Farewell Fiji

Fijian sunrise

The day we left, the ferry was scheduled to pick us up at 2 pm. This meant we had time for breakfast and lunch. Both meals I sat with different people, trying to mix it up a bit. But before lunch, one of the TEAN staff went over some places to visit in New Zealand. She is from the south island, but uh, I don't remember any of the places she said. Good thing we have google, right? Then I packed up all my stuff, which wasn't much, but my sneakers and a few of my other clothes were still kind of wet from the days prior. I needed a washing machine pronto (I wouldn't get to wash anything for a while). Then we all paid our tab. Mine was only 30 Fijian from the snorkeling trip I went on.

Though I didn't talk too much with the group I had sat with at lunch I did learn something. There was this German dude, that I guess is the manager of Botaira Resort. To make a long story short, he actually has a condition that people rarely survive past 50 with, but he was 50 when he found out he had it. Basically, if he didn't cut out the stressful things in his life, he would die, so he came to Fiji and they needed a manger, so that's what he did.

Afterwards, I got my things and they sang us the farewell song again. Everyone got their pictures, and as I lined up to get on the boat I started reflecting on my experiences there. I wish I had talked to the workers more. If I had the opportunity again, I would like to go back there. I think some of my family and friends would like it too.

Saying goodbye. Credit: TEAN

On the ferry I sat by myself, but I was pretty much the first one on. Most people went to the top deck, but I stayed on the middle deck because I wanted to stay out of the sun but still catch the breeze. For most of the way, the ferry was running off of one engine, because one of them blew shortly after we began the journey to Nadi. It took a lot longer to get back, but when we got to the hotel they gave us juice. I was sooo good. I want to know what kind of juice it was and how to make it, because that stuff was the bomb.

This is what my room looked like. Credit: google images

There were two people per room. I was wondering how they would organize it, but it appeared to be alphabetical. I guess that is the easiest way of deciding. So my roommate and I went right to our room, and I waited for her to take a shower before we decided to check out what the dinner situation was... Then we found out that almost everyone had already ate. Oh well, we still got to eat, so in the end I guess it didn't really matter. After that, I called it quits. I wanted to sleep, but I also wanted to check out the wifi. But then I couldn't get it to work, sorry Mom and Dad. (Oh yeah! I forgot to mention how nice the hotel was. I tried to find pictures of it. I wasn't that successful).

The Radisson. Credit: google images

Flight Day!

I felt like I finally had my appetite back, and had a relatively big breakfast. Did you guys know that chocolate pastries were a thing? I didn't

It took a little while to get out of there, but we checked out and bused to the airport. We only spent one night at the hotel, but it was nice and sweet. I think everyone was excited to get to New Zealand anyway. Airport stuff is boring, but for the sake of the story, it took us about an hour to get everyone checked in. After that, we all gathered in the lounge and me and another girl got interviewed about our stay in Fiji, I wonder if they ever get any bad reviews.

On my first flight experience, I had determined that flying was probably my least favorite form of transportation. You have to plan it in advance most of the time, it's strict, it costs money, I'm broke... haha, but this was a different story, my friends. On this plane I didn't get nauseous, they gave us complementary food, and I even watched a movie. I don't know. Maybe it was because I wasn't alone, it was a shorter flight, and I was just really excited to get to New Zealand, but it was just a much more enjoyable flight compared to the others.

Nobody had any issues going through customs, we found our bags easily, and pretty soon we were on a bus again. Next stop was dinner, but because we arrived early, my first experience in Auckland was a stroll around the city. Not bad.

Team Togs Photo Credit: Rachel Fenton

The restaurant we ate at was a different than any other eating experience I've had. They served us different plates of food that you would share with everyone sitting around you. I didn't know what most of the food was. All I knew was that it tasted good. It's not very hard to please me when I'm hungry. I just shut up and eat it.

