November and December

We were able to extend our hire car to enjoy showing Yvonne and Greg the sights of Nadi. Simon took them to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant and Yvonne was able to visit several Kinders and Schools. They were fascinated with her IPad. An amazing item of technology which intrigued the children and teachers alike.
Yvonne and I were able to attend a Rotary Meeting and she was able to hand over a token from her Keilor East Club in Melbourne. They were keen to form an association of some type, between clubs. We celebrated Diwali on Nov 5th in the classroom with my APTC students with two guest ( former students) Nalini and Mohenesh, explaining the significance of such a festival for Hindus around the world. We shared dinner and I was able to wear a Salwar Kameez ( photo to come later )
Greg and Simon went shopping for our own fireworks, which was a real novelty as they are of course banned in most of Australia. For many nights we went to sleep listening to the continual fireworks. The colours and visual effects are spectacular, and we had lots of fun ! just like youngsters again ! They seem such a waste and pollute the environment, but are most appealing and we did enjoy ourselves ! We farewelled the Osborns on Sat morning 5th Nov, so we had crammed many events into one week.
We received sad news that our Godmother , Auntie Vera Morgan had passed away on Sunday 7th November. She was 93 and had a wonderful full life. We cherish the many memories of her kindness and the fact that she was genuinely interested in what we were doing in our lives. She never missed our Birthdays. Such a special person and it is times like this, when I feel so disappointed that I cannot jump in the car to attend the funeral. I feel so removed...on such an occasion.
In mid November , we met up with a old friend of Simon's brother Phil, who is also called Greg, Greg Taylor. He has lived and worked in Fiji for 15 years, first at one island and now as Manager of the Jean Michel Cousteau Resort in Savusavu. We each knew about our existence in Fiji but had not touched base for the 2 years we had been there. He invited us to come to resort and we arranged it for early December.
APTC Co-ordination Office staff organized an Alumni Group BBQ Evening for the Western ex students of Fiji, stretching from Rakiraki down to Sigatoka. This group will meet each term and they elected Mohenesh to represent the Western Group.
The last few weeks of November I completed assignments towards my Diploma of Vocational Education and Training Practice and was successful. I have one more to complete in early 2011.
In addition I finished all my marking for my International students. Several were a little tardy, but we finally were able to deem them ALL competent for the classroom work and for tasks in the workplace. A wonderful achievement for the 18 students.
First Aid was one of the last competencies along with Care for Babies. A film crew from Box Hill Institute visited our classroom, which was an interesting experience for all of us.
The weather forecast threatened a cyclone, however it remained a tropical depression and did not develop further, thank goodness. Just LOTS of rain ! The staff from treasure House was able to bring several REAL babies for care for Babies, much more fun than just with our dolls ( which the students christened Romeo and Juliet )
On Thursday 25th Nov, we hosted a "Thank You" Afternoon Tea for our Host Kindergarten Staff. Each country group of students performed a song and dance in appreciation of everyone's generosity of time and knowledge.
Earlier that day I was invited to be Chief Guest by Namaka Public Kindergarten at the Nadi Town Hall. I felt like the Queen and received another beautiful Salusalu.
It was somewhat daunting walking into the hall filled with many excited children and family members ( 80 families ) Lots of Aunties, Grandparents and friends were present to witness the Kinder Graduation , complete with tiny gowns and mortar boards !
I shook their small hands and handed over their glossy certificates of Kinder Achievement.
Five days later I attended the Lautoka Special School end of year celebrations and once again presented certificates. It gave me such pleasure to hand one to Aliti, who resides at Treasure House orphanage and we had organized her schooling at the Special School.
We flew to Savusavu on Vanua Levu on Fri 3rd Dec to celebrate our 35th Wedding Anniversary ( not bad for a blind date eh ? ) It was rather scary when I realized just how petite the plane was to Savusavu with only 12 passengers... the smallest plane I had ever been in.... Surprisingly it was a very smooth flight and we landed safely. I was able to visit a local village Kindergarten and see the Kids Club facilities at the resort. We relaxed in luxurious surroundings and dined on scrumptious foods, due to Greg's generosity . We can highly recommend this exquisite place.
Sunday, we flew to Suva for next week to attend the Biennial National Conference of the Fiji Early Childhood Association. It was held at the Adi Cakabau Boarding School north of Suva and Simon drove me out there each morning and picked me up each afternoon in the hire car. Nice to have a personal chauffeur as usually I am the driver in the College car !
I presented 2 workshops and participated in many others. There were inspiring keynote speakers and numerous networking opportunities. I counted 16 APTC graduates, among 350 participants from all over Fiji and some other Pacific countries. Simon was able to visit our favourite shop in Suva " Cost-u-less" to stock up on our much loved nibbles and other goodies.
We returned to Nadi on Thursday afternoon ready for my student break up party on Mala Mala island on Friday 10th Dec. Fortunate the weather was very sunny and we had a splendid day together, swimming, snorkeling and they tried to teach me basket weaving.
Sunday our students from Federated States of Micronesia were the first group to fly home . This was a new experience for me, to farewell them at the Nadi Airport , as I had previously only taught the local Fijian students. Early Tuesday morning it was the Kiribati students and then later in the morning the Tuvaluan group. I felt sad to see them go. but very pleased with what we had all achieved together in the short time we spent together.
Then it was our turn to leave, to come home for Christmas and have a holiday break. As I write this blog entry, I now only have 8 sleeps until I return to Fiji and Simon will return in late January. I have a new group of students undertaking the Diploma of Children's Services and apparently they are a mixed group of Fijian students and from other Pacific Islands. A new year and a new challenge. It feels different this time though... I know that I am returning home on June 24th at the end of my teaching contract with APTC. That in itself sounds final. What the future holds ? I am unsure... I have been so fortunate to be part of this amazing Aus Aid Project and to work with such wonderful staff and students for 2 years now. I am blessed to have been given this opportunity and I intend to make the most of these last phase. Vinaka vaka levu .

