Fiji: Sun, Sand, and Island Service with Rustic Pathways

Marine and environmental monitoring was a trip that has honestly changed my life. It was not the marine monitoring, but living in Malakati village that was life changing. Living with the people of the village, you truely get the chance to live a life that is the complete opposite of yours. You become very close to the villagers, having tea and drinking kava. You become a part of the village and feel more like family than a visitor. During the day We would count fish populations and collect data from some of the healthiest reefs in the world. You really learn about human impact on reefs. After I returned home, I was inspired to become more environmentally friendly. Nothing beats the clear blue Fiji waters. Waking up in paradise to help the environment is amazing. I would defiantly recommend this program to someone who really loves the water and wants to learn about a different culture.

Fiji was amazing and it was beautiful but the best part of the trip was living in a village like the Malkati village, it changed my life. The people were always so friendly and even though they didn't have much they were always smiling. Living in their houses and eating the food they eat and getting used to only having an hour of electricity a day showed me how lucky I was. Doing research on the coral reefs was amazing. The reefs were beautiful and some of the best I have seen. This program changed my life. I would highly recommend this program or any other Rustic Pathways program

One of the 3 weeks I spent in Fiji was spent in the extremely remote village Malakati, on Nacula Islands. This place perfectly exemplifies what one would think of Fiji. Serene beaches, laid back lifestyle, and overall beauty. However, Malakati was that and much much more. While I was there I interacted with some of the most amazing people I have ever met. The villagers were so welcoming, someone so lost here in America. What made it special for me was that everyone who lived there wanted to be your friend, and tell you stories, and listen to your stories. I remember one night specifically where we had a bonfire on the beach, and instead of staying with the entire group, I went off with these 2 native teenagers, and for about an hour all I did was tell them stories about New York City, and they were fascinated. The villagers are definitely what made my trip. Many of them even remember my name when I came back a week later on my next trip, some of them could barely speak english but they could say my name, and it was simply heart warming. During the day we would sit out on the beach watching the palm trees sway, and listening to the rhythm of the ocean, all while learning about marine and environmental conservation efforts. Later we would snorkel the reef conducting research about the life and stability of the reef and fish in the area. I got community service hours for snorkeling!!!! It was fantastic. After a long day of work, we would see the kids come home from school on a boat, and jump into the water with us, and be so excited, its almost indescribable. What really made the entire overall trip special was the immersion. We didn't stay at a holiday inn. This village was a 5 hour boat ride from the main land. Almost as far out into the middle of nowhere as possible, and it felt like pure freedom. While there we stayed in traditional houses called burees made out of sticks, and branches and slept on bamboo mats. We didn't have french toast or waffles for breakfast, we had fresh fruits and vegetables that the amazing cook had plucked only hours before. We had pirahna! I spent a day with the chief of the village, and I my favorite kid, joevesa, is the future chief. Fiji is such an amazing place, and this trip changed my life by showing me all the differences, and absolute perfection that our vast world has to offer. Because when it comes down to it, thats what Malakati is, pure perfection.

This program is absolutely life changing. Rather than being down in the tourist areas experiencing and "Americanized Vacation" this program allows you to live day by day as a true Fijian does. The people that you meet and the relationships that you build are unlike any connection you have ever made before with another human being. We stayed in Buras on the farm and worked on the farm almost every morning. The work is difficult but the strength built is unimaginable. The experiences in this program allow you to see the impact that you are making and see the struggle that these villagers deal with on a day to day basis. Other days we stayed in host families in the Nasivicoso Village. The families that allow you into their homes are beyond kind and loving. They take you in as if you are their own child. During my stay I got extremely sick and my Nae Nae (Host Mom) looked after me as she would for her own child. From the amazing hikes you will take to the waterfalls and highest points in the land, to the interactions and laughter you will share in the schools, to having tea time every evening at 4pm, to Kava ceremonies with your friends and family, to showering in the river, to having a fresh coconut with a bamboo straw, to just relaxing in the peaceful scenery under "Fiji Time", there will never be a dull moment.

I don't even know where to begin. I have loved the Rustic trips I've been on, they've all been different, but all great in their own ways (Costa Rica, Australia, Fiji, India). The people in Fiji are great--I became friends with a lot of the Fijian staff. The country itself is also breathtaking--literally. It's exquisite.
We were split up into groups and each day did volunteer (my group mostly worked in schools), and the weekend consisted of one day going to Koropita and the other day an optional trip where you get to pick between things like skydiving, going to the beach, island hopping, and much more. This was in 2008, so I know things have changed, but I'm certain only for the better.
I still keep in contact with some of the friends I met there and see them occasionally (living all over the country makes that a little difficult though).
Truly life-changing experience, truly unforgettable, and is definitely something different from the every day hustle and bustle of life in your town.