Greetings from Auckland,
We have just arrived in New Zealand after having a wonderful experience at our homestays in Togovere Village. We were wlecomed with a sevu sevu ceremony where we were offered kava and where we met our
Nau’s (mothers) and the people of Togovere. The first night we got aquainted with our homestay families and went up the hill to watch an amazing sunset (which we did night after night). The days following we
worked on the driveway and the school. The whole group pitched in and worked hard by shoveling sand, making the cement mixtures, laying the cement and making the wire tracks for the driveway. It was hard working in the hot Fijian sun but the villagers knew how to do it right by aughing and having fun and making sure to make plenty of breaks and having ample time to relax. We also learned about Fiji time which is
basically the opposite of what we do in America. Instead of rushing and trying to get as much done as possible, they take their time and if something doesnt get done, theres always tomorrow. Our Nau’s also made sure to feed us well. Everyday at 7:30 we had breakfast which included pie, cookies, pancakes, toast, fried bread, tea, coffee, and raspberry eggplant jam. At 12:00 we would have lunch consisting of soup, fish,
rice, noodles, cassava, mango juice, and sandwiches. Then at 5:00 we would have our favorite meal of the day, tea time. We would have tea, fried bread, pancakes, and the most delicious, addicting scones (some
group members could eat 15+ scones per tea time). Lastly at 7:00 we had dinner consisting of different curries, rice, chop suey, tarot, fish, and noodles. We all gained a few pounds. The food was hard on our
digestive systems at first (nearly everyone got sick) but we eventually were able to adapt to all the carbohydrates. We also took a tour of the Fiji water plant, as well as the elementary school where we sat in on some classes and played games with the kids. Some other highlights of the Togovere trip included learning how to plant cassava, our day trip to the beautiful island of Nanu Ira, and our trip to the village beach where
the Nau’s cooked a mean BBQ that literally brought tears of joy to Ross’s eyes. The group also went on a rigorous hike up Fiji’s 2nd tallest mountain. Our last days in the village were the most fun filled
and our group performed some traditional Fijian dances such as the Meke. Needless to say we were all bummed to leave Togovere but are looking forward to our time in New Zealand.
Eric and Samira