OCTOBER 2010

On October 10th it was Fiji Day, a National celebration of their independence form colonial rule. Many activities were planned around town. The same weekend, we met with Julie and Ken, wonderful long time friends of my sister Yvonne and her husband Greg. Julie and Ken were on route from USA and sopped over in Fiji for a few days. Great to see them both and share a few evenings together. We had the beginning of Daylight saving in Fiji so really have to consider the time difference when Skyping the family at home in Oz.
The students were progressing well with their competencies and with their work placement.
I taught a new competency titled "Develop a program towards sustainable practice" . This was included as an Elective in Cert 3 and as this topic is very important to me, I found it most satisfying to finally have time specifically devoted to this vital area of interest. To reinforce the sustainability policies and practices I arranged an excursion to "Koroipita " which is a model Village just north of Lautoka ,Fiji . It was the vision of a local Rotary member to create a village where people lived in low-maintenance housing , grew most of their own food, had a rainwater tank, recycled everything and where no dogs were allowed in the village. He enlisted help from International Rotary clubs, mostly from Australia and New Zealand and many groups volunteer their services to build these sustainable "Rotahomes". Many streets in the village are named after the Rotary clubs who have assisted in the construction.
I was invited to speak at a Parent Evening at a local Kindergarten regarding Positive Parenting Techniques, which was most interesting. We exchanged cultural differences and how that influences expectations and behaviour. These Parent Evenings are becoming more common in Kindergartens, as communities wish to enhance their knowledge and skills.
Our daughter Lauren arrived in Fiji on 18th October for 2 weeks vacation. She had not seen our new accommodation and continued her nightly vigil of "gecko numbers" around the outside of our home. I think the record was 27 ! She LOVES geckos and the "clicking " noise they make as they catch and gobble insects ! She and Simon enjoyed each other's company travelling around the sights of Nadi in a hire car. She was keen to see the changes since her visit in June 2009.
My sister Yvonne and brother in law Greg arrived on Sat. 30th Oct, overlapping with Lauren by one night. However, it was fine as we all travelled to Rakiraki on the northern coast of Viti Levu for a wonderful weekend of good company, bowling, food and wine. It was extremely hot and we all became a little sun kissed ! Lauren flew home on Sunday evening 31st. It was so good to have her here once again. She fell in love with the young puppy "Peanut", who belongs to our neighbours. He misses her company.

