Well, it turns out Evan will still hit Fiji, but the worst will pass quite far North. It will affect Vanua Levu and the West of Viti Levu.
Suva does not seem to be in the firing line - we are prepared nontheless. Though we did start drinking the wine yesterday!
Saturday, 15 December 2012
Thursday, 13 December 2012
Cyclone Evan
Cyclone Evan has just torn up Samoa and is now headed for Tonga and Fiji. This is the first cyclone of the season - and by the time it hits Fiji it will be Category Five.
I am not sure how badly affected Suva will be, but by all accounts it will hit the Northern Division hardest - which means Vanua Levu.
Not much we can do except prepare now - water, torches, more water. We are in a pretty secure house, so that is fine...no generator though and the power may go. But we are well connected with three houses all together if something goes awry!
Well, here's to my first ever cyclone.
I am not sure how badly affected Suva will be, but by all accounts it will hit the Northern Division hardest - which means Vanua Levu.
Not much we can do except prepare now - water, torches, more water. We are in a pretty secure house, so that is fine...no generator though and the power may go. But we are well connected with three houses all together if something goes awry!
Well, here's to my first ever cyclone.
Sunday, 9 December 2012
Saturdays in Suva
It is a rather interesting proposition living in a relatively small city, but sometimes feeling like you live in a city of 20 million people.
That's a Saturday in Suva. Long, long queues at the bank. Hustle and bustle on the street. Elbows in the side at Pure Fiji. Long waits at Vodafone.
It struck me a lot on my first Saturday in Suva, which was also my first day in the city. People are everywhere. The markets are full of fruit and life.
The bustle all serves a purpose - the streets are full of busy on Saturday because Sunday here is genuinely a day of rest. Most of the shops close, the streets are empty and people go to church and then have a traditional Sunday lunch.
And you see tumbleweeds in the centre of Suva.
It is such a contrast. And it is one of those things about living here that I just can't quite wrap my head around, as lovely and frustrating in equal measures as it is.
That's a Saturday in Suva. Long, long queues at the bank. Hustle and bustle on the street. Elbows in the side at Pure Fiji. Long waits at Vodafone.
It struck me a lot on my first Saturday in Suva, which was also my first day in the city. People are everywhere. The markets are full of fruit and life.
The bustle all serves a purpose - the streets are full of busy on Saturday because Sunday here is genuinely a day of rest. Most of the shops close, the streets are empty and people go to church and then have a traditional Sunday lunch.
And you see tumbleweeds in the centre of Suva.
It is such a contrast. And it is one of those things about living here that I just can't quite wrap my head around, as lovely and frustrating in equal measures as it is.
Sunday, 2 December 2012
Blue Spotted Ribbontail Ray
I went swimming in another glorious Fiji location. On this occasion I was blessed enough to witness these two little creatures:
I saw a pair of eyes lying on the ocean floor, then they started to move silkily and low and behold it was these two! I think one of them spotted me at the same time, because she jerked up and kind of started darting around, as did I, after clicking my camera!
So, panic and me underwater are still friends!! But I am seeing some pretty cool stuff!
I saw a pair of eyes lying on the ocean floor, then they started to move silkily and low and behold it was these two! I think one of them spotted me at the same time, because she jerked up and kind of started darting around, as did I, after clicking my camera!
So, panic and me underwater are still friends!! But I am seeing some pretty cool stuff!
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
A typical day in Fiji
I feel like more than ever today embodied a typical day for me.
Sleep - badly - it's hot and I have lots on my mind - weekend getaways, work...mostly weekend getaways.
Wake up early for exercise with a Britt or a Bec. Feel good.
Come home. Get on Facebook. Enough said.
Go to work.
Go for extended coffee/lunch/second hand shopping trip!
People don't turn up for important work meeting. Feel annoyed. Stomp around office.
Come home early as I feel all is lost. Engage in post work activity - French, more exercise, cheap movie, chatting to people about how all is lost.
About to go to bed - colleague texts - come for a kava sesh at boss' house to discuss work.
Go to kava sesh, bring wine. Have HIGHLY productive work meeting. Make jokes with colleagues about engagement with local culture.
Return to Facebook. Talk to former volunteer, who incidentally used to live in my house.
Still can't sleep, but that is also OK because I have excused myself from tomorrow's early morning exercise and assured colleague of late start.
Sleep - badly - it's hot and I have lots on my mind - weekend getaways, work...mostly weekend getaways.
Wake up early for exercise with a Britt or a Bec. Feel good.
Come home. Get on Facebook. Enough said.
Go to work.
Go for extended coffee/lunch/second hand shopping trip!
People don't turn up for important work meeting. Feel annoyed. Stomp around office.
Come home early as I feel all is lost. Engage in post work activity - French, more exercise, cheap movie, chatting to people about how all is lost.
About to go to bed - colleague texts - come for a kava sesh at boss' house to discuss work.
Go to kava sesh, bring wine. Have HIGHLY productive work meeting. Make jokes with colleagues about engagement with local culture.
Return to Facebook. Talk to former volunteer, who incidentally used to live in my house.
Still can't sleep, but that is also OK because I have excused myself from tomorrow's early morning exercise and assured colleague of late start.
