Bula Vinaka!
The group landed and so much has happened since arriving in Fiji!
Arata landed in Nadi a day early because he lives in Japan, so Andrew and Arata spent the day exploring Nadi and enjoying the beach. The next morning the rest of the group landed and we all made it over to the island of Taveuni. Once getting settled in to our accommodations on Taveuni, the group sat together and had our in-country orientation. Even with the difficult time change, the group was engaged and present as the leaders presented important information about the program and the exciting adventures to come.
The group’s first adventure was down a bumpy road. Here we hiked a short distance to a waterfall! The Bouma Heritage National Park hosts three waterfalls in between beautiful hiking. The group only made it to the first falls, simply because it was so much fun that there was no time for the second or third. The students were taking photos in the lush green jungle and some of the students even jumped into the falls once, twice, and even thrice! Once the group was ready, we headed back to our accommodation for dinner. At dinner we had a surprise birthday cake for Haily, whose birthday was on the group’s departure day! Once everyone’s stomachs were full we headed to bed, getting ready for our snorkel trip in the morning.
The group had a big breakfast and got ready to ship out! The rainbow reef was colorful and full of diverse species of marine life. The dive master was explaining to the group that just a day before they had the opportunity to snorkel next to a humpback whale! Although we didn’t get to see any whales, the group did see some manta rays on our way back to shore! While snorkeling, the group saw dozens of species of fish, a turtle, and a shark. We saw so many different kinds of fish that it was as if we were watching a live action showing of Finding Nemo!
Right now the group is getting ready to walk to a local Fijian restaurant for a dinner buffet! Tomorrow the group will head down to Navakawau as we begin our time there.
Vinaka Moce!
— Andrew & Gaby