August - September 2010

On 1st August we celebrated Simon's Birthday at out new unit, with friends and work colleagues. It was a combined birthday and "house warming" gathering.
We shared delicious "party food" which included scrumptious Orange cupcakes ( Simon's favourite). This year, 2011, it will be the Big 60 ! mmmmm.... we will be back here by then, so will need to decide how to celebrate this special milestone.
At APTC, we arranged a meeting on August 3rd, for the students and host Kindergarten staff to meet each other. This was a special time for me too, to meet up with my previous students who were now acting as mentors to my Overseas group ( Certificate 3 in Children Services) .
The very next day, they began Placement and need to accumulate approx 150 hours of work placement time during the next few months. Many were nervous, but excited to see their new Kinder environments, forging close relationships with the children, staff and families.
On a personal note, we enjoyed a weekend at the first ever Country Music festival in Fiji . It was held at one of our favourite spots, The Hideaway Resort on the Coral Coast. I met Bill Chambers, Casey's Dad and he signed a few posters for me !
This was the beginning of the Bed Bug problems too. Several of our students were affected and were most uncomfortable ! We sought medical assistance and alerted the Hotel .
During this month, we were contacted or visited by representatives from the 3 countries to ensure their students had settled into the course. Everything was progressing well. It was quite different teaching students who also lived together, as they had many discussion opportunities outside class time, so I needed to re-think my teaching strategies.
We were hearing snippets of news from Australia regarding the Federal Election and then the "waiting game " to learn that Australia had its first female Prime Minister ! Julia Gillard.
I made a batch of 30 jars of my Tomato Relish which was enjoyed by this new group of students, as much as my previous students. They especially loved it with cheese and dry biscuits !
As I had just finished bottling it, I received a phone call form the students to say that one of them was desperately ill ! Jim called for me ( commenting on my new "Relish" perfume which had permeated my clothing ) and we took her to the Doctor. She was hospitalized in Lautoka and later had fibroids removed. We visited her each day, taking 4 different classmates each day. A traumatic experience for everyone, but successful. A teddy, she named Rupert, kept her company.
I was able to attend the Annual TAFE Child Care Teacher's Conference back in Melbourne for 3 days, in early September. It was held this year at Box Hill Institute and it was wonderful to see everyone again. The inspirational keynote speaker was an absolute surprise, Greg Page, the former Yellow Wiggle. We were also recruiting for a staff member to teach Children's Services in Suva for 6 months in Semester One in 2011.
Susana Daurewa, one of our local APTC staff members, taught the students in my absence.
On Sept 18th we, celebrated the APTC Graduation at the Tanoa Hotel. 20 Students graduated with the Diploma of Children's services, the first ever group in Fiji and 23 graduated with the Certificate 3 in Children's services. Simon and I felt like a proud Mum and Dad. It was a very auspicious occasion with many staff attending from Melbourne APTC office and many early childhood dignitaries from Fiji .
It was APTC holidays for one week. Simon and I enjoyed a weekend away on a Blue Lagoon cruise to the Yasawa Islands. This event was unique as there is little spare time. We met some interesting people and were amply fed !
Later that week we made the most of 2 days at the Intercontinental Hotel at Natadola and played golf together. This too is becoming a favourite spot in Fiji.

WAY BEHIND IN MY POSTS !

