Hello again guys, gavin and becca here blogging from tavua. We've been away from internet and telephones for a while in the beautiful classical fijian village of nananu. Working under the hot sun and getting to know the amazing generous people of the village while also getting alot of down time in the shade getting to know each other better, this down time is called what the people like to call "fiji time".
so this is what we have been up to...
After a long and interesting system of public buses and sitting in the back of trucks we finally arrived to the village. we were welcomed by a colorful party of children dancing laughing and singing and host mothers embracing us and giving us fat sloppy kisses even though they never meet us before, just a small example of how warm and welcoming everyone here is. The group was split up into pairs and after the welcoming ceremony had come to a close we were handed over to our host mothers and quickly swept away to meet our host families. The group was slightly skeptical about the living conditions at first but it was all put to rest when we found out there was running water and showers and the food was certainly nothing short of incredible.
We have been treated to four meals a day: breakfast, lunch, tea, and diner. Breakfast is a combination of kinds of cakes, pancake like things cut in the shape lightning bolt, and fresh fruits. The favorites are usually the rainbow cake (multi-colored cake with frosting on top) and bananas (in which we put penut better that we bought in town).These are the same kinds of food also found at tea time. We also try the mystery meat of the day at lunch and dinner loaded with their version of ketchup (which we place on everything) Oh but the highlight of one of our days is when a fan was installed by Collie in the dining room, its not exactly winter over here it reached a peak of 103 one day.
During the day we work on building a cement road that goes through the village. We collect small rocks from outside the village, mix cement, dig some dirt, or a large amount of time napping in the shade. After our work is done we go soak ourselves in the river trying to get cool. One day we were rewarded for our hard work and the villagers took us up to a waterfall right out of national geographic.
The people here are very spirited, the nights are never quiet. On special accosions they will offer us an ancient Fijian tradition of kava. It was interesting to gain insight into their culture through this age old tradition. During this time music is a large part, they listen to Chris Brown and other popular American artists along with a lot of native island music, while they dance to the early hours of the morning.
Till next time....
Gavin and Becca
Friday, February 19, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
**BULA**
A warm hello from FIJI!!! With new Fijian words flowing from our mouths and sweat dripping down our faces from the beautiful sunny days, we are finally all together as a group. After our long yet exciting journey, we reached Nadi at 5:30 am on Feb 13th. Since then,we have been busy learning important information for our semester, scavenger hunting around the city, buying sulus (a sarong that will soon be our main attire in the village), watching rugby while eating breakfast, learning about "fiji time", swimming in the pristine postcard perfect beach water but most importantly, beginning to get to know each other. Tomorrow we head to Nananu for our first homestay, where we will be for almost 2 weeks. (we will be out of touch during this time but will write as soon as we can).
Sending lots of love**
Moce mada (bye for now)
Andy & Suzanne
Sending lots of love**
Moce mada (bye for now)
Andy & Suzanne
Thursday, February 11, 2010
It's some sort of miracle
It's some sort of miracle that we managed to get everyone, from the East Coast, from the West Coast ... well ... everyone! Despite cancellations from weather in NH, MA, and NY, we pulled some sort of rabbit out of our hat and sure enough everyone is together, safe and sound, in LAX.
Thank you all (especially the East coasters) for your perseverance and communication as we navigated one heck of a last 48 hours.
Stay tuned and check back often for more group posts,
Yours in spirit,
Ethan Knight
Executive Director
Friday, February 5, 2010
FANZ Spring 2010!
Dear FANZtastic crew 2010 Kyle, Rebecca, Ethan, Jordin, Shelby, Maxx, Cordelia, Sarah, Rebecca, Mathew, and Gavin....
We hope you have all been enjoying your winter breaks and are getting excited for an amazing semester down South! We are super pumped to meet you all and begin our adventures together! Expect a call from one of us in the next few days to introduce ourselves and answer any last minute questions you might have. Guess what...we fly in 6 days!
