Semper Ubi Sub Ubi

   Five points to you if you remember enough of your Latin to translate that title.  I'll give you a hint: it has to do with the subject of this post, which is underwear.  Specifically, Marshallese underwear.  A Marshallese lady isn't fully dressed unless she has the right clothes on under her clothes.  You might be thinking:  Really?  What do you need beyond that standards?  I'm so glad you asked.  Let me illustrate:

This is the only time I'll post pictures of myself in underwear on the internet.  Why? Because everything is covered.  Twice. 

First you put on your regular underwear, then on the bottom you put on a pair of tight shorts, called tights, and then a slip. You can also put a skirt on top of these layers.  On top, I'm wearing a tank top over my regular underwear but T-shirts or guams (everyday dresses) can also be worn. 

Over all that you put on your muumuu.  I know, I managed to find the brightest one ever, but it was the only one in my size.  Put your hair up in a bun, add some gold jewelry and a nice pair of sandals and you're set to go. 

  I was worried that all these layers would be really hot but I was actually much more comfortable in this outfit than I am in the ribelle clothes that I wear when I go to Ebeye.  The tights prevent friction, the slip keeps the dress from sticking to your legs and the top wicked away sweat and kept the dress looking nicer.  So remember, the next time you're in the Marshall Islands and want to wear a muumuu, don't forget to buy the underthings that go with it, or as a friend said before she knew what to wear, "You mean I'm free-b@lling?!"