It is now Jan 2 2011 and I feel very embarrassed that I have not added to my Blog since last July. I am currently home in Melbourne, Australia for a few weeks break, before heading back to Fiji for the last 6 months of my contract with APTC. What started out as a 6 months stint will then be a two and a half year stint ! That is because everyone has been so supportive of my decision to teach in another country, with the wonderful, welcoming people of Fiji.
What I will do is add a monthly account of happenings, and then when I return to Fiji and have access to my photos, I will be able to add those to the Blog
On July 19th I met my new students from the 3 Pacific countries. What a pleasure to meet them all and I felt immediately that we would have a wonderful time together. It was most evident to witness the individual characters, within a wide age range of students. Their eagerness and warmth towards me and APTC staff was clearly apparent.
The first few weeks consisted of Orientation days,Kinder excursions, a yummy picnic, along with activities to "get to know each other ", however, many already knew each other. It was a case of the 3 country groups becoming familiar with each other. This was made easier as they were all living at the same hostel style accommodation at SKY LODGE , which is part of the Tanoa group of Hotels. They attended class together and lived together for the entire 6 months. The only time spent apart was for the 2 days per week of work placement and then they mostly attended the Kinders in pairs or threes, depending on the size of the Kinder.
Each year, in July Fiji celebrates National Pre-School Week and it was great that our students could be part of this, so early in their course . Many made flower garlands and dressed in their traditional costumes.
Two of our students had vision difficulties and Jim ( Country Manager ) and I were able to organize testing and the acquisition of glasses to assist them. This was life changing for them both and for one in particular, had never been able to see so clearly before and was now 34 years old. They were most grateful and one learned to email his wife and speak "online" most days which could never have happened without the stronger glasses. This is what makes it so rewarding, to witness such joy.
I was also asked to speak about the APTC courses at the Tourist Association of Fiji and the need for qualified staff in the resorts with Police clearances. A very busy first 2 weeks of their course.

So much has happened in a few months !

Bula Everyone
It is a very long time since I wrote an entry on my Blog, but have kept people informed of our travels via Facebook.
April 11th was the last addition. Since then life has been wonderfully frantic, as my 43 students approached the last 2 months of their courses. As I write this, I have a few who are still minor tasks to submit.... a little late ! but hopefully will be able to graduate along with their classmates on Sept 18th here in Fiji.
In May I welcomed Marian Wilkinson from APTC office in Melbourne to assist me with Student assessment visits, she travelled to Rakiraki, Sigatoka and Suva, whilst I visited everyone around Nadi, and continuing to teach both the Cert 3 and Diploma groups and mark assignments !

Simon saw me briefly for meals before I worked for another three or four hours in the evenings after class ! Thankfully the 16 to 18 hour days are behind us now.
In late April, we shared time with some Hickson cousins from Sydney, who were holidaying in Denerau. Great to see them over here. Then on Mother's Day we shared lunch ( again on Denerau) with a delightful Girton school friend, Ekko Mitchell.

