New Adventures...

After being in new zealand for almost a week and traveling around my fair share of cities i just possibly went on the most beautiful hike of my life. Juliana, my friend in NZ went off to Uni and Jenna and Steve went on a glow worm cave tour. I decided to tag along with them for the car ride and see what I could get up to in the quiet town of Waitomo while they did their thing. I wasn't expecting that much and thought that I'd most likely spend most of my town at cafes drinking cappuccinos but I decided to hit up a hike along the way and see how it went. I'm so happy I did! I was the only one on the hole from start until finish and it was so peaceful and beautiful I almost did the whole thing again! The hole started out with typical west coast style terrain, ferns and greens and trees. Then I came around the corner to a giant cave with a river running through it and hike able entrances! I got so excited I had already scampered up half the embankment when I remembered I wasn't such a good climber and there was no one around to help me if I needed it. I slowed, but continued on my way, and got a peek into the cave. It was gorgeous. The rest of the hour long hike was similar... Looping around to various caves, waterfalls, and gorges and the fact that I was on my own, could take my time, and do what I wanted to do was absolutely glorious. After living somewhere where you're consistently surrounded by at least 30 people I forgot how nice it was to take some alone time! What a good way to remember and see some unbelievable sights along the way !

I left Fiji 4 days ago.. And although I have many stories to tell, most of them can be saved for when we're in person. My lat night on base, however, is one I would like to write about, because if I talk about it too much I will definitely cry - again.

My last day on base was amazing. I went to work with the construction team in the morning expanding gardens and rain water catchment systems at Ratu Meli school. Everyone was energetic and ready to work which made the day much easier. After lunch we went back to base so that I could partake in an incredibly special event - a scuba dive! I had never dove before but had wanted to since I was 10 years old living in Cayman... So this was a dream come true. I completed all my Open Water theory but unfortunately because of timing I wasn't able to get my full certification - the silver lining to that was this dive. We went underwater and practiced certain skills such as spitting your regulator out and practicing buoyancy. Then we went for a swim. It was amazing to see the reefs from a fish eye perspective and it really did meet all my expectations and more. We met up with other divers from base and they showed us an Ornate Ghost Pipefish (look it up it's pretty cool an REALLY rare in Fiji)! That was so exciting because for all the people I was with who ha been divin their whole lives this was the first they saw, and for me, on my first dive, I got to see the same thing.

When we came out of the water and went back to base I discovered that the families we lie with we're all making a traditional lovo (underground oven) dinner! I was so happy to be eating with everyone and having a true family night! When it came to eat the families got up in front of everyone and began to sing their traditional goodbye song. They made a speech about our relationship an I cried my eyes out. They made me a came and also a beautiful garland of palm and flowers (which so far I have smuggled into one country!) it was absolutely amazing and so heartfelt and was truly one of the best nights of my life. After dinner, Owen, my somewhat boss and mentor on base stood up and gave a speech about how I had impacted everyone while being there andade way for me to make my Rosea and Thorns speech (pros and cons about your time on base which I will post at a later date). After everyone was stuffed full of fresh meat and vegetables Tai, one of the staff, began a kava circle for me. We sat up drinking kava until there was no more and it was a perfect way to end my last night. It as one I will neer forget !

This post is going to be a bit more personal than the one’s before… that’s because I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately and have had to make some pretty big decisions about my life. As some of you probably know I was offered a year long contract with GVI to work the job I’ve been doing on Tovuto Base and becoming the regular staff member to do the dolphin project in Moon Reef. This was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make and it took me a long time to figure out what I wanted and what was best for me. I have loved every single experience I’ve had while here in Fiji and have been extremely lucky and blessed to have had the opportunity to do half the things I’ve had the pleasure in taking part in. From the very first day I stepped off the boat and into base I’ve felt welcome and at home and I’ve had the opportunities to do so much more as an intern than I had ever thought possible. As much as I’ve put into this project however, it has given me much more and part of that is learning to understand myself. For now, I know I need to take some time to myself to decide what I want to do career-wise. So that’s what I’m going to do – I’m coming home. I’ve been notified that if this thinking brings me to the conclusion that I want to be back in Fiji I will be welcome and that gives me a certain level of comfort with going, once again, into the unknown. I feel as through I truly have put my all into this placement and feel confident with the many things I have accomplished since being here. If I’m being completely honest I guess I still don’t know if I’ve made the “right” decision but in a sense you never will, and only time will tell.

