By Laura Gent, Assistant Manager - Fiji

Flying across to Fiji from Auckland, I saw what I had expected- crystal blue waters, beautiful blue skies and some real picture postcard islands.

One of the islands from the sky

Having just come from Ghana, where the people are unfailingly friendly, I was happy to find that the Fijians are equally as welcoming, and that they too, work according to a thing called ‘Fiji time’ meaning that the attitude is just as refreshingly laid back..

Two weeks in Fiji, and I am beginning to get to know my way around the little town of Nadi, so different from the big city of Accra. Here, there is definitely no shortage of things to do in the evenings and at weekends. The volunteers have sussed out the best night spots and at the weekends there are some excellent trips to the surrounding paradise islands where they can scuba dive, sky dive, dance with the locals or simply just soak up the rays.

Volunteers live with either Indian-Fijian families or native Fijian families who are incredibly welcoming. I was unsure of what to expect food-wise here but I have been totally spoiled with curries and plenty of fish dishes. Apparently they are fattening me up so I return home ‘like a local Fijian’… I was also intrigued to find that as well as eating with their hands Ghana style, Fijians eat a dish consisting of cassava and yams- no fufu in sight though unfortunately! As for my beloved sachets of Ghanaian pure water, I am now getting used to drinking bottles of ‘Fiji water’, fresh spring water shipped over to Hollywood and sold to actresses for about £10 a bottle……

Fiji Water

Our teaching and care placements are excellent with volunteers working in an orphanage, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools and a special needs centre. I was so impressed at the warm atmosphere in these places. The children, just like the Ghanaians are not camera shy! I am also astounded at the popularity of rugby here. They are fanatical- just like the Ghanaians are about football. Instead of football shirts dominating the markets and shops, the native Fijians are seen wandering around in rugby jerseys. I love telling them that it originated in a small town in England and I spent one evening watching Fiji play Tonga, where I saw the skills of a certain player named ‘Kinky PooPoo’. This was definitely one of the highlights along with a Fijian wedding which I went to on my first weekend via tro-tro style bus with no ‘mate’, which was disappointing as I certainly wasn’t able to shout ‘bus stop’ at the driver.

Fijian Wedding

I would strongly recommend a visit to Fiji because as it is beautiful place and a very friendly nation. Although I still miss Ghana and its endearing qualities, I am really looking forward to getting to know this little island which has a lot of potential and I am looking forward to meeting the new volunteers arriving in the next 4 months. Watch this space for more updates.. Vinaka!