Christopher arrived on May 14th to spend time with us, as well as adventuring out to several islands in the Yasawa Group. It was nice to spend my Birthday with him too, enjoying Chinese at a new restaurant. We also enjoyed a Japanese meal too, whilst he was here. We took him to the north of the Island to Rakiraki and he and Simon spent a night in Suva, so he saw much more of the Fiji area than last year's visit. He left on the 30th May to return to Melbourne at the beginning of WINTER !
The next day we MOVED house ! My most supportive and loving Simon did 90% of the packing and organization for the move as I was caught up with work commitments. We are closer to work, but do not have a pool.... I miss my swims, but continue to walk each morning, this time near the airport, watching the planes land and take off, whilst humming along to my IPod for about 3kms ! Such a great place to live and work... I still pinch myself each day and feel so privileged to have this opportunity.
Lauren plans to come over in the next few months, before it becomes too hot again. It is very dry at present and cooler at night, about 22. Perfect sleeping weather. Day time is about 27 degrees. She will like our new place, the kitchen bench is about 4 metres long ! something we have never HAD in 34 years of wedded bliss !
For the rest of June, I spent many hours continuing to mark assignments and finalize results. We shared very memorable last classes with the Cert 3 students and then the Diploma students. The latter ones, have been together for 18 months , twice per week, so the bonds they have formed are very strong and hope will be lifelong friendships. Many of my current close friends I met at Kindergarten Teacher's College in 1973 ! wow ! you have to say that date quickly !
Simon and I flew home to Melbourne on June 26th for about 2 weeks. I worked in at Box Hill TAFE for the first week, entering my students' results and catching up with staff. Great to be home with our lovely family again. But, what a change in weather !
We shared many lunches, dinners, morning teas and Simon caught up with golfing mates.
Lauren and I spent an afternnon at the Melbourne Zoo, something we have not done for amny years ! one is never to old to goo and gaa at the animals, especially the delightful baby elephant, Mali. ( the subject of another Blog entry I feel)
On July 14th it was time to return to our second home... the stunning land of Fiji and the amazing people. We are continually drawn back. My contract for 6 months is being continually extended as I cannot imagine not teaching and living here.
Tomorrow, I have a new group of students. This time it will be different as I have a different delivery mode. I will teach all day Monday, Tuesday and Friday and on Wednesday and Thursday, they will go into a local Kindergartens ( with my previous students) for placement experience. I will visit them as often as I can and then asses them, twice in the 6 month Certificate 3 of Children's Services course. They have left their Kindergartens and their families,in their own Pacific countries to come to study full time in Fiji. My previous students were all part time and from Fiji. These have travelled from Federated Sates of Micronesia, Kiribati and Tuvalu. I am sure to learn a great deal from them all and I am very excited to meet everyone.

Our 2nd Easter in Fiji .....

After visiting and assessing several students in Suva area last week, we (and the car ) boarded the ferry on Easter Thursday afternoon called " Spirit of Harmony" headed for Levuka on the east coast of Ovalau. It was pouring rain and the ferry was delayed for 3 hours ! So our spirits were not very harmonious !
However, we were still excited to finally arrive on the west side of the island at Buresala and then drive in the heavy rain for an hour in the pitch black, around the coastal road ( only one road ) to Levuka. Our accommodation was at the Royal Hotel, the oldest operating hotel in Fiji ! We had booked one of their cottages with a sea view !
It was somewhat basic and a little "tired" in appearance , but felt homey and the staff were most welcoming and helpful. Good Friday was good weather and from then on it deteriorated , ending spectacularly with an electrifying thunderstorm on our last night, Sunday night !
Friday was spent sightseeing, by walking around the historical township, capturing on camera the many old church and school buildings. We were intrigued by the elaborate deep, colonial style drainage system, which worked a treat a few nights later ! We climbed the 199 steps to the Mission and saw where the Deed of Cession was signed. The museum was small , but fascinating , the exquisite buttons made from local pearl shells, particularly caught my eye. There is a large fish cannery PAFCO which was set up to be the economic base for Levuka and Ovalau for the past 40 years or so, employing over 1,000 people ! These products are exported world wide !
The Sacred Heart Church in the main street, just down from our hotel, housed a rare antique French clock which struck on the hour, each hour of the night and day, twice each time ! Once, then one minute later in case you missed it the first time ! most unusual and a little "off putting" in the wee hours of the morning ! We spent hours on our cottage veranda, reading and chatting to the lovely Levuka people and a few other tourists as they wandered past. We met a delightful German couple, Charlotte and Gerhard, and shared our last evening with them during the storm. We had no power in the town or water ( in the pipes) I waded through knee deep water to our cottage, by torchlight, using Simon's large golf umbrella, to gather a few bits and pieces for dinner. I found cheese, pickled onions, local avocado and dry biscuits, along with a few Easter treats for the four of us for our picnic style dinner. We washed these down by candlelight in the main hotel with a few cold wines ! Just amazing ! It rained heavily for about 4 hours from 5.00pm until about 9 pm. The main street of Levuka was like a river ! One of the local wise hotel staff had predicted it at 4.30pm saying to us " big rain coming soon" and it sure did ! The next morning we had to be at the wharf by 4.00am to catch the ferry back to the mainland. We will fondly remember our adventurous Easter in Levuka. Simon is now back in Australia and I return next Sunday for a week.
The weather is becoming a little milder here.... but only slightly. The swimming pool water is cooler and more refreshing now... Just love being able to come home after work and have a "dip" before dinner!

