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)
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