                Cheers, H

Check out my latest GVI blog posts on http://gvifiji.blogspot.com/ :)

xx H

I think I may be getting the hang of this

Well that’s it. I’m officially 2 months into my three month placement. That’s right.. 2/3 of the way through. Incredible. As the days tick by I think they go by as they should but now looking back and realizing that as of Thursday (the 1^st of August) I only have one month left. I feel like I’ve done so much while being here but I also keep thinking of things I still need to get done. I am back into the swing of things at Tovuto Base and am pretty comfortable with my daily responsibilities. My new project is organic gardening! There is a small orange beetle with a big bum that keeps eating the vegetables we are planting at school (mostly the long beans). I am going to try planting sunflowers and certain herbs, because they are good, but also because they are supposed to attract parasitic wasps which take care of pests pretty well. The only problem is that I don’t know whether there are parasitic wasps in this region of Fiji… any other suggestions?

Today on construction was pretty successful. This morning we picked the first vegetables that were fully grown in the garden at school. These cabbages were planted about a month ago so have a pretty good growth rate here. It was exciting for me to see one of my projects from start to finish and great to see the kids at school having some fresh veg in their lunch. Afterwards we detached and cleaned a whole water tank from the inside out as a rat had gotten in. Seeing how the water tanks work and knowing how each and every part of one fits together is something that I feel will be very useful in this coming month because we plan on installing many water tanks at many different villages surrounding us in the Yasawas. When we were done cleaning and setting the water tank back up where it was supposed to be we cleaned the filter and made sure everything was working properly. After lunch Mr. Kant, the class 6 teacher, came to me and explained that the guttering on his water tank was constantly breaking. By taking a quick look we managed to fix the breaks with glue and supporting beams to ensure it wouldn’t happen again. Our last task of the day was watering the entire garden, which is quite a task now as it has grown quite a bit since I first got here. Overall it was a successful day which I thought went through without a hitch, which is a pretty big deal with Fiji Time.

I think I will begin my diver training this week as I will have to fill out tests, practice, and complete my Open Water all on the weekends.. and there really aren’t many of those left. This weekend the plan is to have a girls staff day at Blue Lagoon Resort where we can escape from Base for a day and have some casual drinks, good food and a sit by the pool. Fingers crossed it will work out! I hope everyone at home is doing well. Please continue to comment and email, I love hearing from you!

Xo H

What a week!

Hello all! Well I have probably had one of the best weeks of my life here in Fiji! The dolphins at moon reef are absolutely amazing! We're doing such cool research with acoustics, photo ID, and behaviour. We split up half and half each day to go out off the boat which is seriously like white water rafting because you get so wet. Once you get out to the reef though it calms down and it's completely worth it. The animals are so serene and peaceful and it's an incredible experience to get to study them so closely.

We have also been doing a lot in the communities surrounding the Eco lodge every night. On Wednesday we were invited to Nataleira for a traditional sevu sevu (welcoming ceremony). We walked over the black sand beaches (the only ones in Fiji) to a palm frawn hut at the outer edge of the village. There we were greete by the village elders and other important members. We presented our offering of kava and were each given the first taste while accepting the sevu sevu for our respective countries -> I got the first bowl for Canada :) after the ceremony was over and we were accepted into the village we continued in the kava circle with periodic dance parties on the beach. At one pour my dance partner looked over at me unexpectedly and said "Canadians can dance!" it seems as though he wasn't the only one that thought so a the night culminated in a dance off between me and their best. It wa a lot of fun an generated a lot of laughs. We left being told that we were welcome back to the 'Black Sand Bar' anytime.

The next night we were invited to another sevu sevu in the neighboring village of Silana. There the ceremony was held in a big welcome hall and was much more traditional than the night before. We had our kava and then got to witness a traditional story telling dance -> the Meke. It is a warrior dance learned by all male members of the village growing up an performed traditionally before battle. It was phenomenal and so great to be a part of. Fijians are natural musicians and have a very special rhythm that it is an honor to watch these dances. We also danced with the villagers in traditional two by two format. You petty much walk up and down a certain space for the length of the song.