This is our travel blog where all of our friends and family back home can keep up with our adventures. Each week one of you will be our official "blogger" and will get to write our travel tales for our dedicated followers around the globe. We encourage you to peruse past blogs to get an idea of what they might look like. Also, please inform your family and friends of this site, and show them how to log in, so they will know what an amazing and authentic experience we are having. In addition to gaining responsibility of the blog, there will be other roles assigned and rotated every 1-2 weeks to help you take ownership of our trip and get the most out of the semester. Contemplate which one you are most enthusiastic about taking charge of for the first couple weeks of the semester...
Cribs: Organizes any sleeping accommodations we need. ie: hotel/hostel/camping
Hotwheels: Coordinates our transportation to and from cities, activities, hostels, etc.
Captain: The leader of our team who creates the overall vision for the following week, makes sure we are getting places on time, staying within budget, and ensuring that others are accomplishing their roles.
Regulator: One of the most important roles, the regulator makes sure we are leaving places cleaner than when we arrived, organizes games and other activities during down time, coordinates displays of our gratitude to communities we visit like thank you letters, gifts, performances, etc.
Clark Kent: News reporter for the group, Clark Kent helps us stay up to date on local, national and global news by giving brief presentations on current happenings.
Bilbo Bloggins: Blogs our adventures for friends and family back home.
Fun Finder: Researches and presents to the group potential activities and fun stuff to do during free time.
National Geographic: Researches and keeps the group informed about people, place, culture, language, cuisine, etc. of the unique cultures and communities we visit.
We are so excited to head to summer time in the South Pacific and hope you are too! Be sure and enjoy all of your favorite things at home before we head into the unknown :)
Peace.
Suz & Andy
Monday, November 30, 2009
A Scuba Finale
Our last few days and the resulting last blog, oh how far we have come...
On the heels of Meghan's last post, we had just finished the scuba classes and tests in Cairns, and our next (and ultimate) adventure was on a "liveaboard" boat, scouring the depths of the Great Barrier Reef! Following a two hour shuttle boat ride out to the liveaboard, we got settled into our rooms, had a quick lunch, and were straight into our scuba gear for our first afternoon dive. Conditions were sunny, the water was relatively calm, and we were positioned over one of the best dive spots on the GBR, and surely in the world, Milln Reef. Split into two groups of six, and of course buddied up, we had a quick snorkel around the side of the boat to an anchored rope at the front to guide us to the ocean floor during our first descent. On the surface of the water, our senses were flooded with the hum of the boat, the ever-present lap of waves, and constant bobbing in the currents. However, once underneath the chaotic exterior, we were enveloped by a blue serenity. I was personally nervous about being out in open water, yet my mind was changed completely once floating peacefully, weightless through a calmer world. This was different from the snorkeling-like nightmare I had predicted. In fact, within seconds of submerging, we spotted a white tip reef shark just 10 meters in the distance. Somewhat like a fox encountered in his own forest habitat, the shark gliding coolly away. Conquer shark phobia, Check! From then on we went through our routine test of removing and collecting our regulators (mouthpieces), filling up and clearing our masks, and trying to calm ourselves in order to steady our breathing. Upon returning to the surface, we all agreed the dive was a resounding success.
A couple hours later we embarked on our second dive, which consisted of descending free of a guide rope, running through more tests like shared breathing, and gear removal. We also made more wildlife spots like a giant clam, Titan Trigger fish, and Sea Cucumber.
Exhausted, and full from a good dinner, many of us called it a night and relaxed up on the sundeck, while a brave few (James, Katie V, Connor, Joseph, Adam, and Heather) chose to go out on a night dive. Along with miles of courage they brought underwater flashlights with them to not only guide their way but to also direct a gang of red bass to their evening meal (illuminated smaller fish).
Waking early the next morning (5:30!), we all engaged in dives at six in the morning and again at eight. On these we explored the reef further and observed some more awesome marine animals like sea turtles and a moray eel! Additionally, on the latter of these dives we had a camera man come along to film us perform underwater stunts and show messages we had written beforehand to our families. Later in the day we all got to watch it a have a good laugh.
