The following post features student writing.
Bula everyone! For our final portion of the program, the group traveled to Fiji! After a two and a half hour drive from the airport in Nadi (pronounced Nan-di) to Mango Bay Resort on the Coral Coast of the main island, our first day was filled with relaxation, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and swimming in the pool. The next day, we woke up early to experience a beachside horseback ride; special shoutout to Sadie for conquering her fear of horses to join in on the unique fun! Later that day the group visited a local town where we were welcomed with a traditional Kava Ceremony. Kava is a native plant that sprouts green leaves from the top and has a long, brown root; it is an integral part of Fijian culture and custom. The plant is crushed into a powder, mixed with water, strained in a cloth, and served as a drink for everyone in the village. Kava is the most common drink in their society, and the concentration of the plant powder varies from morning to night.
Next, the group trekked to a scenic and idyllic waterfall where we all swam in the watering hole. After, we took a ride on a glass-bottom boat to snorkel by the reef. The next day, we persevered through a two hour hike in the only national park in Fiji, where we were amazed by the natural beauty of the sand dunes. Fun fact: the national rugby team trains on those sand dunes every morning! Then, the group was lucky to visit an eco park where we all got the opportunity to hold various creatures, including Ben the lizard and Kevin the iguana, and Abby the snake. We also got to view some of the native birds and fruit bats. We then returned to Mango Bay just in time for a beautiful sunset swim.
Everyone got up at six the next morning to attempt to ride the waves of the Coral Coast. Surfing was a blast and some people´s highlight of the whole trip. Then, the group ventured to the local primary school, where we were enthusiatically greeted by 180 students. Isabel and Ana organized a super fun game of soccer with the kids; their wonderful energy inspired us all. Today is our last day in Fiji and with each other. We plan on driving back to the city of Nadi where we will explore and do some last minute shopping. We plan to see the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere and zip line for one last hurrah.
We speak for everyone when we say that this trip has been one of the most amazing and life-changing months: every single day has been a new adventure of fun, learning, and laughter. We are immensely grateful for all of the incredible memories we have shared and friendships we have made. See you all soon!
– Laila & Jack