Arrival

This is just a quick post to say I have arrived in Suva - am finally in Fiji!
The country has just beaten New Zealand in the Gold Coast Rugby 7's - mixed feelings I am happy for my hosts (who are overjoyed) and as a kiwi citzen am disappointed .. People are speculating that there will be a public holiday! Maybe our first day will be actually be a day off.

Arrival in Fiji is incredibly welcoming! Singers with guitars greeted passengers as we walked to immigration. I took a 4 hour bus from Nadi (where the international airport is) to Suva (the captial) through Viti Levu, Fiji's main island.

Students have begun to arrive and though we're not all here yet, it is starting to feel like home! We are staying at the 'Colonial Lodge' which is really close to the centre of the city. There are kids, a cat, a kitten, at least 4 dogs and a grandfather here so it really does feel like a 'home.'


(me reading at our new home taken by Nikki, our tutor)

Unfortunately, wireless internet is not working at the moment so I am using the hostel's computer. More detailed first impressions to come later :)

Leaving tomorrow!

Bula! Welcome to my first post.

So, right now, I am at home (Hong Kong), it's 11:33 pm, I am leaving for Fiji tomorrow and haven't packed a single thing! I am feeling excited and a bit apprehensive. 

For those that don't know, I am going to intern in Fiji as part of a course organised by my university, ANU. This will be where I record my thoughts and experiences during the 3 and a half weeks there- an electronic diary with academic flavour. 

I'll be working with the Fiji Arts Council in the 'Living Human Treasures' project headed by UNESCO. I don't know any more detail, but will soon find out!

Part of my motivation for applying for this course was the opportunity to get to know another nation in the Pacific. Apart from the Cook Islands (where I was born but can hardly remember), I have only ever been to Samoa to visit family. From thousands of years ago (Fijian Lapita pottery has been found all over the Pacific) to today, Fiji has played an important role in the region. And, on a more personal note, it will be great to experience the place that some of my closest university friends are from.  

I am bad with cameras and will therefore not have one in Fiji. SO, I'll do my best to recycle images of the time with permission from my fellow students ( / interns). Also, I'll use disposables and upload the results after the trip. Until then, the frangipani background will have to do :)

Well, I better get packing .... next post will be from Suva!