We are safe ...

Bula everyone,
Thank you to our family and friends who were concerned for our safety recently during Cyclone Tomas. It's path was uncertain at first, however, it soon became clear that it would effect the outer islands and perhaps the Suva side of Fiji. The devastation is enormous and many of the islands will never be the same. We experienced heavy rain and some strong winds for a brief period, but not as fierce as Cyclone Mick last December.
The past few weeks have been extremely busy with our friend and work colleague, Bambi joining us here in Nadi. It was a "talk fest" and Simon was caught in the middle ! tried to get a word in occasionally, but gave up and went back to the challenging crosswords and stalking insects ! However, we were able to show Bambi some of our favourite views, beaches, restaurants etc, combining it with many student assessment visits and team teaching classes.
Simon and I headed north of Nadi for 3 days to Tavua and into the interior of Fiji to the villages of Waikubukubu and Nadrau to assess students, whilst Bambi taught my class. The roads were very rocky, narrow and a slippery due to heavy rain. Thank goodness for the 4 wheel drive ! Simon shared the driving as it required very close concentration for 3 hour stints ! The scenery however in the mountainous interior of Fiji was stunning ! I had only seen it from the air previously and was captivated by the "kodak" calendar type views at every turn ! Simon took over 300 shots in the few days. Thank goodness for digital cameras. We were warmly welcomed into both villages and treated to kava ceremonies and given gifts of appreciation of our visits. Both students travel incredibly long distances to classes and operate stimulating Kindergarten programs for the Fijian children with very few resources, as we know them.
Bambi's husband Bryce joined her for her last week here and they stayed out at Denerau Island where we joined them for golfon on one day. My game was rather rusty, but we shared a fun time together. I was still working but Simon was then able to act as a tour guide for them both down to Natadola beach ( reportedly the 7th most beautiful beach in the world) and to see the multi million dollar Inter-Continental Hotel and Golf Course ( an extremely windy place !) It was a most enjoyable time ,both professionally and personally. Bambi was able to witness the work of the APTC team and gain a better understanding of the whole Aus Aid project and I valued her professional advice and support.
Simon and I have booked a trip to Levuka on the island of Ovalau for our Easter break. Levuka was the capital of Fiji before Suva and it is very colonial in appearance, a little like Sovereign Hill in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. As we love history, I am certain that it will be a wonderful experience. Simon flies home on April 9th for 2 weeks and I follow on 18th April for one week. I am required to attend a meeting Melbourne for 3 days, however, it will also great to see our delightful family....
The weather is still very humid and oppressive at times... but it will improve soon as we are coming to the end of the cyclone season.... hopefully. The only downside of living in the tropics... otherwise... " magic" every day....

Our return to Fiji in 2010. We celebrate living and working for 12 months here this week !!!!

