After huge amounts of debate and discussion during our downtime the Think Pacific menu has been finalised. If friends and parents would like to prepare a couple of the dishes below ready for our arrival it’d be greatly appreciated.

To Start
Chicken liver Paté served with toast and ‘a nice chutney’ – as chosen by Jenny
Duck paté and melba toast – selected by Emilie
Melon Balls and Parma Ham – chosen by A.J.
Bacon Sandwiches, unlimited – for Tom C

Main
Beef Lasagne with proper chips, salad and two kinds of bread (garlic and French, if you’re asking) – as chosen by Jack
Tuna pasta bake, with extra cheese and crispied up in the oven – as chosen by Anna
Steak, Chips and Green Beans. Medium Rare. – picked by Harriet
Pork belly, with sautéed potatoes – chosen by Nick
Haggis, Neeps and Tatties – picked on behalf of Emma, by Jenny
Chinese spare ribs, from the Wild Swan, Swansea – by Tomos

For Dessert
Strawberry Cheesecake – for Andy
Chocolate Torte – for Tomasi
Sticky Toffee Pudding, piping hot with ice cream – picked by Gill
Huge chocolate fudge-cake, cooked in the microwave with vanilla ice cream – as chosen by Laura
Hobbiss Birthday Cake, with all 4 layers, home-made gooseberry jam and food colouring – Jenny (again)

Also we were delighted to have added a 16th volunteer to Think Pacific team 8. His name is Boris the blister and he lives on Anna’s right foot. He’s a huge character.

Peace x

Tomo

Welcome to Paradise

Bula! It is hard to summarise in a few paragraphs exactly what my Fiji experience so far has entailed. There’ve been huge highs as well as some difficult moments. The constant reapplication of sun cream is a bit of a chore but a dip in the balmy Pacific waters can wash away all but the most insistent of worries. Similarly, Hop-hop can be an exhausting activity but the raucous laughter that comes when you execute a particularly audacious dance move is reward in itself. Missing everyone at home is a big factor and sometimes it’s hard to stay positive but the new friendships that we’re forging in the tropical heat help to take the edge off.

Bucket showers (exactly what it sounds like) are something of a revelation within the team, Tom Claydon has even suggested he may stick with this type of bathing when he returns to the UK. Beaver Lumber baseball caps have made their way quickly into the hearts of everyone working on build thanks to a generous donation from Alyse. Card games are also very big on project with Mafia, Cheat and Trumps being big favourites with Fijians and volunteers alike. It just goes to show that you don’t really need an xbox. Or hot, running water. Or a flushing toilet.

Of course in this type of situation where a group of young people are brought together in such an idyllic setting there are bound to be some team members who grow closer together than others. Think Pacific Expedition 8 is no exception; there is one relationship that it has been wonderful for us all to watch bloom. That’s right, the bond between Angharad and Jenny that has grown in these last few days is something that cannot be put in to words. Whether it’s their pet names for one another or their affectionate little tiffs, these two are definitely the hot couple in Fiji right now.

I’d like to finish with the words of Fijian fly-half Nicky Little who, when asked about his sides chances of beating Wales at the world cup, replied “Well, it all depends if the boys are rowing the boat or asleep under the coconut tree”. So far we’re all rowing the boat, but it’s always nice to have a real coconut tree to fall back on when you feel like a break.

Vinaka Vakalevu, Tom

(And by the way, Fiji won)