The next day was the Moon Reef Festival. It was put on by the Sunshine Coat university visiting. It was a big sporting event put on to conserve te reef and educate about it. All the children from the high school came out to perform in the events. These were things like an ocean race, Bili Bili races, coconut tree climbing competition, and much more. It was a lot f fun to compete next to the communities and all have fun learning about the reef 7.3 out. after the festival finished lots of the volunteers went to Suva but the ones that were left and I ahead a great time. First of all a giant tall ship moored in te bay and when it's inhabitants came ashore I recognized 2 of them! Carole and Norman (volunteers from the Yasawas) were on the tall ship! It was so good to catch up with them and learn what they had been doing! We all won't out o the tall ship with them, explored, and spent a long time climbing shrouds and jumping into the water while enjoying a brilliant sunset over the hills. Coming back to shore we joined yet another kava circle and had a bonfire on the beach.

I truly truly LOVE Fiji. I hope everyone gets to come to these beautiful islands and witness the beauty and hospitality that I have. It's truly incredible. 

Even though I'm having such a great time I miss everyone at home and love hearing your updates. I hope all is going well!

Now I'm enjoying my weekend off with 3 of the volunteers on a tiny island resort called Leleuvia. It's where my profile picture was taken and if someone could possibly show that to my mom that would be much appreciated as I can't on here :(

BULA! (from Suva)

I'm currently in Suva at a beautiful hostel called the raintree lodge.. most definitely recommend it for anyone who will travel Fiji in the future... they have working showers AND flushing toilets! Yes!

My 5 hour trip from the Yasawas back to the mainland yesterday went really well! We took the new volis out for dinner last night to the favourite joint in town... Tu's Place and had a good time getting to know everyone. Afterwards the staff went out to the bar to watch the Lions v. Australia rugby 15s match... it was great. so many brits screaming and yelling about and we won which made it even better! I think I may start liking rugby now ;)

This morning another staff member and I took the new volis up to Suva.. it's crazy.. I've only been away from cities for a month and already the capital seems crazy. We went to a mall today... it had air conditioning! Crazy.

After having a quick lunch and dropping our bags off we went down to the University of the South Pacific to learn about the dolphin research we'll be doing. Mostly behavioural research by using photo and acoustic methodologies. Pretty excited.. not gonna lie. Tomorrow we head up to Dawasamu where we'll get straight out on the boat and go see some dolphins! :D

Miss you all... love you!!!

xo H

Also a Psy remix just came on in the café where I am... "Opum Fiji Style.. Heyyyyyy Viti Levu"

Love Fijian remixes... :P

New Beginnings

Bula friends,

Well I have almost been in Fiji for a month and am definitely becoming more and more comfortable with my surroundings. In saying that, this week was also a time for change...

First, the group that I got here after left which meant that there were only 14 of us left on base on friday instead of the usual 31. We had a great relaxing night and as usual I fell asleep watching a movie and eating popcorn. Despite the fact that many new friends had left the ones that were left here seemed to bond even more just through that one night.

Second, we got a whole new group of volis to replace the ones that are left. This means making new friends, giving lots of explanations, and overall just waiting for everyone to settle in and become comfortable again.

Third, I found out some exciting news. On Friday (my birthday) I am going back to the mainland to be transferred to the Dolphin Project in the Dawasamu district for 2 weeks. There I will be given much more responsibility as a Volunteer Coordinator and will be given dolphin conservation training as well. It seems like a pretty cool experience and I'm excited to get the opportunity to travel around Fiji more and also to see another prject that GVI is working on. It only happens four times every year so I feel honoured to be the one chosen to take part this round.

Other than those three points there is not much to report. People have asked me for pictures but unfortunately the laptop I have been using is smashed and the one I'm on now has a virus so I cannot post any until I replace the other laptop. But when I can, I promise I will :) For all those of you who have been emailing/messaging me I really appreciate it. It's so nice to hear about what's going on at home and know that I still have some contact with all you lovely people. I'm sorry if I don't reply that often but please just know I love and miss you all!! xoxo H

Ok so this is something I wrote after helping install a water tank for Grandma on top of the hill by our base. It was an unbelievable experience filled with great food, good company, and complete happiness...