We were finally awarded our certified Open Water Diver cards by our Instructor, Ethan, and some chose to do a final, unsupervised, dive in a new spot. Bravo! Ready for dry land, we boarded the shuttle boat back to Cairns certified diving Extraordinaires. Getting back to the city in the early evening, we got our own dinners and ended the day with one of our final group meetings back at the Caravella hostel. Sad!
Our last day as a group we spent lounging on a nearby beach and tying up loose ends around Cairns, culminating with a group dinner out. Those of us flying back to the States will make for the airport at 2 am tonight, eager to reunite with our loved ones.
Fanzcarpediem, we have loved ye
As for everyone in this wonderful group, its a definite "see you later"
-Gordie
On the heels of Meghan's last post, we had just finished the scuba classes and tests in Cairns, and our next (and ultimate) adventure was on a "liveaboard" boat, scouring the depths of the Great Barrier Reef! Following a two hour shuttle boat ride out to the liveaboard, we got settled into our rooms, had a quick lunch, and were straight into our scuba gear for our first afternoon dive. Conditions were sunny, the water was relatively calm, and we were positioned over one of the best dive spots on the GBR, and surely in the world, Milln Reef. Split into two groups of six, and of course buddied up, we had a quick snorkel around the side of the boat to an anchored rope at the front to guide us to the ocean floor during our first descent. On the surface of the water, our senses were flooded with the hum of the boat, the ever-present lap of waves, and constant bobbing in the currents. However, once underneath the chaotic exterior, we were enveloped by a blue serenity. I was personally nervous about being out in open water, yet my mind was changed completely once floating peacefully, weightless through a calmer world. This was different from the snorkeling-like nightmare I had predicted. In fact, within seconds of submerging, we spotted a white tip reef shark just 10 meters in the distance. Somewhat like a fox encountered in his own forest habitat, the shark gliding coolly away. Conquer shark phobia, Check! From then on we went through our routine test of removing and collecting our regulators (mouthpieces), filling up and clearing our masks, and trying to calm ourselves in order to steady our breathing. Upon returning to the surface, we all agreed the dive was a resounding success.
A couple hours later we embarked on our second dive, which consisted of descending free of a guide rope, running through more tests like shared breathing, and gear removal. We also made more wildlife spots like a giant clam, Titan Trigger fish, and Sea Cucumber.
Exhausted, and full from a good dinner, many of us called it a night and relaxed up on the sundeck, while a brave few (James, Katie V, Connor, Joseph, Adam, and Heather) chose to go out on a night dive. Along with miles of courage they brought underwater flashlights with them to not only guide their way but to also direct a gang of red bass to their evening meal (illuminated smaller fish).
Waking early the next morning (5:30!), we all engaged in dives at six in the morning and again at eight. On these we explored the reef further and observed some more awesome marine animals like sea turtles and a moray eel! Additionally, on the latter of these dives we had a camera man come along to film us perform underwater stunts and show messages we had written beforehand to our families. Later in the day we all got to watch it a have a good laugh.
We were finally awarded our certified Open Water Diver cards by our Instructor, Ethan, and some chose to do a final, unsupervised, dive in a new spot. Bravo! Ready for dry land, we boarded the shuttle boat back to Cairns certified diving Extraordinaires. Getting back to the city in the early evening, we got our own dinners and ended the day with one of our final group meetings back at the Caravella hostel. Sad!
Our last day as a group we spent lounging on a nearby beach and tying up loose ends around Cairns, culminating with a group dinner out. Those of us flying back to the States will make for the airport at 2 am tonight, eager to reunite with our loved ones.
Fanzcarpediem, we have loved ye
As for everyone in this wonderful group, its a definite "see you later"
-Gordie
Friday, November 27, 2009
Cairns!
BULA(bringing that one back)family and friends!
Since our last post,we have finished up a relaxing week at the Chenrezig Buddhist Retreat Center, where we learned about the various teachings and traditions of the Buddhist religion. Once we ascended "the hill", a(very steep)hill which set the boundaries of the center, we were asked to adhere to a set of Buddhist guidelines:
1. Avoid killing (all creatures - including ants)
2. Avoid stealing (that which was not specifically given to you)
3. Avoid lying
4. No sexual contact(including hugs)
5. No intoxicants
Though seemingly obvious social guidelines, the rules were surprisingly hard to follow - the mosquitos taunted us as if they knew they would not be swatted.