Bula everyone !
I feel somewhat embarrassed as we have been back here for one month now and this is only my first entry for 2010 ! We have both settled back into the pacific way of life and cannot help but think how different it was for us both this time last year. Life here is wonderfully busy and passes by so quickly !
The weather here in Nadi is very hot and humid, however, we have only had a little rain, in spite of it being the WET season. The local people are complaining as it is so dry ! It is about 35 each day but feels like 45 ! Simon has only briefly ventured onto the golf course as it is just SO hot, even at 7.30 in the morning it can be 30 or more. Daylight saving ends here on April 25th and in Australia on 4th April ( Easter Sat) so for a few weeks there will be 3 hours time difference ! hard for skyping in the evenings ! The Government here have just altered the school start time from 8.00am to 9.00am as children were getting up for school and travelling long distances in the dark ! It will be interesting to see whether they introduce daylight saving again next summer. This was the first time that they have had it since 2000 as it was so unpopular here !
My students have all returned and are most eager to complete the course by June. We have an important APTC meeting in Melbourne in mid April, so will be home for about a week, Simon a little longer. Lauren and Christopher are both planning to "pop" across again which will be great. Other visitors are very welcome !
Our long time friend and now work a colleague at Box Hill Institute, Bambi, is arriving next Tuesday 23rd Feb. to assist with student assessment visits. This will be a great opportunity to see the work of the APTC project here in Fiji. Every morning when I leave for work, I whisper to myself, "another day in Paradise" and do have to continually pinch myself as to this incredible chance that I am experiencing here in the Pacific. I highly recommend a teaching "stint" overseas to anyone who may be contemplating it.
I have a contract until the end of June, however, we will see what happens after that. There is another Cert 3 in Children's Services starting with students coming to Fiji for 6 months full time from many other pacific islands. It is very tempting.
As I write this blog entry I can hear the numerous geckos making their " loud clicking" sound as they chomp away at the many tiny insects around the hotel lights. There are more geckos than guests ! and more cockroaches too ! They scuttle away very quickly when they see Simon approaching with the big red spray can of Mortein !
Our hotel is very quiet at present, with less APTC staff this year and less tourists at present due to the supposedly wet season and awful humidity, things are not as lively as previously. In several months the pool will be very crowded and we will be hoping for quiet again ! It is a treat to walk that 60 metres for a nice dip either before or after work in the evenings when the water in the pool has cooled down, other wise it is like having a warm bath !
As a part of our celebrations this week, we visited Vuda Point, 20 minutes north of here last Sunday evening. It is where I spent my first whole day in Nadi last year, after a luxurious, yet primitive, mud bath at Sabeto and then I enjoyed a crispy pizza with 3 work colleagues initiating me into teaching life with APTC. Memories are made of these cherished moments and I certainly have accumulated 12 months of these now. Enough to write a book......mmmmmm... one day perhaps in my retirement. If I were a civil servant here in Fiji I would need to retire this May when I turn 55 ! gosh Frank Bainimara must not have been discussing this with John Howard ! He had other ideas about our working life capacity didn't he ? ! 55 is way too young... I have so many things I would like to do in my working life as yet...... another country perhaps ?

Home in Australia for Christmas

The last few months passed by very quickly. I missed writing a blog entry for November. I was extremely busy with my 44 students, marking assignments and entering results, making assessment visits from one end of Fiji to the other, from Rakiraki way down to Sigatoka. But oh such wonderful sights ! Simon accompanied me on several visits and his new camera was well used !
I organized an excursion for both of my student groups on a Saturday to Sigatoka , to visit 3 different Kindergartens, and enjoy lunch together. We were also enthralled by Ilesi, a local potter, demonstrating his talents making several pottery pieces. I have been encouraging my students to use clay with their children and I feel that he inspired them further.

I made a second batch of tomato relish in Fiji, one in August and one in October, it reminds me so much of home. The aroma penetrates our whole apartment block ! YUM YUM...27 jars ! this time and 24 last time !

Simon met a new friend at the golf club. His name is Patrick and he is a leading French Chef, currently living on the tiny island of Wallis, north of Fiji. He is teaching cookery with a project undertaken by the French Government, similar to our APTC project. A fascinating, very well qualified and skilled person, and my school girl French language came in handy. He holidayed in Fiji for a week in early November and returned for 4 days just before we flew home.