The hostel we stayed at was pretty nice. When we arrived, we got out room assignments. I was in a room with 6 other girls. I got stuck with a top bunk, so I wasn't thrilled about that, but we were only ever in the room at night, so it was all good. We also got our cheap little black phones. They are honestly not much more outdated than the phone I already have, but it was still amusing listening to everyone else's reactions to them. This place also had wifi, but once again it wasn't really working out for me. You can probably guess what happens next... I went to sleep. The next day, we were going canyoning!

The view from my room

Fiji - Last day at Botaira

Group photo at the top of our climb. Picture Credit: TEAN

Village hike day! We ate breakfast at the usual and waited until 9. By this time I was really annoyed with my cuts, and I wasn't about to hike in flip flops, so I asked for some band-aides from the TEAN staff. Joy to the world, I got some comfort!

Luckily, today it was wasn't raining like the day before so the way there was nice and dry. The group from the other day had exaggerated the difficulty of the climb for sure. They made it seem really tough, but then again... throw some rain in the mix and you have a some slippery rocks. Eh, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. The heat will get to you before the hike tires you out.

Anyway, we get to the top. Bada-bing. We take a group picture. Bada-boom. We head down now, towards the beach and walk along that for the remainder of the trek. However, morning hours means high-tide, high-tide means wet sneakers, right? No. I ain't havin' that. I'm dodging the water like it's the plague. I DO NOT want my sneakers to get wet, and I succeed.

Inside the church

Just before we entered the village, most of the girls changed into skirts and shirts the cover your shoulders, because Fijian women still dress more conservatively. I'm all about respecting the culture, but the extra layer of clothing was not the most ideal situation after a hike. Also, Sam told us about the village and where the kids go to school. In this particular village (1 of 8), only 150-200 people live there. I happened to bring my camera this time so I snapped a few pictures along the way, but when too much is happening around me, I just kind of watch instead of participate. So while others got pictures of the kids and other locals, I didn't. It's all good, I'll just add in some other people's photos.

School boys. Credit: Greg Moores

The market wasn't what I expected it to be, but it was what I should have expected. Basically, in one of the buildings each woman had a blanket set up with all of their homemade trinkets spread out on it. Mostly there was sarongs, necklaces, and bracelets, but they also had various tools and wood carved items. I decided on a map of the Fijian islands on homemade paper.

The Market. Credit: Greg Moores

On the way back, the tide was down so there were no issues with that. I did notice that it started to get more breezy though, and then some clouds rolled in, and then right as we entered the woods... it started to pour. So much for dry sneakers... Good thing Kyra's backpack was waterproof. She let me put my things in with hers, thanks pal.

The village hike. Credit: Haley Peterson

Not gonna lie, the rain was really refreshing so I didn't mind so much that I was getting soaked. It's just that so much water was pouring down that I couldn't even see. I was wiping my wet eyes with my wet hands, that I couldn't dry on my wet shirt. It was just wet. Until it conveniently stopped raining just as we came out of the woods... Whatever, it was lunch time! I won't bore you with any details, but it was good like always.

After that I think I just waited until 2, because I was going snorkeling! I've never done it before so I was excited. We picked out our snorkeling gear, and blew that Popsicle stand. It was only a ten minute boat ride over, and we were dumped into the ocean. When I was first getting used to it, I forgot a few times that, hey! You can breathe, with your face in the water! That's what the snorkel is for. Sweet, deal. But yeah, it wasn't long before I got some water in my snorkel. I was taught that when that happens, you just take a big breath in, and then blow it out of your snorkel. No panic, problem solved. And I actually did do that a few times... when it was only a little bit of water. This time, it was a large amount that I breathed in, and instead of blowing it out, I tried to swim to the surface. Hey, it would of worked fine, but I was too close to the coral and I ended up scrapping my foot on it. By this point, you are all still shocked I scrapped my foot again, right? At least it wasn't the same one though. My right foot finally got a little taste of Fiji.

While looking at the underwater world, I got bored of looking at the coral relatively quickly, but the fish never got old. My favorite was probably when I was in the middle of a school of fish, because with any little movement you made they swerved in the opposite direction and it was very amusing and awesome. During our endeavors, one of the Fijian guys kept pointing out creatures he saw, so I stuck by him so I would be the first to see them. One was a sea turtle, and the other was... wait for it... a shark! And I totally took credit for attracting it with the blood from my foot. Woo!