Daily activites at the center included gardening, maufacturing miniature "stupas"(holy artifacts meant to be a physical manisfestation of Buddha's mind), and yoga with our incredibly serene and patient hungarian teacher Tiag. Our vegetarian (eek!) meals at Chenrezig consisted of a light breakfast and dinner, with a filling and delicious lunch. At night we laid relatively low, watching Buddhist themed films, reading, and once attempting to follow an advanced lesson in Buddhist theory,taught by the centers "geshe", an enlightened Tibetan monk. We also partook in a two day seminar focused on creating better relationships, inspired by and following Buddhist teachings. Through meditations and examples from her own life, our teacher Alyse showed to us how to eliminate anger and destructive feelings from our lives, asking us to take and value people for who they are, rather than who we expect them to be.
After our relaxing stay at Chenrezig, wedeparted for Cairns on our 30 hour (yes, you read correctly) train ride. Staying on an overnight train has been a dream of mine, ever since I saw "Some like it Hot". I was pumped, and the ride did not dissapoint. Though mildly claustrophobic at first, our triple-sleeper train compartments proved cozy habitats, accomodated with a bench that folded into three bunk beds, a sink, and a trash can. Train activities included reading, card games, college essay writing, and filling the tiny rooms way past their capacity for rediculous hangout sessions. The rare half hour stops were almost comical, our group bursting out of the train doors, spilling out onto the train platform to stretch, walk, do pushups, and dance to Michael Jackson tunes. We made it though our cabin fever however, to arrive safe and sound in Cairns, our final destination of the trip.
Our first day in Cairns was spent milling around the boardwalks of this seaside city, peering into the various shops and restaurants. The following two days were spent in "scuba school", where, you will be happy to learn, we all passed our written and underwater tests. Tomorrow we ship off on a scuba overnight aboard the Cairns Diving Center's dive ship, to explore the Great Barrier Reef, and earn our "open water dive" certifications.
Looking forward to a great last week, but also to seeing our families once again!
Cheers to the last leg of our incredible trip!
-Meghan
Since our last post,we have finished up a relaxing week at the Chenrezig Buddhist Retreat Center, where we learned about the various teachings and traditions of the Buddhist religion. Once we ascended "the hill", a(very steep)hill which set the boundaries of the center, we were asked to adhere to a set of Buddhist guidelines:
1. Avoid killing (all creatures - including ants)
2. Avoid stealing (that which was not specifically given to you)
3. Avoid lying
4. No sexual contact(including hugs)
5. No intoxicants
Though seemingly obvious social guidelines, the rules were surprisingly hard to follow - the mosquitos taunted us as if they knew they would not be swatted.
Daily activites at the center included gardening, maufacturing miniature "stupas"(holy artifacts meant to be a physical manisfestation of Buddha's mind), and yoga with our incredibly serene and patient hungarian teacher Tiag. Our vegetarian (eek!) meals at Chenrezig consisted of a light breakfast and dinner, with a filling and delicious lunch. At night we laid relatively low, watching Buddhist themed films, reading, and once attempting to follow an advanced lesson in Buddhist theory,taught by the centers "geshe", an enlightened Tibetan monk. We also partook in a two day seminar focused on creating better relationships, inspired by and following Buddhist teachings. Through meditations and examples from her own life, our teacher Alyse showed to us how to eliminate anger and destructive feelings from our lives, asking us to take and value people for who they are, rather than who we expect them to be.
After our relaxing stay at Chenrezig, wedeparted for Cairns on our 30 hour (yes, you read correctly) train ride. Staying on an overnight train has been a dream of mine, ever since I saw "Some like it Hot". I was pumped, and the ride did not dissapoint. Though mildly claustrophobic at first, our triple-sleeper train compartments proved cozy habitats, accomodated with a bench that folded into three bunk beds, a sink, and a trash can. Train activities included reading, card games, college essay writing, and filling the tiny rooms way past their capacity for rediculous hangout sessions. The rare half hour stops were almost comical, our group bursting out of the train doors, spilling out onto the train platform to stretch, walk, do pushups, and dance to Michael Jackson tunes. We made it though our cabin fever however, to arrive safe and sound in Cairns, our final destination of the trip.
