BULA!!

So, it's been a while since I have posted last but I have been going nonstop since the minute we arrived in the Southern Hemisphere! I'll give you guys a little overview of what my trip to Naviti Island, Botaira Resort was like and of my first couple of days in Auckland, New Zealand.

Besides the whole "SURPRISE, you have to pay more money for another bag"deal at the LAX airport, the beginning of my trip went pretty smooth. We arrived in Nadi, Fiji on February 5th at 5:30 in the morning, and had to pack a backpack of clothes to use on Island we were going to. After dropping off our bags at a hotel, we headed down to the wharf to catch our three hour long ferry boat ride to our island. Of course, everyone in our group wanted a great view, so stupidly we took the top deck of the ferry...don't get me wrong, the views were incredible, and it was so nice to be in the warm weather. However, I, along with most of our group, only put on a little sunscreen, so we all got fried!!! I know I'm speaking for everyone when I say that first night in the bunks was rough. Other than the sunburn, Fiji was the most amazing place. They have no sense of time so you knew when to eat when your heard the drum! Very peaceful, relaxed and chill place, which helped a lot with the jet leg.

Everyday I got up, ate breakfast, sat in the hammocks, went for a swim and just enjoyed the scenery. Although, everyday was not all chilling out on the beach, playing volleyball and snorkeling, we also made a hike to the village where the staff members are from. Ok, so it said on the black board that it was a walk to the village of Sosa, haha i beg to differ. This was an intense, hike and climb you ass up the mountain and hope that you don't fall because it's a long way down kind of journey. It was the single most difficult thing I have ever done in my life up to this point. I'm so proud that I did it, and it was sooo well worth the hike because the views were incredible and the people were very gracious. Never have I ever met so friendly and giving people. I honesty admire them, and wish I could view the world the way they do. Not needing anything but a roof over my head and food for myself and family. A very humbling experience if I say so myself.

Every night, we would have dinner and then some sort of entertainment afterward. One night, the choir from the village came over and sang for us. Another night, some staff and other village members did a dance number for us, which included them grabbing us from our seats and letting us join in on the fun. Later we sat around in a circle and did a Kava ceremony. Alright, before I talk about anything else, you should know what Kava really is...

What Kava is: Literally, "bitter". An intoxicating drink brewed from the root or leaves of a plant of the pepper family.

They told us that if you consume too much Kave you could hallucinate, so that was little nerve racking when accepting each bowl they gave to you. It really wasn't the best tasting thing in the world, kind of like soap, but I tried it!! So, overall, the Fiji trip was a great success and I will never forget it. I am, however, glad to have a shower and air conditioning again haha

I am currently in Auckland, New Zealand doing my orientation to the TEAN program. I will be leaving in a few days for Wellington, which is where I will be living for the next 4 months!!! Ill update again about my orientation soon!!

Till next time! Cheers!