On the boat I got a nice bandage on my cut, and we went back to the beach. Not long after we got back, other people who went scuba diving came back as well. A group of us gathered to talk about our experiences and then it was time to watch the locals husk some coconuts. One of the boys climbed the tree. Casual. Then they showed us how to husk them in a few different fashions. Some people took a shot at it, then we tried the water and coconut bits from both a young and mature coconut. Not bad.

Huskin' Coconuts

So far, it had been a busy day. The night was to entail a bonfire, performance by the locals, and a cultural kava drink. But then it rained pretty much all night. We sat around before dinner while they did the kava drink. It is apparently a religious drink, but it's made from a plant that gives you a high, and there is no alcohol in it. Interesting, but I didn't have any. What a buzz kill. Oh well, they did it as the buffet for dinner was happening so I just ate my meal.

It didn't look like there would be any bonfire tonight. Instead they had us bring all of our chairs to one side of the eating area. It took forever to set up, because none of us really knew what was going on or how they wanted us to set it up, so we just sat and watched. Then they turned out the lights. It was pitch black and when they turned them back on, they were dressed in their costumes and in position to give us a performance. I loved everything about it. The Fijian boys were hilarious with their dancing and I wish I had a video of the whole thing. I don't know how long it lasted but it was so fun to watch. At the end, they had us all up on our feet to participate in a ginormous conga line. It was a good time and then before we knew it they sang the last song. It was a farewell song, which they would again sing the next morning before we left. And I couldn't help but feel a little sad that we would be leaving.

Fiji - Day Two

Time to pump out another post.

At Botaira, breakfast is served bright and early at 7:30 am. I fell asleep no problem and I was up and ready to go at 4:00 am.

Wait! What? 4:00 am? Holy jet lag! Oh well, I was still able to fall back asleep, but I woke up about every half hour. I was surprised when everyone was getting up at 6:30, but then again, they were jet lagged too, so it all made sense. Breakfast was pretty darn good, and I don’t know if it was dehydration, but the fruit/juice made me want to melt into a puddle, because it tasted that good. It was so refreshing. Other than watermelon and pineapple, they had tea, or coffee if you are into that, cereal, toast, eggs, and a yummy thing called okra. Cool beans, right?

At 9 all the Otago people did the village hike. You would go see the kids at the school, the church, and buy some crafts made by the locals. During that time, it rained so I stayed in my bunk and talked to one of the girls, named Kyra. When the rain had finally stopped, we took a walk down the beach to snap some pictures to try and capture our island paradise. I noticed my stomach starting to bug me, so TMI, but I was in the bathroom for a while. There was no throwing up action, but I did feel the blood drain from my face as I shook. This could have been the result of the rain water I had been drinking, but heck I wasn't about to start paying for water so I continued to drink it anyway and I was fine. After that I laid down in my bed for a good while.

Soon everyone got back and it was time for lunch. I could have sworn I was in America for a minute, because they served us some huge burgers. The meat was not dark like beef, so I’m thinking it was probably turkey meat? But either way it was really good. I didn't really have an appetite so I couldn't enjoy it to my fullest potential though. I ate about half of the bun with everything in it, and then I just ate the rest of the patty and some crispy potato chips.

The awesomely huge burger. Picture Credit: Phillomina Wong

2:45 rolled around and it was time for some weaving. Apparently another group had made baskets earlier in the day. I was bummed about not knowing, but hey, this woman came and she could make a hat out of palm tree leaves in like 3 minutes flat. You could say I was impressed. Turns out it takes a lot longer to make a fan, so Sam (one of the locals) showed us various different ways you could tie/wear a sarong. For those of you that don’t know what that is…INSERT GOOGLE DEFINITION HERE.

