Bula!
Day one, we arrived in Nadi, Fiji at 5:30 am. From there we took the road 2-hours northeast to Volivoli where we arrived at our backpackers resort. Along the road, we followed an abandoned railroad track. Cattle, horses, and dogs roaming freely alongside the taxi-van. We had orientation upon our arrival and got situated in our rooms overlooking the coast. After all the traveling and a brief introduction, we took to the beach and found ourselves laying in the warm shallows of the Fijian waters. We headed to Rakiraki to find food at the local market and to experience some firsthand Fijian culture. The whole group found the Fijian people extremely friendly, with smiles on there faces and greeting us travelers with a warm ‘Bula!’ – hello and welcome. For dinner we had potato and vegetable curry cooked by our very own, Drew and Karen.
Day two, we arose bright and early, some meditating on the beach, some exercising. After breakfast we took of kayaking to a nearby island about 2 miles away. We stopped at a sandbar halfway, checking out the tropical marine life. When we arrived on the beaches of the old backpackers island, we ate lunch and hiked to the top to do some group bonding. In addition we cracked open some fresh coconuts – very tasty. With arms and shoulders exhausted some snorkeled and some went back to shower and rest. The students cooked the meal the second night, almost a disaster, but we pulled it together and feasted on some rice, chicken, and vegetables. We played some volleyball down on the beach and met some of the other travelers staying at the resort. We ended day two with an introduction to our Fijian homestays given by our local contact.
The group has bonded well thus far and is excited to be a part of such an incredible experience. We love and miss you all.
