BULA!!! (that is the welcoming here). We have made it safely to Fiji and ofcourse it is Beautiful! Lush green mountains and the view from our training center is beautiful! We are the first to see the sun every day. It's Tuesday here and we made it to an internet cafe.
We met up with the crew in LA, and the 10 hour flight from LAX to Nadi (pronounced Nandi), Fiji was a breaze, if hot cramped seats are considered 'breezes.' The Evangelism Explosion crew was there to welcome us as we arrived into Nadi. The training center welcomed us with a sun rising over the misty lush mountain landscape. We will be waking up to that every morning. Trust me when I say, not to shabby....
We got a chance to come into town(all of 15min away from 'home') today and everyone is friendly. With in the first minute of walking the streets we were graciously offered weed. The Americans/Aussies that tend to 'holiday' here are the surfer type, so you see the confusion.
I had my first attempt at bartering. I don't believe I was any good at it, but I did barter the price down 2 Fijian Dollars...Not bad, Right? I'll get better with time I'm sure. I purchased a sari, which the women wear in the villages and to church. Its a sign of respect to wear one. My main concern about the trip was the conservative dress but It looks like I was over estimating the conservative culture. Tank tops are a no go, but my long shorts and tees are acceptable.
We have several Fijians spending the six weeks with us and have learned several different sayings:
Bula - Welcome or Hi
Vanaka - (sounds like banaka (breath freshner) but instead with a V)
Vanaka vaka le vou - Thank you very Much
Vanaka la li - Thank you very little - (already learning the sarcasm)
And some others I have yet to master. I'm sure I'll have more for you when I return.
In the meantime Ciao (that's spanish for goodbye. I have yet to learn the Fijian word).
Love you all with well wishes!!