The Weaving Demonstration. Credit:Erika Pakalnis

The demonstration was pretty much over so the girls at my table left, and so I didn't look like I was sitting alone, I sat at another table with a group of people I hadn't met. That was a good idea in my head, and it would have been in practice also. However, the people I sat with ended up leaving me at the table…alone again…2 minutes after I sat down (I am really making myself seem pathetic, socially, in this blog but I’m just trying to make you guys feel the essence of these situations like I did when I was in them).

Blah, blah, blah. Not long afterwards, they were going to have a spear throwing competition. The two people who threw the farthest (one boy, one girl) would win a free drink from the bar. I was given basically one of the longest spear, so obviously I had a clear disadvantage. You never know, I could have beasted the competition, had I been given a spear nicely proportioned to the size of my body… Just sayin’. I’m kidding, but seriously. I wasn't the worst of the bunch and that was good enough for me. My free drink would have been water anyways. Why am I still talking about this? On with the story! I would say a lot of the girls seemed too embarrassed to take the competition too seriously, but some of the boys went all out. I wish there was a video of this somewhere, but if you were there, then you’d know what I’m talkin’ bout.

Epic action shot of me. Credit: TEAN

After that, a large group went to play volleyball. Initially, I was going to go write in my journal for a bit, but since a few girls asked me to go watch with them I said, “Sure”. I watched them play volleyball for such a long time that as the evening went on, more and more of our students were replaced by Fijians that by the end of what I watched, there were only 3 of us left. This was interrupted by some yelling and drum banging, and I knew it wasn't supper time. I guess they were just lighting some torches around the beach? I never really knew what happened with that, but they were dressed in costumes so naturally everyone was getting pictures with them. And that’s when I realized I had sliced my big toe on a rock or some other pointy thing. Serious skills, man. This made it really hard to walk normally on the sand when one girl wanted to take a walk on the beach to look for seashells. With every step, sand was getting pushed into at least one of the cuts. It’s a shame nobody ever OFFERED me a BAND-AIDE.

All American volleyball. Credit: TEAN

At dinner I sat with the same people. Unfortunately, it took a million years for us to get our food, which was depressing for me because I saw other people eating their food and I didn't eat any of the corn bread at tea time. They gave us soup before the main meal, but I didn't eat a lot of it. It reminded me of the dessert from the night before, which was not enjoyable. It seemed like everyone else around me would always eat their full meal and I felt bad when they would come to collect my plate, because I can’t eat a lot at once in general, but in the heat especially. The dessert this night was cheese cake and it was sooo good, but I couldn't finish that either.

Alright, now let’s talk about stars (what a good transition). The night previously was rather cloudy, but this night was super clear. I felt like I could look up at the stars forever. They were gorgeous. I wanted to walk down the beach so I could look without the lights of the resort, but trees were in the way so I walked back up and saw a group on the palm tree ahead. It was only Jack, Dalton, and another kid, but I knew they already saw me going in their direction so I just continued my way over. My genius conversation starter was quite literally, “So. What about them stars, guys”? Then Jack wanted to walk down the beach but I definitely wasn't going to do that again, so Dalton and I walked up onto the deck to see what was happening. Everyone was holding balloons, so we took 4 and blew ‘em up and waited to see what the game was. When it was explained, I honestly didn't want to at first because it was partnered and you had to pop the balloons doing certain positions, which was weird. But as I watched other people do it, it became more about popping the balloons as fast as you could and less about what you were actually doing. So I was ready when it was our turn (which was last). The last way you needed to pop the last balloon was to body slam the other person and I probably took that too literally. Sorry Dalton.

And you’ll never guess what I discovered! I scrapped the skin on the top of my big toe in the process and it bled. Not a lot, but enough for me to need a napkin (I swear this doesn't usually happen to me). It was beginning to be humorous, because it was all happening to the same one foot.

Again, I watched them play another two games and then I went to sleep in my bunk.

**I created this blog to be able to tell my story while studying abroad, but these Fiji posts feel more like a summary of what happened. I’m gonna try to work on that, but in the meantime, hopefully these summaries work well enough to fill you guys in on what I've been up to.