Monday, 26 November 2012
When a blue starfish hugs a rock
I just love underwater romance! I was lucky enough to sneak away over the weekend to the Tubakula Bungalows near Sigatoka on the Coral Coast. Yes, when you live in Fiji, that is just what you do!
My plan was to work on the office policy manual, the reality was much more whimsical. The water was a perfect temperature for lazing and swimming around with fish and blue starfish. There was quite a lot happening in not much water! Including this:
In more serious news, the 16 Days of Activism Campaign started yesterday which focuses on raising awareness of violence against women and children and will culminate on Human Rights Day on 10 December with a march in Suva.
This week also sees us celebrate another World AIDS Day. It was our hope at MEN Fiji we would be able to support the launch of a recent research study, but unfortunately timing got the better of us. A local organisation that works with People Living with HIV will be hosting a Red Tie Fashion Evening - this raises important fashion questions regarding red, ties and evenings. I have begun preparations by purchasing ridiculously high shoes, which make me super tall, so that at least now I am only the shortest person in my office by 5 cms instead of 20 cms. Now all I need is the red and the tie part.
This is all part of a new initiative FJN+ are working on to celebrate the Arts and PLHIV and to help develop microfinance-like programs.
I have started doing my geek thing again, where I admire the heck out of women doing really incredible things. I met two such women on my recent trip to Nadi for a workshop on peer education - Vani Dulaki who is Executive Director of FJN+ and Matelita Seva who is Executive Director of Reproductive Health and Family Planning Fiji. They are doing really important work and being quite creative and open about their approach! And they are both fabulous women!
I did say I was doing my geek thing.
My plan was to work on the office policy manual, the reality was much more whimsical. The water was a perfect temperature for lazing and swimming around with fish and blue starfish. There was quite a lot happening in not much water! Including this:
In more serious news, the 16 Days of Activism Campaign started yesterday which focuses on raising awareness of violence against women and children and will culminate on Human Rights Day on 10 December with a march in Suva.
This week also sees us celebrate another World AIDS Day. It was our hope at MEN Fiji we would be able to support the launch of a recent research study, but unfortunately timing got the better of us. A local organisation that works with People Living with HIV will be hosting a Red Tie Fashion Evening - this raises important fashion questions regarding red, ties and evenings. I have begun preparations by purchasing ridiculously high shoes, which make me super tall, so that at least now I am only the shortest person in my office by 5 cms instead of 20 cms. Now all I need is the red and the tie part.
This is all part of a new initiative FJN+ are working on to celebrate the Arts and PLHIV and to help develop microfinance-like programs.
I have started doing my geek thing again, where I admire the heck out of women doing really incredible things. I met two such women on my recent trip to Nadi for a workshop on peer education - Vani Dulaki who is Executive Director of FJN+ and Matelita Seva who is Executive Director of Reproductive Health and Family Planning Fiji. They are doing really important work and being quite creative and open about their approach! And they are both fabulous women!
I did say I was doing my geek thing.
Wednesday, 21 November 2012
urgg a gurg
Low pressure systems are horrible!! It may well be that a cyclone is coming, though I do believe on this occasion, we have dodged that bullet. However the accompanying heat is stifling. And it has kind of arrived out of no where.
Cyclone season is upon us!
I thought working from home would help.
I was wrong.
And now, I come to believe firmly in the power of the air conditioner. I just can't access one.
Alternatively, when is Mapple going to invent the full waterproof iPad that allows you the flexibility to work underwater and go online AND writes policy manuals for you.
Urgh.
Meanwhile, where are all the I'm so sweaty I am a walking swimming pool jokes? OK, that isn't really funny, but you know what I mean. I wake up and I am drenched. There is a pool of humour in that! PUN!
Now I will stop, because the heat is affecting me. And I need to write the policy manual for work, seeings as my computer won't do it for me!!
Cyclone season is upon us!
I thought working from home would help.
I was wrong.
And now, I come to believe firmly in the power of the air conditioner. I just can't access one.
Alternatively, when is Mapple going to invent the full waterproof iPad that allows you the flexibility to work underwater and go online AND writes policy manuals for you.
Urgh.
Meanwhile, where are all the I'm so sweaty I am a walking swimming pool jokes? OK, that isn't really funny, but you know what I mean. I wake up and I am drenched. There is a pool of humour in that! PUN!
Now I will stop, because the heat is affecting me. And I need to write the policy manual for work, seeings as my computer won't do it for me!!
Monday, 19 November 2012
I live in Fiji. I know this because...
On the weekend, I went away for the day and managed to tarzan swing into a fresh water rockpool, see a manta ray jump up out of the water, see many many dolphins, who also did a bit of jumping, snorkelled amongst gorgeous coral and brightly coloured fish and see a whale spouting water! (OK, last part was not me, but the skipper on our boat, but close enough!)
I have invested in an underwater camera - best decision ever! Trialed with some underwater dolphin shots - which kind of worked, but the lens got all foggy! Garah! Will have to work on my plunging camera into water shots more!
I feel like this may be one of those posts that is best described in pictures:
I have invested in an underwater camera - best decision ever! Trialed with some underwater dolphin shots - which kind of worked, but the lens got all foggy! Garah! Will have to work on my plunging camera into water shots more!