After completing the water tank up at Grandma’s house the construction crew was treated to a great surprise; we were invited back for a thank you feast! On Monday evening 6 lucky construction members trekked up the beach, and the hill, up to Grandma’s house. When we entered the house it was clear that a lot of effort had been made in order to welcome us. Weaved palm frawn mats lined the ground and plates were already set out, served with all the starch-laiden vegetables so popular in the islands. Kasava, sweet potatoes, and yams lined our plates and an extra plate was even laid out to put our excess vegetables on. After Tai, another staff member, accepted our dinner in a Fijian tradition Grandma said grace and the meat bowls were uncovered. They held mangrove land crab curried in coconut milk, smoked tuna mackerel, and boiled barracuda; a true seafood feast. As the guests sat down to gorge, our hosts sat back and allowed us the first choice of the meat. Lively conversation continued and many laughs were heard throughout the night. When we had our fill it was our turn to move back from the mat and let our hosts have theirs. The feast continued long into the night and I felt honoured to be a part of such a special event. In traditional Fijian fashion our feast ended with a joyful and relaxing kava circle with the whole community on the hill, even Grandma took part! All of these festivities were brought about by the fact that we gave this woman a water tank to collect filtered rain water. For something that is so easily accessible at home it was so special to see how happy we made someone who had never had clean drinking water from the comfort of her home before. Thanks to the community and hard work put in by everyone, I will never forget Grandma’s house.

One Week Down

Bula Bula Bula!

After more than a week in Fiji I am officially LOVING it. There is so much to see and do and even if things are not going according to plan all I have to do is look around, remember the beautiful place that I'm in, and realize how lucky I am to be here. The five hour boat ride up to the Yasawas was absolutely gorgeous. All the islands look like paradise and the sand is as white as can be with turquoise water washing it's shore. I spent my first week on the project getting used to the parts of Education and Construction that I will become a part of. Everything seems organized but laid back and I'm starting to take on more responsibilities, which is good. I have a room to myself and fall asleep quickly every night listening to the waves wash up on shore. School is so much fun and all the kids are so enthusiastic about learning. We have set up multiple vegetable patches which will serve for education, nutrition, and economic purposes. Everyone is very excited about the newly constructed composting toilets at school as well which will serve many environmental purposes. Day's of the week are busy and full of excitement and to be honest I'm excited for Monday tomorrow. The weekend's are incredibly relaxing as everyone is able to let loose, lay on the beach, and visit the resorts. I'm pretty much in paradise. Last night some of us went across island to take part in a traditional lovo (underground oven). The locals dig a hole in the ground and place warm rocks inside, meat and vegetables are then placed on top covered with palm leaves and sand. The food is then steamed from the heat and an incredible feast of smoked foods ensues. It was absolutely delicious and the festivities continued late into the night.

Just in terms of a general update I'm doing really well and love the people I'm with. The only annoying thing is the mosquitoes but I'm even getting used to those now. I really am loving this incredible experience. For those trying to send me facebook messages I really appreciate it but the internet I get here is not quite good enough to read them. Please instead email me at hmarshall08@hotmail.com ... and Jenna, Steph and Pat.. if you could re-message me on there I would REALLY appreciate it. Love you all!

xo H

Ok, I can't believe I am able to updat this often but there you go! I guess I should take advantage while I can! I am officially in Fiji! I got on my flight and everything worked out just perfectly! Though I have much to say already I want to keep this story relatively short. Before I left for Fiji I asked a Fijian friend of mine (Shane) whether he had any tips for me when I got there... He said 1) Bring bug spray 2) Shop locally 3) Eat a blitz ice cream bar. I saw the first tow which I thought were pretty valid and then got to the third one and laughed. After now having tried my very own blitz ice cream bar I don't know what I was thinking. You can simply not describe them. They are a delicious Carmel, cookie crumble combination and put on an ice cream Popsicle inside which somehow manages to come out perfectly scrumptious. And the best thing? They are served directly on flight! Seriously look it up. I know you won't be disappointed!

Xoxo H

Hello All!

Currently waiting in the Sydney Airport for the next leg of my trip to Nadi Town, Fiji. I'm incredibly nervous and excited which was brought on by finally being alone and with my thoughts. Unfortunately my trusty old iPod is refusing to connect to the internet and there is some question as to whether or not I will get on my flight. Those two pieces of information shook me for a little bit but after wandering around for 2 hours aimlessly I finally found a free internet kiosk which has made me feel much better. Ohh the comforts of home. I hope everyone is doing well and I miss you all a lot. Hopefully the next time I update I will be enjoying a white sand beach on a tropical island paradise.

Until then! Much love! H

Bula Friends,

One week ago I was offered an internship across the world in Fiji with an organization involved in international development. I am leaving home and flying to Nadi, Fiji at the end of this week. From there I will receive training for construction and education on a remote island in the Yasawa region of the country. Although I am extremely nervous to embark on my journey I am also extremely excited to see a completely different and beautiful country. 

This blog will update anyone who cares about who I meet, what I do, and where I am. 

Much Love,

H