A typical day in Fiji: each day, we would wake up by the ocean to the sound of chickens crowing in response to the changing on the tide. The villagers would make us a huge breakfast, and then we would get to work. Our team's project was completing the community center—painting, sanding, and finishing the roof and walls. We would work through the day, but we were constantly interrupting to take a break in the ocean, or to eat MORE food, or to learn some new cultural activity (cooking, horseback riding, coconut shredding, etc). After our tangible service was done for the day, we would play sports or take excursions to the waterfall. The best part was every night, after dinner. We would gather in the community center for grog time: drinking grog, playing cards, listening to music, and getting to know the villagers better.
Are there difficulties? Sure. The weather is hot, but you're constantly in the ocean or the nearby waterfalls. Sometimes it's difficult to get used to the fluidity of time. But the villagers are the friendliest people you will ever encounter, always inviting you into their homes for food and laughter. It truly is a magical place, and I would recommend Fiji to anyone.