I feel like this may be one of those posts that is best described in pictures:
Sulu jamba and just general sulu madness
How neglectful of me to have failed to introduced the hottest fashion item around town.
The sulu.
When you think Fijian fashion, you might think of many things, but most paths will lead you back to this most useful and appropriate item of clothing that keeps you warm in what passes for winter, and, well, sticks to the back of your legs when you hit the sultry summer period.
It is basically a skirt, everyone wears them, they are breezy, light, and fit everyone.
The sulu also comes in a variety of forms. Your basic sulu is a FJ$5 number, which can be purchased from the local flea market. It will come in a variety of colours, including, but not exclusive to red, orange, bright yellow, green, purple, blue, light blue, aqua and pink. Sometimes it will sport a bula flower design. It will usually spout such propaganda as:
"Happy Mother's Day"
"Go Fiji Go!"
"Jesus will guide the way"
"Warwick Beach Resort - Sigatoka"
For example:
They should always be carried with you for emergency village visits, where girls should have covered knees and dress attire, and for those occasions when you have to sit on the floor and also cover your knees. I learnt this the hard way at a workshop soon after my arrival in Fiji!
The sulu also comes in professional/formal format. This is referred to as a sulu jamba, which is a top and sulu combination of combined and matching bula fabrics.
Gentlemen will generally wear a male sulu, with shirt. If you are in the military marching band, you will get a fancy ridgy bottom male sulu.
It's comfortable, it's professional and it's colourful. As you can see below, myself and my colleagues each rocked sulu style at a workshop last week.
So, next time you are lost for something to wear to a party or to that really important business meeting, think of the sulu!
The sulu.
When you think Fijian fashion, you might think of many things, but most paths will lead you back to this most useful and appropriate item of clothing that keeps you warm in what passes for winter, and, well, sticks to the back of your legs when you hit the sultry summer period.
It is basically a skirt, everyone wears them, they are breezy, light, and fit everyone.
The sulu also comes in a variety of forms. Your basic sulu is a FJ$5 number, which can be purchased from the local flea market. It will come in a variety of colours, including, but not exclusive to red, orange, bright yellow, green, purple, blue, light blue, aqua and pink. Sometimes it will sport a bula flower design. It will usually spout such propaganda as:
"Happy Mother's Day"
"Go Fiji Go!"
"Jesus will guide the way"
"Warwick Beach Resort - Sigatoka"
For example:
They should always be carried with you for emergency village visits, where girls should have covered knees and dress attire, and for those occasions when you have to sit on the floor and also cover your knees. I learnt this the hard way at a workshop soon after my arrival in Fiji!
The sulu also comes in professional/formal format. This is referred to as a sulu jamba, which is a top and sulu combination of combined and matching bula fabrics.
Gentlemen will generally wear a male sulu, with shirt. If you are in the military marching band, you will get a fancy ridgy bottom male sulu.
It's comfortable, it's professional and it's colourful. As you can see below, myself and my colleagues each rocked sulu style at a workshop last week.
Tropical Cyclone Outlook - Tuesday 20 November
This is why I love living in the South Pacific. I welcome any suggestions on what should go in my emergency grab bag, should the cyclone come!
South Pacific - Tropical Disturbance TD02F west of Rotuma analysed near 11S 168E at 9AM this morning. Pressures are falling in the region and model output indicates this system will continue to intensify. Currently the low is moving slowly WSW however forecasts indicate this system will shortly start to move south then southeastwards passing well to the west of Fiji on Thursday morning.
Risk of this system becoming a tropical cyclone in the next 72 hours has been upgraded to MODERATE. Countries likely to be affected are Vanuatu and Fiji initially, and possibly southern Tonga later.
South Pacific - Tropical Disturbance TD02F west of Rotuma analysed near 11S 168E at 9AM this morning. Pressures are falling in the region and model output indicates this system will continue to intensify. Currently the low is moving slowly WSW however forecasts indicate this system will shortly start to move south then southeastwards passing well to the west of Fiji on Thursday morning.
Risk of this system becoming a tropical cyclone in the next 72 hours has been upgraded to MODERATE. Countries likely to be affected are Vanuatu and Fiji initially, and possibly southern Tonga later.
No other areas of interest in the region at this
time.
North Pacific - No suspect areas at this time.
Sunday, 4 November 2012
Fiji Fashion Week
Cue bright lights, swequins, hairspray and mascara folks. Fiji Fashion Week was here and it was fierce!!
I attended the established designers fashion show - I know nothing about fashion, so I can only comment on the fact I know what I like and what I could wear. So there was a lot of bula represented, but there was also some really interesting and challenging designs.
The most interesting thing for me - so Fiji Fashion Week is in its fifth year and the woman that runs the show is clearly very entrepreneurial. Which I admire, but I can't help but thinking with all her sponsors showering her with cash and her making a big deal out of it, demonstrates there is a still some way to go before we hit full professionalisation in the fashion sector for Fiji.
Some other interesting perspectives to consider, that Fiji does not teach fashion as a subject, so for Fijians interested in fashion, they are not being taught the basic skills required to become competitive in the field. And also, we are based on an island with limited resources, sometimes sourcing fabrics can be challenging!