The beginning of a new adventure

Botaira Beach Resort

Alright, let’s get this show on the road. I've put this off for too long, so here goes… (Also I haven’t blogged before so I apologize in advance if my writing is horrible)

The day I left was probably the most indeterminate day of my life. I don’t even know if I used that word correctly, but the future was a wide open door, and I felt like I was blindly stepping into it. This became a reality when I had to leave my parents. Quickly, a flood of emotions washed over me, but I sucked those tears back like a champ and made my way through security. Two minutes later I was on the other side, and I thought, “See? You can do this”.

Luckily, I did leave on the one day where the snow wasn't going to pound the east coast. 

Despite some nausea, sweat, and stress, I would say my flights were successful. I mean… I made it on time, and none of the planes crashed so no one can argue those positives. I would just like to give a shout out to the moving walkways in the airports though. You the real MVP (I love how I’m talking as if a conveyor mechanism is a person). But in all seriousness, I do want to thank my Dad for being there every step of the way, even when he physically can’t. Every time I would get off the plane, I called and he would steer me in the right direction, which did a lot for my confidence because your home girl was seriously inexperienced with traveling, and planes, and generally navigating on my own. So Dad, you rock, man.

Alright, on with the story…

When we arrived in Fiji, Mother Nature generously greeted us with some humidity. Now, I don’t know what the temperature was, but it was something like… 5:30 am. The sun had just come up and I was already sweating. I finally understood why they put the “sweat” in “sweatpants”. Them things get toasty hella quick. But I certainly didn't change out of them after going through customs. “Why?” you ask? Because that would have been the obvious thing to do and I ain't about that life, apparently.

On our way out towards the bus, we were handed shell necklaces and instructed to keep the bags we needed for Naviti Island on hand and leave our big luggage’s there. They would be transported to the 5 star hotel we were staying at on our last night in Fiji. Soon everyone got on the buses and onward we went to go catch the ferry.

We arrived there early, which was nice. This meant I would have plenty of time to relax and buy a bottle or two of water (on the island, the tap water is no bueno). The only place open at that point was a coffee shop so I purchased two bottles for 8 Fijian dollars (that means $4 US). In line I tried to chat it up a little bit, I mostly failed but the conversations were all the same at first anyway. “What’s your name?”, “Where are you from?”, “Which university are you going to?” and “What made you choose New Zealand”? If I happened to have a conversation moving beyond those 4 questions, that was a human interaction worth celebrating (internally).

The first of those happened with a kid named Jack. He goes to URI, which I think is how the conversation began in the first place. I knew of him because we are both members of The Outing Club there. We sat and talked for a good while, which I was thankful for, otherwise I would have probably sat by myself or awkwardly with another group listening while they spoke, and participating minimally in the conversation.

One of the islands we passed on our way to Naviti

At 8:30, it was time to board the ferry and we sat on the back of the second deck. It was a three hour ride, half of which I spent at the front of the ferry. (You don’t realize how hot the sun is when you have a constant flow of wind in your face and all of us paid for it. So be warned, people, if you go to Fiji or New Zealand put on sunscreen!) Interaction numero dos: Dalton. Talking to him was cool, because we were actually both going to Auckland. So if there was one person I was going to try and get to know, it was going to be with someone who I’d probably end up spending time with after Fiji (Before that it seemed like everyone else was going to Otago). At some point, running came up and if there is one topic I can talk about without needing help, it’s that. Boom. Success. *self high-five*

Proof I was on the ferry. Picture Credit: Greg Moores

Moving on.

We got to the island, and since they don’t have a dock, smaller boats come to pick us up. This is when I basically fell into the boat, but the Fijian man caught me so it was all good. Go me… On shore, one woman handed us flower necklaces made from a leaf, the men greeted us with some music, and I grabbed a glass of orange juice and sat down. Pretty soon afterwards our lunch arrived and it was a chicken stir fry. Holla! It was the best first meal I could have had there and it was freaking delicious.

