Hello Parents and followers of the Hongi blog,
We just received word and a picture from Avy and James that the students have departed Australia (some students are staying on for further travels) for their long journey back home. This marks the end of this program, but not the end to the growth, friendships, and knowledge gained during these past 3 months. We (including James and Avy) wish the best… Read More
Sad to say that tomorrow most of us will be going home. This trip has been the journey of a lifetime and I will never forget the experiences I have had and the memories that were made. Am really going to miss all the incredible people I was lucky to spend three unforgettable months with and I learned a lot from each of them and also learned a lot about… Read More
A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of spending time at a magnificent Buddhist retreat. It was an amazing time filled with the learning of a rich and beautiful religious practices. AW HECK WHO AM I KIDDIN!!! IT WAS A HOOTANANNY OF A TIME! Hopes I didnt done scares yall back home, dont worry hot tuna is back and wouldnt let yall down by being a boring ole tale… Read More
Hello! Ana the tiger here fillin’ yer in on our week with the cva (conservation volunteer Australia). We started off by parting ways as some of us went into town in the country called Tanzey and the others went to Marriborrow. In Tanzey me, Maddie, Kailey, Andrew, and Avy all mastered the work of fencing. Here’s a haiku about it: Barbed wire fences-cowboy beauty in the fiels- but hot damn… Read More
Our journey starts by exchanging smiles with the people of Nananu The beginning of getting to know each other Fijian fashionistas! Goodbye Fiji, Hello New Zealand Auckland Harbour The start of our Coast to Coast walk, long but rewarding Anne’s Farm Our cottage view in Taranaki (The First Day of our Adventure Camp) Before the Mud Run… After the Mud Run… Bike riding the coast Andrew’s Birthday Surprise (He was… Read More
Free Travel!
Free Travel is a week in which we, the group, get to plan, organize and budget our own adventure. After much research and discussion our group decide to hike the beautiful National Park of Abel Tasman. Abel Tasman is notorious for its clear blue ocean, golden sand beaches, and lush green mountains. We planned a three day hike in which we would kayak the first half of the… Read More
Its Hot Tuna here with ya’lls catch of the week from Featherston,NZ! We had a hoot of a time at dat racehorse lodge we stayed at. I just dont even know were to begin. Firstly it appeared to a few people dat the place we was stayin at was haunted of sorts, So da sage master decided to have a saging of sorts and done did send all da bad… Read More
After spending the week repelling, climbing and paddling our way through the mountains, forests and waters of the North Island, I am confident that I am speaking on behalf of the group when I say that we have all felt the minor physical repercussions of our unsure footing, busy arms, and in my case, apparent aversion to staying on the bike path. In our valiant (and successful) attempts to keep… Read More
This evening we arrived at the Verdonk Family Farm. We were welcomed with an amazing view of the rolling hills and a very cozy house to stay in. We met our contacts Anne, Tom, Sam, Roxy, Malcom, Nana, Shielah, and Bob. Everyone was so friendly and nice, they made us feel at home. Our first dinner was made for us and consited of; juicy burgers; fat sausages; zesty salad; broiled… Read More
hello all, Maddie here. So what an adventure we have had so far. Everything has been amazing. We just left the Village of Nananu a couple days ago and it is crazy to go from village life to big time Auckland City. I think everyone was happy to move on from the village to our new spot. It was sad to say goodbye to the village but they will always… Read More
Friends and Family. We have just arrived in Nadi after a day of traveling here from Nananu village. It has not even been a day yet and I miss it already. We were lucky to be able to stay another day due to rain holding us back from crossing the river. Earlier this week we were very fortunate in being able to attend a weeding in the village, it was… Read More
Bula friends and family! Here’s an update on what we’ve been doing for the past few days; it involves some Kava ceremonies, super awesome volunteer work, cute kids, friendly families, waking up to animal sounds every morning and singing the Beatles, “Let it Be” in church-just to name a few. There’s been a heck of a lot of rain too. Also, it is hot, hot, hot! Sorry, we know you’re… Read More
Our second day in the town of Sigatoka, Emma, Lexi, and I are a group for the scavenger hunt throughout Sigatoka. We walked through the market yesterday to get food for our houses where we delegate cooking/cleaning responsibilities for each meal. We’re only in Sigatoka for one or two more days as we finish orientation, then we head into the local village to meet our homestay family. So far everything… Read More
Bula from fiji this is brendan on a scav. hunt with maddie and kailey, we are doing great and the people are awesome… pressed for time… catch you later.
Toko Out…… Read More
Bula! This means hello in Fijian. I am on a scavenger hunt with my two teammates brendan and kailey. Fiji is amazing and so beautiful. Will fill you in on more later ! bye for now.… Read More
Just arrived in Fiji and loving it! This is such a beautiful island filled with the nicest people. I’m currently on a scavenger hunt with my teammates Maddie and Brendan, checking tasks off the list and exploring it’s wonderful culture. I love it so far, this is such an amazing place!… Read More
Hello! This is our first internet post in Fiji. We are team Timi! We are Andrew, Ana and Jeff.
Hi again! This is Ana. Team Timi decided to reevaluate our blog post. We ate some wonderful Indian food and people watched. Everyone is very friendly. We bought some Okra (sp?) in the market. At the bungalos where we are staying the beach is faaaaabulous! Oh my goodness the water is… Read More
After a long flight and possibly many more awesome Carpe Diem hand signs the Hongi crew has touched down in Fiji. They navigated customs, hailed a bus on the Kings Highway (literally the road that goes around the entire Island), and they are ready to dive in to their orientation at the Tubakula Beach Bungalows on the Coral Coast.
The next few days will be spent getting to know one… Read More
(Photo features the new Carpe Diem sign created by this amazing Hongi group. See the Cd??!?)
Greetings Friends and Families,
After a wonderful and lengthy leadership training the final group has gathered in the airport, passed through security, and are minutes away from taking off on their flight to Fiji. In just over 11 hours, plus a day, they will be walking out onto the tarmac into a hot,… Read More