Fiji does have great potential as a manufacturing hub. The Fiji Fashion Council has been set up and is being headed up by an Australian manufacturer, who waxed lyrical about the manufacturing set up in Fiji and how it expects it will explode very quickly.
All of this made me a little uneasy. Should we be celebrating the strength of an industry that is successful because it underpays its workers and keeps them in shocking conditions. And what place does this kind of discussion have on an evening which is meant to celebrate creativity, young designers and style.
That was kind of lost in the end. So, I am not really sure how successful Fiji Fashion Week was in the end. I guess it all depends on perspective.
The most interesting thing for me - so Fiji Fashion Week is in its fifth year and the woman that runs the show is clearly very entrepreneurial. Which I admire, but I can't help but thinking with all her sponsors showering her with cash and her making a big deal out of it, demonstrates there is a still some way to go before we hit full professionalisation in the fashion sector for Fiji.
Some other interesting perspectives to consider, that Fiji does not teach fashion as a subject, so for Fijians interested in fashion, they are not being taught the basic skills required to become competitive in the field. And also, we are based on an island with limited resources, sometimes sourcing fabrics can be challenging!
Fiji does have great potential as a manufacturing hub. The Fiji Fashion Council has been set up and is being headed up by an Australian manufacturer, who waxed lyrical about the manufacturing set up in Fiji and how it expects it will explode very quickly.
All of this made me a little uneasy. Should we be celebrating the strength of an industry that is successful because it underpays its workers and keeps them in shocking conditions. And what place does this kind of discussion have on an evening which is meant to celebrate creativity, young designers and style.
That was kind of lost in the end. So, I am not really sure how successful Fiji Fashion Week was in the end. I guess it all depends on perspective.
Tuesday, 16 October 2012
Volunteers in faraway places
This is just a little shout out to the volunteers who are based in the regions of Fiji - Lebasa, Lautoka, Savu Savu, Levuka and elsewhere!
Had a chat this morning with one of our volunteers in Lebasa and was reminded that the Suva life is pretty darn fantastic!! We can eat pretty much whatever we want and we have the cinema with cheap pick'n'mix.
I mention the food related pros of Suva life in particular, because my fellow volunteer made a point of saying she can't always get staples, let alone fancy newfangled foods where she is based. And where she lives - well there is a main street and one or two restaurants, but that is pretty much it! It can be quite isolating as well, with only a few volunteers based in these towns and the conditions can sometimes be quite challenging. I spent a year in China hand washing my clothes - happy to never have to do that again!!
I have therefore promised many care packages and must make more of an effort to check in with her.
And as an aside, I really like living in Suva. It may be small, but it packs a punch in terms of value in relation to its smallness. Can I mention the cinema again? Go Village 6 and your pick'n'mix selection!!
Had a chat this morning with one of our volunteers in Lebasa and was reminded that the Suva life is pretty darn fantastic!! We can eat pretty much whatever we want and we have the cinema with cheap pick'n'mix.
I mention the food related pros of Suva life in particular, because my fellow volunteer made a point of saying she can't always get staples, let alone fancy newfangled foods where she is based. And where she lives - well there is a main street and one or two restaurants, but that is pretty much it! It can be quite isolating as well, with only a few volunteers based in these towns and the conditions can sometimes be quite challenging. I spent a year in China hand washing my clothes - happy to never have to do that again!!
I have therefore promised many care packages and must make more of an effort to check in with her.
And as an aside, I really like living in Suva. It may be small, but it packs a punch in terms of value in relation to its smallness. Can I mention the cinema again? Go Village 6 and your pick'n'mix selection!!
Saturday, 13 October 2012
Fiji Day and Farewells
Wednesday 10 October is Fiji Day!
In the lead up to Fiji Day I enjoyed the benefits of working opposite the national fair grounds (Albert Park), and was subjected to daily firings of the cannons. I am not sure there needed to be that much rehersal for firing off the canon, because apparently on the actual day they didn't fire off the cannons. And the parade ran ahead of schedule, so I missed it!!
For my Fiji Day, I enjoyed what is fast becoming a national pastime and went to Zumba early Wednesday morning. Then it was off to zipline through the forest near Pacific Harbour and then home to a sunny Suva day and lazed around by the pool. If only all days could be like thhis one! Happy Fijian Independence!
In the lead up to Fiji Day I enjoyed the benefits of working opposite the national fair grounds (Albert Park), and was subjected to daily firings of the cannons. I am not sure there needed to be that much rehersal for firing off the canon, because apparently on the actual day they didn't fire off the cannons. And the parade ran ahead of schedule, so I missed it!!
For my Fiji Day, I enjoyed what is fast becoming a national pastime and went to Zumba early Wednesday morning. Then it was off to zipline through the forest near Pacific Harbour and then home to a sunny Suva day and lazed around by the pool. If only all days could be like thhis one! Happy Fijian Independence!
The end of this week bought some more good times, but some sadness as well as a big group of volunteers is about to leave after their one year in Fiji! It is extraordinary to speak to these girls and to hear their stories - all so different and unique. And to celebrate, they took us all out on a whirlwind tour of Suva night spots.
