would connect with a community of people so different from my community here at USC. Despite not being able to speak in each other’s language, I could laugh and play with many of the locals. After two days of bonding, volunteering and sharing memories with the people of the town, we all said out goodbyes with hugs and happy tears.
Mellina bonding with the locals at our food service.
From Taiarapu, we ventured to another nearby town and helped prepare and serve a massive Tahitian feast for the low-income families of Tahiti. After the families were full and happy, we cleaned up and took off to Mo’orea. At Mo’orea we shared food, song and dance with the local people. Along with the fun and beautiful cultural exchange, we were also given the opportunity to help restore traditional Tahitian architecture for a nonprofit which is also working to open a center focused upon teaching and restoring Tahitian culture. After helping replace the roofs of the traditional Tahitian infrastructure, we began to do beach clean-ups, in which we snorkeled and dived for debris caught in the reefs near shore.
Lynn Wang putting in the work at the construction site.
Once we had finished our work in Moorea, we returned to Papeete to sail on the traditional Tahitian canoe, also known as Va’a. For the Tahitian people, the Va’a is sacred because it not only connects them to their ancestors, but also connects them to their sister Polynesian islands. Once we had finished sailing one final time, it was time for us to return to Los Angeles. We said our final goodbyes, and with big smiles and piles of sea shell necklaces around each of our necks, we set off for Los Angeles.
Exploring and learning more about what makes up Tahiti, I am reminded of how important it is to recognize and respect the Tahitian people and their land. As human society progresses, both the natural environment and history of the Tahitian people are threatened. Whether it be through irresponsible tourism and money making schemes or lasting effects of colonialism in schools and society.
We prepared most of our meals in Tahiti!
As a global community, we must take note of these serious issues. Not only is Tahitian culture threatened, but other cultures and amazing histories around the world are threatened as well. As we become focused on progress and money, we at times lose sight of and disregard many important things which make the world an incredibly diverse and beautiful place. So, as we continue to progress, change and become more and more internationally connected, we must remember that out actions and decisions can impact the people and places around us.
Rachel Bennett is from Orange County. She currently is a junior with a major in Fine Art and minor in the Cinematic Arts.
Ayman Siraj is a junior majoring in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Digital Forensics. In his free time, he loves working with random datasets he pulls of the internet, photography and reading up on global politics.
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