Reporting from Cairns, Australia
By Rachel Valencia Hi everyone! Rachel here, reporting from Cairns, Australia. After spending six incredible days in the Red Center, we traveled to tropical Queensland. The transition from a dry desert to the humid tropics was quite shocking, but we quickly acclimated to the warm breezes, clear waters, and the loud sounds of parrots and bats. Our hostel was located in downtown Cairns, near the lagoon, Night Market, and dive… Read More
Attack of the Flies
By Jamie Vischer Hey Moms and Dads,
We just arrived in Cairn after a sweaty and bug-infested safari through the northern territory. We started off with a long bumpy car ride to the campsite that we made home for the next two days. We slept under the stars as a group in “swags,” which are basically canvas pods with your head exposed. Disregarding some encounters with ants at night, sleeping… Read More
Hart Family Farm: A Photo Story
Getting ready to herd sheep on the Hart Family Farm. I am Wes, and I’m in the midst of an epic journey. Rachel taking time to reflect at Hart Family Farm. Morning chores. Spa day at the mud pools. … Read More
Village Life in Fiji: A Photo Story
Our man Nazil! Village Life. Preparing coconuts. Fiji Time…taking a nap at sleeping giant. Village volunteering in Vuandomo Village.… Read More
Bula from Fiji!
By Wes BULA!!!! (Hello in Fijian)
After leaving New Zealand we have made our way out of Aukland and into Nadi, Fiji. We posted up at a very nice hostel there and met some pretty cool people. One of them was Nazil, our taxi driver, photographer, all-time best friend and “FBI” agent. He took us to a gorgeous mud pool where almost everyone pushed their limits with their comfort zone… Read More
Planting Trees!
By Greg Hart, our contact abroad The hillside where we planted the trees for Carpe Diem last year. Most have survived the summer and are set for good growth over the coming wetter season. Spending a couple of hours pruning trees in a block that every Carpe group of students we have hosted (this is the 8th) has spent time working on.… Read More
Sweat Lodge Ceremony in the Hills of Raglan
By Jamie Vischer Hey Parents!
We have had an unbelievable week exploring the coast of the North Island. We started in Raglan, a cool surfing town on the West Coast. Our time was mainly spent at the Marae, a Maori community gathering space. We learned tons of stuff about Maori history, ceremonies, and language. We had the pleasure of experiencing a pōwhiri, a traditional welcoming ceremony in the Maori culture.… Read More
Raglan
By Olive Hey guys!
I wanted to go a little more in-depth about student-directed travel. We drove from Wellington to a town north of Raglan and we stayed there for four days. We worked on getting into a groove with cooking and our group roles. There was also a lot of free time with opportunities to go kayaking, laying out in the sun, playing in the waves and exploring the… Read More
Group Bonding: A Photo Story
Wes working the grill at our spot just outside Raglan. First evening walking the beach in Ki Whaingaroa at sunset.… Read More
Adventuring in Abel Tasman: A Photo Story
The Crew outside of Te Papa. Getting into mermaid mode before hopping in the Waka-Māori canoe (Abel Tasman). Lunch break snooze while backpacking the Abel Tasman. Exploring Ocean Waves-Motueka. Taking a moment to breathe at the beach. Hiking to a hidden cave during our time with Whenua Iti. Rachel gather seashells down by the seashore. Making markings in the sand. Preparing for the adventure ahead in Christchurch. Taking a break … Read More
#momsendmoney
By Bella & Rachel Kia Ora!
It’s been a rollercoaster ride since we landed in Christchurch New Zealand. We had our first few days of orientation while exploring the city. After losing a few group members and enduring the cyclone we hiked to an 80 million year old cave, went to the beach and met many awesome locals along the way. We stayed a few days near Nelson at Whenua… Read More
Hongi Group Safe Arrival in Christchurch
Greetings, Family and Friends of the Spring 2018 Hongi Crew: The group has landed safely in Christchurch! They are now exploring the city; setting intentions for the next 3 months; and creating a positive and intentional group dynamic during their Orientation in Christchurch. The adventure has begun! Hongi: Everyone at home wishes you the most incredible of journeys, and look forward to hearing of your successes, challenges, and vast array… Read More
Hongi Group Together at Last!
Dear Families and Friends of the Spring 2018 Hongi Crew: We are happy to report that the Hongi group is safe and sound in L.A., and will now begin the 3 month journey together. The group has only an hour before beginning the LONG flight over the Pacific Ocean, losing a day in the process, yet gaining ground on what will undoubtedly prove an enriching semester. We will post another blog… Read More
Shout out from Portland!
By Overseas Educators Matt & Katie Matt and Katie here at Carpe Diem headquarters!
For the past week we have been diligently preparing for our three-month journey to the South Pacific. It has been exciting, busy, playful, and overall dynamic; much like the adventure that awaits us!
We are so excited to meet the crew that we’ll be traveling with for the next three months and hope that you are… Read More
Farewell from the Students
By Nico and Ricky Dearest friends and family of Carpe Diem students, Nico and Ricky are here to deliver the final blog of the 2017 South Pacific Hongi Group trip.
While our weathered faces, tan skin, and nauseatingly-smelling clothes reflect the three months that have come and gone, our reminiscent memories of New Zealand, Fiji, and Australia remind us of how relative time is. It is difficult to comprehend how… Read More
Follow the Sun
0 Sleeps left.
Well, that went quick.
At the time of writing this, our students are well on their way to reuniting with their loved ones.
Sue and Jon are reminiscing about all the memories made these last three months and offer up some highlights and reminders of our time together.
Juan’s blue jeans
Nightinggale
“Cyphering”
Girls nights
Bro time
Lucas’ walking stick(RIP)
Elliot’s incense
“Mana”
“Drink water.”
“Take a… Read More
Waaay Outback
A big hello to everyone following the HONGI 2017 squad!
Elliot and Sophie here. We have been beyond busy in the Australian Outback this past week swimming in breathtaking water holes, riding camels, and waking up at 4am to start hiking because the weather got up to 100+ degrees in the afternoons (or 40+ for the Canadians out there). We were welcomed in Alice springs by our incredible tour guide Lindz. Not… Read More