It got me to thinking about the fact that I have less than four months left in Fiji and when I leave I will be doing it on my own. It makes me apprehensive only so far as I have barely scratched the surface of what I want to try and achieve here - from a work and life perspective. I don't think 6 months is anytime, let alone being close to enough. I saw the way these girls relate their stories and experiences, and I cannot help but think I am missing out on a fulfilling experience here because the time is just so short.
Mind you, I could choose to stay. Or come back. Watch this space people. It could happen!
Sunday, 7 October 2012
Strennis? That is so yesterday!
We invented a new game over the weekend. Fanball. I think it is going to take over from strennis as the game of choice at Le Hunte.
Gotta be happy with that - I was never very good at strennis!!
Gotta be happy with that - I was never very good at strennis!!
Thursday, 4 October 2012
The Le Hunte Life
I live at the wonderful Le Hunte residence in Suva. This is a perennial volunteer house and many lay claim to its ownership. As in, currently we are living there and think of it as our house, but past volunteers still fondly remember it as theirs!
Anyway, I digress. The house is a little bit of wonderment. A fabulous open kitchen and enough space to make four people living in the house not feel like four people are living in the house.
The best part? The living room which has been converted into a strennis mort.
Strennis? Mort? What are these things you speak of? Well, I am here to introduce to the future of sport, invented by Le Hunte for Le Hunte....STRENNIS!
Basically, our giant TV does not work, so to mitigate bordeom one evening, two of the housemates (featured) happened upon the game following the indulgent purchase of a soft stress ball from Tappoo city mall. The game is played with a stress ball and vaguely resembles tennis, hence strennis.
The game has captured the imagination of Suva's residents...OK, that might be a stretch. We have managed to induct three outsiders to the cause. But they are all pretty dedicated fans.
The game is played on the mat-court (mort) and, well, the rules change depending who is playing. The brain's trust of strennis (featured) are imbued with the power to change the rules at will. This includes mid game!!
Strennis has faced many struggles and difficulties on the way to becoming a mainstream sport - the strennis ball was stolen, resulting in an abrupt halt to all strennis activity. But slowly, the game has spread and now we can triumphantly place strennis alongside football and synchronised swimming as one of the great global sports.
My addition to the game?? Distraction! I have achieved great notoriety as a great distractor. It has not resulted in me winning any actual games, but that is not the point. The point is, strennis is awesome and so there!
Anyway, I digress. The house is a little bit of wonderment. A fabulous open kitchen and enough space to make four people living in the house not feel like four people are living in the house.
The best part? The living room which has been converted into a strennis mort.
Strennis? Mort? What are these things you speak of? Well, I am here to introduce to the future of sport, invented by Le Hunte for Le Hunte....STRENNIS!
Basically, our giant TV does not work, so to mitigate bordeom one evening, two of the housemates (featured) happened upon the game following the indulgent purchase of a soft stress ball from Tappoo city mall. The game is played with a stress ball and vaguely resembles tennis, hence strennis.
The game has captured the imagination of Suva's residents...OK, that might be a stretch. We have managed to induct three outsiders to the cause. But they are all pretty dedicated fans.
The game is played on the mat-court (mort) and, well, the rules change depending who is playing. The brain's trust of strennis (featured) are imbued with the power to change the rules at will. This includes mid game!!
Strennis has faced many struggles and difficulties on the way to becoming a mainstream sport - the strennis ball was stolen, resulting in an abrupt halt to all strennis activity. But slowly, the game has spread and now we can triumphantly place strennis alongside football and synchronised swimming as one of the great global sports.
My addition to the game?? Distraction! I have achieved great notoriety as a great distractor. It has not resulted in me winning any actual games, but that is not the point. The point is, strennis is awesome and so there!
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
Birthday Shenanigans
I have the great honour (!) of sharing my birthday with Chinese National Day! And Julie Andrews. So, 1st October truly is a great day!
This year I had the fortune to get to share my birthday with a bunch of Suva expats, O'Reilley's Bar and Leleuvia Island.
The birthday weekend away actually started at such a high peak of fabulous, that I was afraid I would out do myself before I had even begun. Witness the tiny plane we caught on our 12 minute flight to Levuka:
Four people on the plane and a whole load of newspapers from the mainland! It was so much fun and so bizarre. Now Levuka is the old capital, so it has a lot of interesting old crumbly buildings and not too much else! The people are pretty friendly though - I had so many conversations and will probably never say 'Bula' quite so much ever again.
The initial plan had been to go for a hike, but the weather was pretty unfortunate. I did manage to scramble someway up the nearest mountain after stopping in to watch the volleball game between police wives from Levuka and Nausauri. I managed to get a random guy in gumboots to help direct me to the nearest rockpool where a bunch of kids were splashing about - I have more bruises to accompany that story too!
So Day I complete, we then made the boat trip to Leleuvia for two days of fun in the (hopefully) sun! Along the way, we unexpectedly bumped into three pods of dolphins, who were quite keen to skim under the boat and disappear. If you look hard though, you might just see them.
