Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
So! Finally back in communication!
Now Im obviously not writing this from our island but I wanted to write about my AMAZING 10 weeks there and show you where it was on the map (who knew we were even on the map?!).
I don't know where to begin and I better not write in too much detail as I might just bore you with all the sorts of 'you had to be there' jokes! lol Island Fever and all that-it lead you to some crazy times...
But anyway, basically the first two weeks were dedicated to dive trainging-getting everyone up to at least Advanced Open Water; EFR and Rescue Diver came later. After that we did some fun diving before starting our science training.
This took the next few weeks-learning how to identify the different families and species of fish as well invertebraetes and coral. More interesting than you would think! Just cool to be diving and know what you're looking at!
After we'd all passed our science tests and our size estimation tests too we were ready to survey! Now this took up to about week 6/7 before we actually did about 2/3 weeks of surveying! But there was a lot of breaking of compressors, boats and all sorts in between andthen the fixing of them. It was an island after all-FIJI TIME! :D
Speaking of Fiji Time, we would all go to the local village on a Sunday and stay with our 'adopted families'-have amazing food, go to church and sleep! Oh and drink the dreaded kava! :o My mom and dad spoke pretty good english and I had a cute little sister as well as two brothers (and another two studying in Suva!). My family were lovely. In fact the whole village of Navatu were incredible with their generousity, humility and welcoming us into their homes, offering us from what little they had. My time in the village was so eye opening and awe inspiring and of course fattening as all the ladies just constantly feed you and tell you to 'eat more'!! :)
So anyway, when it was survey timeit was survey time-sending out at least 4 boats a day to get all 21 survwy sites done so the information could be sent to the two respective conservation companies. And hopefully the data we collected will actually be of use to them! Well they've been doi ng it for 5 yeara so I'm sure it will be! :)
Our final week or so was down to fun diving and the Rescue course for those of us who opted to do it. I am now officailly a rescue diver! If you ever go scuba diving with me-never fear, I will be able to identify the fish for you AND save you! :P Fun times! We also did our final few fun dives which included a two tank dive to Namena... A-MAZE-ING! Namena is a protected area about 45mins away from our island by boat but it is so worth the trip-the diving is just incredible with 30m + visibility and such a large abundance of BIG fish, little fish, sharks and more! Simply breath-takingly beautiful diving.
Last but certainly not least there are the people of the island. Aside from Navatu village, me and my fellow volunteers were the only inhabitants on the island! And what a bunch they were! :P No seriously-what an amazing group of people. I really hope I stay in touch with every single one of them! And I got so ridiculously close to quite a number of you volunteers if any are reading so you won't be hearing the last of me that's for sure! I miss my lovely bure girlies already and so many more people both staff and vols alike... <3
Even though it was hard at times and just such a different way of life (for example we ran out of shower water and used the sea water to bath/shave/wash hair and clothes!) but I loved it. Just loved it and want to be back there!! NOW!
Seriouisly an amazing, incredible experience with some incredible people and an incredible, beautiful island that I hope to return to soon.
- comments
craig which volunteer company did u use? get a mobile reception over there?