BE WARNED some pictures may offend as this is the entire process of a traditional UMU.
While Jeff & Helen were in town we were all invited to join Sal & Rochelle's family for a Sunday Umu and Puwaka. We dropped in after church to see how things were to progress. So after a quick change from Lyndon's white navy uniform into something more appropriate it was all hands on deck. Sal's dad Mosesse Snr took charge of us Palangi's (non Tongan's) and ran us through the entire process. No power but not quiet traditional with carpet and a sleeping bag used to keep the heat in the umu pit. The pig was slow roasted over the open fire on a spit and hand rotated for the entire 3-4 hrs. Luckily you are allowed beers while the men conducted this section. Jeff even had a bash at de-husking coconuts and shredding the pulp. On completion of the outdoor cooking we took the puwaka in for carving by Sal's cousin Fahu, the knife expert. Then all that was left was to sit back and enjoy the feast. Em and Moo performed their Tahitian dance after dinner to top off the whole experience.
Lyndon feeling a little out of place.
The circle of life Tongan style. Piani's pig Butterscotch.
Dylan took the first turn on the handle rotating the pig.
The boys loading up the umu (ground oven).
Jeff & Lyndon taking our turn at the wheel.
Jeff shredding the coconuts.
The master at work, Mosesse Snr.
One of the mumma pig's.
Covering up the pit not so traditional style but very effective.
Unloading the spoils. Yam, Tarro, Hawaii sweet potato and Moa (chicken)
The final crackle preparation.
Sal and Jeff removing the pig from the spit.
The kids watching Fahu carve.
It's all in the presentation.
Em and Moo performing their Tahitian dance for the crowd.
All full it was then off home for last drinks and pool before flying out the next morning.
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