And Leleuvia...ahhh. What can I say, except that I have been spoilt beyond belief. As soon as we arrived on the island, the sun came out and it very rarely hid after that. I got to try scuba diving for the first time ever, which was accompanied by a stream of:
This year I had the fortune to get to share my birthday with a bunch of Suva expats, O'Reilley's Bar and Leleuvia Island.
The birthday weekend away actually started at such a high peak of fabulous, that I was afraid I would out do myself before I had even begun. Witness the tiny plane we caught on our 12 minute flight to Levuka:
Four people on the plane and a whole load of newspapers from the mainland! It was so much fun and so bizarre. Now Levuka is the old capital, so it has a lot of interesting old crumbly buildings and not too much else! The people are pretty friendly though - I had so many conversations and will probably never say 'Bula' quite so much ever again.
The initial plan had been to go for a hike, but the weather was pretty unfortunate. I did manage to scramble someway up the nearest mountain after stopping in to watch the volleball game between police wives from Levuka and Nausauri. I managed to get a random guy in gumboots to help direct me to the nearest rockpool where a bunch of kids were splashing about - I have more bruises to accompany that story too!
So Day I complete, we then made the boat trip to Leleuvia for two days of fun in the (hopefully) sun! Along the way, we unexpectedly bumped into three pods of dolphins, who were quite keen to skim under the boat and disappear. If you look hard though, you might just see them.
And Leleuvia...ahhh. What can I say, except that I have been spoilt beyond belief. As soon as we arrived on the island, the sun came out and it very rarely hid after that. I got to try scuba diving for the first time ever, which was accompanied by a stream of:
"I'm going to die. My ears are going to explode. OMG, I just saw a giant blue starfish. But my head still feels like it is about to combust"
Fun times! I kid you not! The water is so crystal blue, and there is so much colour and life just so long as you dip your head beneath the water for a second or two. I saw a stingray and almost saw a shark (but out snorklelling, not diving!) It is breathtaking, but I should remind everyone not to stop breathing when scuba diving or your lungs WILL explode. No, really!
The only sad part to this story is that it had to end at all. What a great weekend away! And now that I have scratched the surface of Fiji's waters, I have to get my diving certificate and go wild!
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
You know life is good when...
...YOU WIN A PRIZE IN THE NETBALL RAFFLE!!!
That's right. I have won 7 bottles of Fiji Water. I am pretty sure I have never won anything in a raffle before. What a great prize!
The only upsetting business is that I missed out on the 10kg bag of flour. That was the golden prize and I wanted it! Missed it by ______ this much!
That's right. I have won 7 bottles of Fiji Water. I am pretty sure I have never won anything in a raffle before. What a great prize!
The only upsetting business is that I missed out on the 10kg bag of flour. That was the golden prize and I wanted it! Missed it by ______ this much!
Monday, 24 September 2012
Escaping Suva
Suva is by no means a raging metropolis. But going away this weekend genuinely felt like I had left the big smoke behind and had arrived in paradise.
Up until now, I had no real sense for the Fiji that everyone talks about - the sandy white beaches...the crystal blue oceans...the fresh clean air. Well, I have finally met that Fiji and I have to admit, I am pretty much in love with it!
It is hard to put into words the feeling of pure happiness I felt as soon as I put my feet into the warm waters. I am not usually a water person, but floating in the water and chatting to lots of different people was quite soul restoring.
Not that my soul needed restoring. I love living in Suva, but you can sometimes feel overwhelmed with all the people, and things to do! So a weekend of doing nothing except swimming, sipping tea and laughing was simply delightful. All the light and airy words you can think of, this is the best way to describe the feeling.
I was hoping to start learning how to dive over the weekend, but it turns out you have to spend several hours studying before your get to jump into the water.
Outrageous!!
I have to take an exam and I didn't have time to do the exam prep! So, I will slowly start to build up a bit of diving know-how and hopefully by the end of the month have a chance to get my certificate. I am starting to get dive envy - there are some incredible experiences being shared with the fish and coral. As scared as I am of being underwater, I am also really looking forward to it as well.
Coming back to Suva was also a really good feeling. It is much cooler here after really hot weather last week and I can appreciate things more now I have had some time away.
Up until now, I had no real sense for the Fiji that everyone talks about - the sandy white beaches...the crystal blue oceans...the fresh clean air. Well, I have finally met that Fiji and I have to admit, I am pretty much in love with it!
It is hard to put into words the feeling of pure happiness I felt as soon as I put my feet into the warm waters. I am not usually a water person, but floating in the water and chatting to lots of different people was quite soul restoring.
Not that my soul needed restoring. I love living in Suva, but you can sometimes feel overwhelmed with all the people, and things to do! So a weekend of doing nothing except swimming, sipping tea and laughing was simply delightful. All the light and airy words you can think of, this is the best way to describe the feeling.
I was hoping to start learning how to dive over the weekend, but it turns out you have to spend several hours studying before your get to jump into the water.
Outrageous!!
I have to take an exam and I didn't have time to do the exam prep! So, I will slowly start to build up a bit of diving know-how and hopefully by the end of the month have a chance to get my certificate. I am starting to get dive envy - there are some incredible experiences being shared with the fish and coral. As scared as I am of being underwater, I am also really looking forward to it as well.
