As Everyone Holds Their Breath

We often say that island life is more chill and easy-going than life back in the US. But there are times when it seems like the entire place is holding their collective breath, waiting for a real or metaphorical storm to pass. It depends on the time, but typically it's one of two things:

A cyclone is coming.

or 

Political problems are anticipated. 

It's interesting to note that the things we do to prepare are pretty similar: we stock up on phone credit, make sure we've got supplies for a few days of staying home, and pay attention to reports of what's going on.

This time it was politics that caused the concern. The rotation of political power between islands has been disrupted and a significant date was approaching. Neighbors and friends were on high alert, encouraging caution in going out, keeping a good amount of supplies at home, and telling us to be careful.

The significant date came and went... there were some days with extra military presence, quieter mornings as people waited to see if it was a good day to go about normal business, but overall it passed peacefully. And for that we are thankful.

 But peace is not to be taken for granted. We've seen the climate shift here as people are fearful of speaking out, nervous of what will happen, and frustrated as their inability to change the situation. And problems could happen any time. But will they? We resume breathing and wait for next time.