Before landing in Australia, I chose to take an additional Pacific studies course at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji. While there, I stayed with a homestay family with three other AIFS students. We really lucked out and had such a kind and welcoming family. Our “dad” took us to his home… Continue reading Oz Through Sara’s Eyes: Fiji
Tag: Fiji
Fiji: A Reflection
One week in Fiji is done and gone, and I am now on the plane for something I hope is fun. Australia: here I come! As I reflect back on what I just experienced—a week of traveling, classes and living with people I have known as long as I have been in Fiji—I think about… Continue reading Fiji: A Reflection
Fiji: Vacation Time
Now this is the Fiji everyone thinks of! For our last day in Fiji, the group boated to Mana Island, one of many small isles off of the mainland. We stopped at a series of islands along the way, some with small resorts that are more for couples and one that was the tiniest island… Continue reading Fiji: Vacation Time
Fiji: Leaving our Homestay
I cannot believe we had to say goodbye to Walter and Terri today. They have been such a generous homestay for us and I genuinely believe I am so lucky to have met them. Between cooking us breakfast and dinner, letting us set up their Wi-Fi box, doing our laundry and driving us virtually anywhere… Continue reading Fiji: Leaving our Homestay
Fiji: Market and Gifts
After two days and five lectures, Saturday came and it was time to take our exam. About an hour of writing and a hand ache later, we were done. The rest of the afternoon was spent in the city, which is the main part of town with shops and eateries right around the corner from… Continue reading Fiji: Market and Gifts
Fiji: Daku Village
What a culturally infused day! After two lectures about climate change in the South Pacific and Fijian art, we had a free afternoon. The rest of the group swam at the Holiday Inn hotel, but my house was super lucky. We were fortunate enough to visit Walter’s village of Daku. Daku is located about 40… Continue reading Fiji: Daku Village
Fiji: Museum of Fiji
Thankfully, we had something small planned after our first day of classes: The Museum of Fiji. This is apparently the only museum in Fiji, and although it is bigger than I expected, it is quite small with only a couple of rooms. The museum holds examples of Fijian boat work as well as old artifacts… Continue reading Fiji: Museum of Fiji
Fiji: First Day at University of the South Pacific
It’s the first day of lectures at USP! We arrived on the beautiful campus at 9 am, unsure about what to expect. All I knew was that I was super excited to be taking classes on such a green campus filled with palm trees and sunshine. I thought we would be integrated with other students;… Continue reading Fiji: First Day at University of the South Pacific
Fiji: 50 Shades Darker
Prior to dinner, our family suggested that we watch a movie, and Jordan took a liking to the idea. Long story short, Jordan and I decided that we would see Fifty Shades Darker, which was premiering in Fiji (and ahead of the U.S.). It turns out this premiere party was a huge celebration: there was… Continue reading Fiji: 50 Shades Darker
Fiji: Tavuni Hill Fort
I thought we were all just stopping for lunch at a small café, but off the highway and up a dirt hill lay a historical site: Tavuni Hill Fort. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a smiling Fijian woman. She let us know that she would be taking us to the fort to explain to… Continue reading Fiji: Tavuni Hill Fort
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