Coming back to Suva was also a really good feeling. It is much cooler here after really hot weather last week and I can appreciate things more now I have had some time away.
Sunday, 23 September 2012
Crime Spree - Update!
The prisoners have been caught! Also, one of the robberies were opportunists pretending to be the prisoners.
Now THAT is ingenious!
Just got back from a weekend away - will update with pictures soon!
Now THAT is ingenious!
Just got back from a weekend away - will update with pictures soon!
Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Crime spree in Suva!
Well, probably the most crisis like event - if you want to call it that - arrived yesterday with the breakout of five prisoners from a nearby prison and proceeded to go on a crime spree throughout Suva.
There was a prison breakout and a bank robbery which was close to where some of the volunteers work and live. So it was quite close to home!
You can read a bit more about what happened in the Fiji Times: High Security Alert
But it was interesting to watch how different people reacted and responded to the situation. OK, we were never really in any danger. It was more of a post event feeling of vulnerability that just made me want to go home, hide in my house and have my housemates around me. It was an unexpected emotion!
It wore off pretty quickly though - logic and rationality kicked back in quite soon after. But everything seems to be back in place today. One can only assume the road blocks across the island will pick these gentlemen up sooner or later.
And now time to get excited about going away for the weekend!
There was a prison breakout and a bank robbery which was close to where some of the volunteers work and live. So it was quite close to home!
You can read a bit more about what happened in the Fiji Times: High Security Alert
But it was interesting to watch how different people reacted and responded to the situation. OK, we were never really in any danger. It was more of a post event feeling of vulnerability that just made me want to go home, hide in my house and have my housemates around me. It was an unexpected emotion!
It wore off pretty quickly though - logic and rationality kicked back in quite soon after. But everything seems to be back in place today. One can only assume the road blocks across the island will pick these gentlemen up sooner or later.
And now time to get excited about going away for the weekend!
Sunday, 16 September 2012
Le Hunte's new Housemate
So earlier this week I awoke to bloodcurdling screams and tears. I thought the worst...
the zombie apocalypse had commenced in our kitchen and was eating the leg off one of my housemates.
Well, OK, maybe not. But at the very least I thought we were under attack from multiple bugs or something slimy had found its way into the house.
Enter Bryan. Our newest resident. A mouse. No bigger than your palm and with a delightful brownish hue.
He raced through the kitchen and made his way down to one of the bedrooms. This set of a second round of screaming!
With great bravado I entered the mouse infested space, and proceeded to blockade the bed under the careful direction of my housemate so Bryan could escape with some dignity.
It was then I spotted him crouched under the bed in a fashion which looked like we had squashed him!
Ohh, the humanity! As my housemate and I mourned poor little Bryan, he sprang back into action and proceeded to crawl about under the bed. And that set of another round of squealing and quick as a flash I was up on the bed.
We are pretty sure Bryan ended up back under the couch in our living room. Not sure. He has not made a reappearance…and given the shenanigans that accompanied his first appearance I can understand why!
Poor Bryan! Welcome back anytime!
Saturday, 15 September 2012
Victory Parade and some Constiutional Conversations
You may have heard that Fiji and the Pacific won its first gold medal ever in an Olympic event. Iliesa Delana won a gold medal in the high jump and Fiji welcomed him home this week in style!!
When you win a gold medal for Fiji, you are presented with a giant, massive roast pig and a house. Which I think is well deserved, given it is a momentus achievement! I have unashamedly jumped on board the Iliesa train! Shameless!!!
I also got a free mini Fiji flag, which quite frankly sealed the deal for me!
AND...I got to see the Fiji police marching band once again in all their glory. These guys are actually pretty damn awesome and have affirmed my love of all things marching band. I have not yet discovered why these guys get sulus that have ridgy bottoms - I am not sure if that is just an asthetic or serves some other function related to them being in a marching band. These are the challenging questions of the day!
In other news, earlier this week I sat in on a really interesting panel discussion related to particpation in the development of Fiji's new constiution. This is a fascinating process, where members of the public are invited to submit ideas on what should be included in the new constiution.
Still being new to Fiji and working for people who are in the human rights, advocacy and awareness world, this was a really good opportunity to hear what is important to Fijians and what are some of the challenges.
And I got free sandwhiches - also makes me happy!
Mmm, I feel a bit of theme emerging here on the free stuff front...
I feel like I should be talking a bit more about my Kizomba and French lessons. That is right people, when in Fiji take French and learn Angolan dance, It's the only way! OK, i will be starting to learn how to dive soon. There - country appropriate news for you all!
When you win a gold medal for Fiji, you are presented with a giant, massive roast pig and a house. Which I think is well deserved, given it is a momentus achievement! I have unashamedly jumped on board the Iliesa train! Shameless!!!
I also got a free mini Fiji flag, which quite frankly sealed the deal for me!
AND...I got to see the Fiji police marching band once again in all their glory. These guys are actually pretty damn awesome and have affirmed my love of all things marching band. I have not yet discovered why these guys get sulus that have ridgy bottoms - I am not sure if that is just an asthetic or serves some other function related to them being in a marching band. These are the challenging questions of the day!
In other news, earlier this week I sat in on a really interesting panel discussion related to particpation in the development of Fiji's new constiution. This is a fascinating process, where members of the public are invited to submit ideas on what should be included in the new constiution.
