Fiji Time

Bula!

Unfortunately, most Fijian computers are unable to upload my pictures, so the visuals on this blog will not start until New Zealand and Australia.But do not worry, I have been taking a lot of pictures.

We had an amazing four days of orientation in Mango Bay, on the southern coast of Fiji. Activities included beach volleyball, swimming, a scavenger hunt in town, long beach walks, frisbee(a group member brought one, much to my excitement), going to a Rugby game in town, which was unbelievable, and getting to know eachother and start to devolop as a group.

On Monday, we embarked on a long journey via public buses to the north coast of the island to our homestays at Rabulu village! The village itself is breathtaking, tucked in the valley of two mountains, only a few minutes walk to the coastline. We were greeted by a warm welcoming ceremony in there community center. We participated in a traditional Kava ceremony. Kava is their traditional drink, made from a root, it tastes like I imagine dirt tasting. But, to be polite, we all indulged in cup after cup. It also makes you relaxed and turns your mouth numb, fun stuff... I am in this homestay with fellow group member Colin Martin. He is from San Francisco and is really good with kids, he is great to be around. My homestay family is really nice, it is a husband and wife, with two daughters who each have one or two kids, I am not sure. On Tuesday, we started our project of building a cement pathway through the village for the villagers to walk on when the ground floods during monsoon season. It is hard work. Today, we had to take a break from work because of a torrential downpour, now we can see why they need the pathway, it completely floods with any amount of rain. The kids are amazing as always, so friendly and outgoing. They know a surprising amount of American pop songs, we are really enjoying spending time with them. We eat each meal in the community center, on homemade mats, similar to tatami. The food is all fresh, homemade, and delicious. However, I am struggling to sit in criss-cross applesauce at each meal.

I will be able to check in one more time before I leave Fiji. I am so happy here, it has blown away all of my expectations.

I hope you all are enjoying getting your respective fall plans underway! Welcome back from Japan, G&G!

Stay Tuned!

-Arthur

Quick Fiji Check In

Bula! (hello in Fijian)
I don't have much time to check in, I am sitting in an internet cafe in Sigotaka, Fiji with only 5 minutes left on my internet access!

The trip has been unbelievable so far, the traveling went really smooth and easy. Jetlag isn't even too bad because were almost a full day behind Boston here so it works out evenly.

The group is awesome, everyone is super rad and down to earth. The water is clear and warm, the stars are all new, and the food is delicious(fresh seafood yum!). Fijians are also amazing and super friendly. I will check in with a full post when I have longer access. 

Hope all is well wherever this blog finds you!

I love and miss all of you, especially Rico.

Stay Tuned!

Arthur

The Calm Before the Storm

Tonight I will sit down in a familiar chair, surrounded by familiar faces, and gorge myself in delicious feast of make-your-own sushi. Tomorrow, at around this time, I will be sitting in an unfamiliar seat, 18c, I believe, probably popping a few dramamine, preparing for a 10.5 flight ending in Nadi, Fiji. Kind of hard to believe.

I started this blog so that my family and friends could follow my adventures this year as I embark on what most surely will be the best(and only, hopefully) gap year of my life. This Fall, I am traveling to Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia with Carpe Diem Education's FANZ semester program. I will try to update this blog as often as I can to share my pictures, experiences, and thoughts with all of you guys. 

Tank–I expect you to check this blog regularly, just an FYI, there may be a pop quiz on it when I return. 

For now I must go finish this whole packing thing. Wish me luck. Who am I kidding though, I don't need luck, I've got Carolyn Moss!

The next time I check in with you guys it will be from the beautiful island of Fiji! I look forward to sharing my adventures with you all.

Stay tuned!

-Arthur