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FIJI - FIELD UPDATES - WEEKS 7&8
By Richard
Two more great weeks have passed already...
We now have eight volunteers remaining; those that will, all being well, complete the full ten weeks….seven females and myself as the token male. By now, we have had ample time to get to know each other, and it is evident there are strong friendships developing. Everyone helps out, and there is a real team spirit.
The surveying of the corals and marine species is now complete, and perhaps one could say life on camp is at a more relaxed pace. Time is still well filled, but there isn’t the pressure involved with ensuring sufficient dives and surveys are fulfilled during the day. On Saturday, we went to Manta Ray Lagoon, evidently in search of Manta Rays. We found them there, and everyone had the chance to snorkel with them. Another amazing site; in addition to the dolphins, humpback whales, false killer whales, sharks, turtles and many others that we have been treated to in the beautiful surrounding seas over the course of the phase.
We are still frequenting the local village, Navatu, where Sundays are spent with our respective families. We have all appreciated the unique opportunity of getting to know a native Fijian family. Last Friday, we went there for a fundraiser, raising money for the new church that is currently being constructed. We sat in the community hall, sharing a meal, drinking kava, talking and laughing, and all enjoying the experience. I still find it difficult to believe the humility and generosity the natives show to us; nothing is too much for them.
Seemingly, we are moving away from the Fijian winter, and into slightly better weather. Over the past few weeks, we have been celebrating the sporadic appearance of shadows, punctuating the long periods of rain and wind. Today has been a glorious day, and after a snorkel in the morning, we set off for a sandbar exposed at low tide. White sand, blue skies, clear waters and a luxurious white yacht in the background; photos that would make perfect postcards…
We have had so many experiences on this phase that I have felt privileged to be a part of. For example, earlier this month we went to a village called Nadivakarua, where volunteers experienced a traditional Fijian funeral, including the wonderfully soothing sound of native warriors blowing into triton shells.
Everyone has thoroughly enjoyed the time spent in Fiji, and we now look to make the most of the remaining two weeks we have on camp.