Our first day in Cairns was spent milling around the boardwalks of this seaside city, peering into the various shops and restaurants. The following two days were spent in "scuba school", where, you will be happy to learn, we all passed our written and underwater tests. Tomorrow we ship off on a scuba overnight aboard the Cairns Diving Center's dive ship, to explore the Great Barrier Reef, and earn our "open water dive" certifications.
Looking forward to a great last week, but also to seeing our families once again!
Cheers to the last leg of our incredible trip!
-Meghan
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Beach time at Noosa
Hey everyone!
We arrived in Noosa four days ago. The first day we were all just getting settled in from a long week at groovy grape. Once we got to the beach we were all just relieved to have some down time to relax from two long weeks of waking up early. The second day we got a chance to sleep in, but most of us woke up around 8 because everyone was so excited to go check out the beach and swim in the amazingly warm ocean water. We spent most of the day laying on the beach sun tanning and walking around the little town. The weather was perfect for swimming in the ocean, it was a awesome way to cool down from the hot weather. Some of us got a little sunburned but not too bad. That night we had pizza for dinner, which was amazing and by the end of the day everyone was starving. The hostil we are staying at is the YHA and its around a 3 minute walk to the beach. The hostil looks like a little beach house. Its blue and kind of old fashioned. At night they light the Tiki torches and they have colored Christmas lights around the hostil. The third day a bunch of us took surfing lessons and had an amazing time. Those that did it said the instructor was great and was willing to take them out later in the day for a second time for free! Lets just say they jumped at that opprotunity. After spending some more time at the beach some of us went into town to the internet cafe to upload pictures onto facebook and we all ended up around the computer laughing at all the pictures we have taken over the course of the trip. Today we are heading to Chen Rezig, the Buddhist monastery, for a week of yoga, meditation, and Steve Irwin's zoo!
Some information we learned about Chenrezig was that the land was first purchased in the 70's as an overgrazed pasture and was completely barren. Today, thanks to the many monks that live there, it is a lush rainforest, covered in trees and exotic plants. (Thanks Brandon, our trivia master).
Cheers,
Katie B.
P.S.
We will upload photos in a week, sorry for the delay!
We arrived in Noosa four days ago. The first day we were all just getting settled in from a long week at groovy grape. Once we got to the beach we were all just relieved to have some down time to relax from two long weeks of waking up early. The second day we got a chance to sleep in, but most of us woke up around 8 because everyone was so excited to go check out the beach and swim in the amazingly warm ocean water. We spent most of the day laying on the beach sun tanning and walking around the little town. The weather was perfect for swimming in the ocean, it was a awesome way to cool down from the hot weather. Some of us got a little sunburned but not too bad. That night we had pizza for dinner, which was amazing and by the end of the day everyone was starving. The hostil we are staying at is the YHA and its around a 3 minute walk to the beach. The hostil looks like a little beach house. Its blue and kind of old fashioned. At night they light the Tiki torches and they have colored Christmas lights around the hostil. The third day a bunch of us took surfing lessons and had an amazing time. Those that did it said the instructor was great and was willing to take them out later in the day for a second time for free! Lets just say they jumped at that opprotunity. After spending some more time at the beach some of us went into town to the internet cafe to upload pictures onto facebook and we all ended up around the computer laughing at all the pictures we have taken over the course of the trip. Today we are heading to Chen Rezig, the Buddhist monastery, for a week of yoga, meditation, and Steve Irwin's zoo!
Some information we learned about Chenrezig was that the land was first purchased in the 70's as an overgrazed pasture and was completely barren. Today, thanks to the many monks that live there, it is a lush rainforest, covered in trees and exotic plants. (Thanks Brandon, our trivia master).
Cheers,
Katie B.
P.S.
We will upload photos in a week, sorry for the delay!
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