DeeStokes

Hey all, As I told you, leaving Nananu was extremely difficult. The ride out of the community yet again brought a few tears to my eyes, leaving such a wonderful place. Not to mention all of the magnificent surrounding mountains and foothills that had given me a place to explore around by myself and with the group. That being said, the ride out of community and back to Newton (the place we went to the beach during orientation) was quite silent. I slept a little, but the ride was only 2 hrs. The hostel we were staying for the night was right next to the ocean, and there was a group of English soccer players playing a game of volleyball, so I jumped on that right away. It would be a lie to say being tall ... read more

I don't know where to start.... After leaving orientation on February 14th or so, we entered a village called Nananu for 12 days. Simply put, the drive into Nananu ( I was in the back of a seperate truck with two Fijian men) was the most beautiful scenery I've seen in my life. All around the community were flourishing foothillls, waterfalls, and neverending trails through some of the most untouched nature I've ever witnessed. I do not recall a day where I didn't go on a hike, be it solo or with others. I found a lot of enjoyment in hikes alone, not feeling like I have to talk to anyone and having personal thoughts to mull over while trekking through deep plains of wet grass or climbing up small waterfalls. Being on my own has ... read more

Well, its been an absolutely fantastic 3 days of orientation so far, everyone in my group is awesome and it's basically just been a lovefest. The flight over was a bit rough, didn't sleep hardly at all despite changing and jumping around seats throughout the top deck of the plane. The whole group sat in row 63, and Emily and I sat in 17, which was cool because we got to know eachother well and have become good friends. When we arrived in Fiji, a whole day had been lost in time because of the international date line. We were greated by some of the most intense humidity I've ever encountered in my life, and 3 men in sulus playing the ukeleles singing Fijian songs. At this point, we were all either wiped out or really ... read more

My first blog entry...ever on my own site. It really hasn't sunk in yet that I'll be gone for nearly 3 months (maybe it won't until I get to Fiji.) I am going to miss some aspects of Portland, but quite honestly I'm ready to get the fuck out of here. I'm almost finished packing but I already have everything I need, which isn't much for such a long trip. I am most looking forward to going to NZ, I never thought I would go there in my life and I they are among the friendliest people I've met in my life. Being outdoors and going on an outdoor leadership expedition in some of the most magnificent terrain and land in the world will be one of the highlights of my life. But, there is so ... read more