Welcoming us to the island. Credit: TEAN

After that, I decided I would cool down in the nice ocean, right? Except it felt like bath water, and didn't cool me off at all. And little did I know that there was a path I was supposed to take. So there I am stepping on shells and other such things that seek to destroy my delicate feet. You’d think I would have retreated but I didn't until one of the locals informed me of the stone path. Then on the way over I cut the arch of my foot. This was upsetting considering I already had a cut on the ankle of my same leg. Anywhoozle, there is a dock further out with a basketball hoop and diving board, but because I’m lame I didn't hangout over there. Instead I got out and went to the deck to sit on a chair, when a girl suggested turning the chairs into a “U” shape to talk. There I talked to a guy for a bit and he commented on my eyes so that was cool. Thanks, homie.

In between lunch and dinner was tea time, so I had some dense and delicious chocolate cake. When I went to the “dorm” a bunch of us were sleeping in, I talked with a few girls I determined to be “my group”. What that means is basically the group I would try to hang out with whether they actually liked me or not. When they went to get drinks, because the legal age is 18 in Fiji, I went with to try and be social.

Tea Time! Credit: Phillomina Wong

Dinner was at 7:30 pm. Fish, chicken, ribs, and sausage? I would definitely be getting enough protein here. Also, they performed some songs while we ate. After dinner, there were some games. Embarrassingly, I failed at my one attempt to do the last limbo and own everyone. After the other two games, I called it a night, and slept.

Whew! And that was only day one. Fiji time is a real thing, guys.

Plane Thoughts

37 of my thoughts as a first time flyer going from Boston to Denver. Enjoy.

-          Sweet! A window seat.

-          I should have put my bag up there, huh?

-          This leg room though.

-          For once it’s a good thing I’m short.

-          Please don’t try to make conversation with me.

-          Or do, that’s cool too.

-          Golly gee, this safety video is instilling so much confidence in me right now.

-          Let’s face it, if this plane goes down we’re screwed.

-          We are going surprisingly slow.

-          Just kidding.

-          Holy crap! I’m on a plane right now.

-          Okay, let’s pretend I’m chewing gum because that’s supposed to help.

-          Wow, my mouth is getting tired.

-          Maybe I started too early.

-          Everyone who warned me about this lied.

-          I should probably take some pictures.

-          I’m too lazy for that.

-          But what is this guy even reading?

-          Oh great, he is looking at me. Don’t make eye contact, or he’ll start asking you questions again.

-          Just keep looking out the window.

-          Gee Willikers, these clouds are looking particularly fluffy today.

-          Definitely should have eaten more than just that granola bar.

-          I could sure use me an ice cold beverage.

-          Wait, you have to pay?

-          Maybe not?

-          Oh well, let’s just sit here quietly.

-          Why can’t this guy talk to the other woman next to him?

-          I thought Colorado was supposed to be snowy.

-          Wow, it looks like there is nothing out here.

-          It takes 30 minutes to descend?

-          I guess that’s reasonable.

-          So that landing was smoother than I had anticipated

-          Oh hey, we are here early.

-          I have exactly 5 minutes before I board my next flight, joy.

-          Power walking like a pro.

-          I made it!

-          Get ready L.A. here I come.

Introduction

At this very moment, one month from now, I will be on a plane. To where, you ask? Auckland, New Zealand.

I am currently a sophomore in college about to embark on a 5 month adventure. Traveling is a dream of mine, and I am happy to be able to study abroad in such a beautiful place. Understandably, I am both nervous and excited. I have found myself about to go to a whole other country by myself, when I have never even been on a plane before!

Yikes… Well, there’s a first time for everything, right?

Regardless, this opportunity is unreal. It is an outdoorswoman’s dream. I cannot even begin to explain how excited I am. I want to do so much with my time there. I want to explore, read, understand, and fall in love with the people I meet along the way as well as the country itself.

Mostly, I am creating this blog for the friends and family that wish to keep up with me and my travels abroad. However, I am hoping that others will stumble upon this blog looking for the inside scoop on the study abroad experience from the point of view of yours truly :)

*As an introduction, I wanted this post to sound a tad more formal. For the posts proceeding this one, be prepared for more animated inner thoughts and humor that sounds funnier in my head. You’re welcome, in advance.

alright, later homies