Heading home

We are getting ready to board our flight home. We will send an email when we arrive to LAX and email updates for ETA to Parker.


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Francis Parker School | San Diego, CA
www.francisparker.org | @francisparkersc | facebook.com/francisparkerschool

*As Far As The Mind Can See*

Batilamu Summit

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Francis Parker School | San Diego, CA
www.francisparker.org | @francisparkersc | facebook.com/francisparkerschool

*As Far As The Mind Can See*

Awesome grill. Awesome trip

Bula,

We had a very nice culminating meal at Awesome grill near our hostel in Nadi. We were able to reflect on our time together and also celebrate our incredible in country guide, Henry. Henry has shepherded us throughout our time on the island and he embodies the qualities of the Fijian people we have seen over these two weeks. He is joyful, kind, patient, and humble. We are thankful for Henry and the rest of our hosts for making this trip so special.


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Francis Parker School | San Diego, CA
www.francisparker.org | @francisparkersc | facebook.com/francisparkerschool

*As Far As The Mind Can See*

at Nase Lodge

The night was an interesting one to say the least. Henry Diamond-Pott '18 sleep walked three different times. He walked outside each time, yelled "Who's there!" at anyone that moved, and doesn't remember a thing. Laurent Cotter '19 got up and yelled "Juakeen!" during the night as well. Most of us slept in to about 9am and then ate oatmeal, banana bread and fresh pineapple for breakfast. The group decided to do a 2.5 hour waterfall hike after breakfast. On our way to the waterfall, we saw a wild white horse, spiders the size of our hands, and large banyon trees. After sweating profusely in the humid jungle, we finally reached the 200 foot waterfall. We immediately swam in the small pool at the base of the waterfall and ate snacks to rejuvinate. We took many photos with the few digital cameras that we had on the large boulders along the stream. While continuing on the hike, we came across a beautiful view of the ocean in the distance, the city of Lautoka, and the giant cliffs that surrounded us. After reaching the lodge, we ate some gormet PB&J sandwitches with multiple peanut butter and jelly options. In the afternoon, we napped and played numerous card games of hearts, speed and Uno. We also played about five games of catch phrase and took turns taking freezing showers using just a bucket. Jula Harrington '18, JT Melbourn '18, Sofia Carillo '18 and our chaperone Mr. Spearn were our fantastic cooks for the day. For dinner, they made delicious burritos wth rice, beans, peppers, onions, tomatoes and cilantro. We finished up the night with a group meeting led by today's leader, Lia Redfern '18. We pulled each other's names out of a hat and shared a spirit animal that we each thought embodied the name. Before bed, we played more card games and prepared our bags for our main 4-5 hour trek tomorrow. Also, I'd like to give a shoutout to my parents because today is their 25th wedding anniversary and I wish them the best!

Off to Abatha

Oh how the mighty fall. Today the group woke up not feeling so well on both ends of the poop scale. A chill morning in, a collective group nap, and a heartfelt goodbye to the school helped some of the team recover in time for our 2 hour afternoon bus ride to Lautoka. While there, the group separated into teams to exchange money, buy dinner, and buy food for the next few days on the trek. From Lautoka, the group rode in the back of some trucks to Abatha, a small town 1500 feet above sea level. The truck ride was on a very isolated and hectic dirt path. Sarina Jassy '18 noted some similarities to the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland. Jula Harrington '18 reported sights of multiple horses chasing after her group's truck but JT Melbourn '18 claims he saw them first. The cabin we are staying in now is called Nase Lodge. Tomorrow the group looks forward to sleeping in, improved health, and some light treking. The group also wants to wish their dads a Happy Father's Day!

A day at Nakavadra school

We began our day by waking up in our village hostile around 7:30. Led by Lia Redfern, we walked to the high school to eat breakfast and get ready for the rest of the busy day. Energized by the delicious meal of watermelon, kula kula, naan bread, and bread with butter, we gathered in separate groups to visit different classrooms. I visited a 12th grade geography classroom, in which the students studied agriculture and the impact of sugar. One of the students shared her math notes and tests with me, and I was surprised to see the similarities amongst our studies. Just like us, the Fijian students are studying pre-calculus, and memorizing formulas for slope, functions, and logs. I really appreciated the students excitement to openly share their work and aspects of their culture. Each students welcomed us with open arms and seemed beyond thrilled to get to know us and our individual backgrounds/ lifestyles. We spoke with the students and shared and compared our sports, extracurricular activities, classes, and workloads. While describing the scenery of a city, the Fijian students were intrigued by the differences in landscape and astounded as we described skyscrapers and skylines.

After communicating with the students, we went to lunch to eat chicken, bean, or egg sandwiches. Then, it was our turn to contribute to their community after they had welcomed us. We all worked together in painting chairs, and digging holes to build brand new benches for the students to relax during freetime. During this time we were able to interact with the Fijians as they prepared the cement for the benches. I was surprised to see the students so willing to help in manual labor during their school day. After the day of working, we finished the day by playing a variety of sports (net ball, soccer, spike ball) with the local villagers. For me, the biggest culture shock was walking into the school classrooms. They were obviously very different from ours at Parker, in that the wooden desks were stuffed with papers and there were no computers in sight. Today was a great introduction into the life of a Fijian student, and life in the Raki Raki village.

Suva

Whattup parents from Suva, my favorite city in Fiji!

I have been looking forward to today since the beginning of the trip because we got to see an international rugby match. It was super exciting to watch the Fijian national team play against Scotland. It was very similar to being at an American sporting event; every time the Fijians scored the crowd cheered and screamed. The public buses leaving the game were basically party buses, filled with excited fans dancing to the music from the radio. After the game we went to the mall where we found food and explored the nearby port with massive fish heads for sale.

I thoroughly enjoyed today because we got to see life in the biggest city in Fiji. The rugby game was thrilling and made me wonder why it isn't more popular in the US.

We only have 3 more days left in Fiji, and as much as I can't wait to return home, I will definitely miss the island of Viti Levu and the amazing people we have met while here.

Looking forward to our last few days of rest and relaxation!

-JT