Still being new to Fiji and working for people who are in the human rights, advocacy and awareness world, this was a really good opportunity to hear what is important to Fijians and what are some of the challenges.
And I got free sandwhiches - also makes me happy!
Mmm, I feel a bit of theme emerging here on the free stuff front...
I feel like I should be talking a bit more about my Kizomba and French lessons. That is right people, when in Fiji take French and learn Angolan dance, It's the only way! OK, i will be starting to learn how to dive soon. There - country appropriate news for you all!
Sunday, 9 September 2012
Sailing Weekend
So my weekend of sailing was simply fantastic. I have never sailed before so this was a big first for me.
Hobie Cats are really F A S T. So when the wind picks up you just zoom across the water! The first day we were in the water is was quite windy - up at about 20 knots. So it was basically a day of struggling not to capsize and keep the cat up right.
And try to learn how to tack and gybe and just generally steer the boat!!! It was tough conditions for a girl's first day out on the water. I have at least 17 bruises and scratches and bumps to the head to show for myself...check it out:
OK, it is a bit difficult to see, but let me tell you I earnt every single one of my bruises and then had to back it up the next day on my knees!
I was so exhausted and deydrated that I came home and collapsed and was pretty much useless for the rest of the evening. Pity I missed the BBQ to catch up with everyone and trade war stories.
Day II and we get the complete opposite conditions - it was still, sunny and light. We were worried there wouldn't be enough wind to propel the boats!
We spent the day out at a sand bar on the harbour and learning skills without the panic and threat of crashing and tipping up - except for the deliberate capsize to get training in how to get the boat back upright - as if I needed that after Day I!
It was really relaxing and I learnt so much about how to sense the wind and how to steer into and out of the wind. I had this breakthrough moment late in the day when I started to get the hang of it all. Just in time for us to come back on land!
Will most definately be going back for more, but plan to let my bruises heal a little bit first!
Hobie Cats are really F A S T. So when the wind picks up you just zoom across the water! The first day we were in the water is was quite windy - up at about 20 knots. So it was basically a day of struggling not to capsize and keep the cat up right.
And try to learn how to tack and gybe and just generally steer the boat!!! It was tough conditions for a girl's first day out on the water. I have at least 17 bruises and scratches and bumps to the head to show for myself...check it out:
OK, it is a bit difficult to see, but let me tell you I earnt every single one of my bruises and then had to back it up the next day on my knees!
I was so exhausted and deydrated that I came home and collapsed and was pretty much useless for the rest of the evening. Pity I missed the BBQ to catch up with everyone and trade war stories.
Day II and we get the complete opposite conditions - it was still, sunny and light. We were worried there wouldn't be enough wind to propel the boats!
We spent the day out at a sand bar on the harbour and learning skills without the panic and threat of crashing and tipping up - except for the deliberate capsize to get training in how to get the boat back upright - as if I needed that after Day I!
It was really relaxing and I learnt so much about how to sense the wind and how to steer into and out of the wind. I had this breakthrough moment late in the day when I started to get the hang of it all. Just in time for us to come back on land!
Will most definately be going back for more, but plan to let my bruises heal a little bit first!
Friday, 7 September 2012
Hobie Cat Sailing at Suva Point
Woah!
Just had a mad day out on the water at the national sailing centre learning how to sail a Hobie Cat!
Epic!
we capsized...
we sank....
we got rescued...
we visited a sandbar...
we crashed into another boat...
we capsized again...
we turned the boat over twice trying ot get it up right again...
and then we came home!!!
The water was warm, but it was quite windy and we got a spray of salt water every few seconds. Our skipper was this kid Syril - he must have been about 16, but he had 5 years of sailing under his belt and he got the job done!
I am home battered and bruised, but ready for another day tomorrow!
Wednesday, 29 August 2012
Stepping Stones Training
Fiji Camp
Just spent four days learning community engagement methods (Stepping Stones) and getting steeped in Fiji culture!
Heaps to think about and process - got kava-ised, did lots of crazy fun activties and learnt some fun and colourful Fijian words!
So, the next step - learn lots more Fijian! Learn lots of songs to share. And implement Stepping Stones in the community with my colleague Kira!
Saturday, 25 August 2012
Bula - this is Fiji!
THE FIJI LIFE...
So much for Fiji time - since arriving three weeks ago I haven't had time to stop! So here is the abridged version of the Fiji life so far.
We started with the Amazing Race - Suva...lesson number one - Fiji buses are airy and musical. Many random bus rides around Suva will be on the agenda! Actually most of them so far have been unintentional - I keep catching the wrong bus!
Continued with a whirlwind tour of Vuci Village...where it was all dalo, dancing, breadfruit, dancing, lovo and more dancing. The best version of the macarena ever delivered in acapella!
Then there was Tadra Kahani, where I experienced the local version of Bieber fever...this is like Rock Eisteddfod and was quite amazing.
And to finish, Adi Senikau - the celebration of 'throwing yourself, as yourself onto the Catwalk!' The highlight of the Hibiscus Festival...well that and the Ferris Wheel of death!
Oh yes, and I started work.
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