Bula from Taveuni, the Garden Island of Fiji!

After the students met Jolene in LAX, the group traveled to Nadi overnight. Andrew met half of the group at Nadi and took them on the early flight to Taveuni while Jolene hung back with the other half to wait for their afternoon flight. Both groups spent the day relaxing at resorts. Highlights included kayaking, reading on the beach, catching up on sleep, playing frisbee and ping pong, and enjoying some food. When the time came, Jolene’s group got on their flight to Taveuni and the group was finally reunited! During orientation and dinner the group was able to get to know each other better. We even had a birthday cake for Jolene, who lost her birthday crossing the international date line. The group managed to stay awake during dinner (mostly) and afterwards everyone got some well deserved rest.

Today was our first full day in Fiji. We started it off with an beautiful boat ride to the Somosomo Strait between islands for some snorkeling and diving. The morning was filled with lots of laughter, delicious food provided by the boat crew, shark sightings, and an interesting lesson on local marine life from one of the dive instructors. We got back from the boat and spent the afternoon back at the resort relaxing. The beach beckoned us for a beautiful sunset and some group photos, then we headed to a local restaurant overlooking the water for dinner and a birthday celebration for Graham!

Tomorrow we head down to Navakawau, the village that will be our home base for most of the trip, where we will meet members of the community and participate in a welcoming ceremony.

-Jolene & Andrew