The weather was changing..... it became more humid and wetter, although local people said that it was drier than normal. I still had only worn long sleeves 3 times for the 10 months we were there !
At the beginning of November, I was invited to attend a Military funeral. It was for a Kindergarten parent of one of my students. He died suddenly from a heart attack at the age of 42 with four young children. It was a very moving occasion and the Prime Minister Frank Bainimairama was present. I was about 4 meters from him and had to bite my tongue not to say anything to him. It was an honor to be part of such a formal and traditional occasion with the gun salute.
We were fortunate to visit the island of Vanuatu on 21st November for 3 nights I was asked to attend a meeting with work colleagues over there and Simon joined us. We stayed at Chantilly's on the Bay in Port Vila which had a glorious view of their stunning sunsets. Once again the new camera was clicking madly ! It was such a great opportunity to meet with other early childhood colleagues and squeeze in a little snorkeling !
I have signed a new contract with APTC in Fiji from Jan 1st 2010 until June 30th 2010 and we shall see what happens after that. Both of my groups will finish in June so, it is very timely. The second semester would be a full time Cert 3 in Children's Services group with students recruited from other Pacific Island such as Naru, Tonga, Marshall Islands, Solomon islands etc. AND I would teach in the day time 3 days a week and they would have placements in local Fijian Kindergartens for the other 2 days per week. We would need to organize the placements and this is when I would call upon my current students to host the islanders.
As we were finalizing student results and packing to come home for Christmas, Simon and I experienced our first tropical cyclone. It was only Category One or Two, but felt much worse. The iron roof from one end of our apartment block was blown off and landed in the adjacent carpark, narrowly missing a few cars !
The tenant, Edward,who was home in his lounge room at the time, on the top floor apartment was helped out from under the rubble, by Simon and a few other colleagues . He was visibly shaken, but luckily escaped injury. It was rather frightening and I hope we do not have any more, but I guess this is part of living in the Pacific.
We are now home in Australia to share the festive season with our delightful family and friends, before returning to Fiji on Sunday night 17th January. One of my holiday goals is to organize my many photos into a better system so I can add many more to my Blog in the future !
Our best wishes to everyone for a wonderful Christmas and a joyous New Year. xxxxxx

So much has happened since the last entry !

Bula everyone !
My apologies for not adding an entry sooner... We have been very busy with our lovely visitors here in Fiji AND have been home in Australia for the Hickson Family Reunion on October 10th ! We have now settled back into life here with Diwali celebrations in full swing ! I can hear the many fire crackers popping ( and smell them ) as I sit here typing !
Christopher arrived on the 4th Sept and overlapped with my sister Dot and her partner Trevor who came on the 10th. We treated them to many of our favourite restaurants and several tourist spots. We spent 2 nights together on the Coral Coast, travelling in "SQUEEZY" conditions in our rental Hyundai ! Dot snorkelled for the first time in her life and LOVED it ! It was so nice to share the time all together. One of our APTC, Udo, who had shown Lauren the lively nights spots around here, then took Christopher partying....
Dot and Trevor enjoyed 4 nights out in the Yasawa islands as well.
Many APTC staff left for the term Break, but we took ours later due to the Hickson Family Reunion. I was asked to be Acting Country Manager for that period. It was a bit daunting and eventful, with a car accident to deal with the first week ( our Office Manager and no-one was hurt thanks goodness) and the 2nd week a Tsunami warning from the Samoan tragedy !
We left here on Oct 2nd to land in chilly Melbourne. Great to be home briefly to share time with our family. Simon's Mum is doing quite well. The Reunion was an absolutely delightful day and quite emotional too. My sister Yvonne started a Blog for the Reunion. It is www.hicksonreunion.blogspot.com
We have now expressed interest in extending the teaching contract even further , this time until June 2010 and will find out shortly whether that has been approved. Photos will be added shortly... the computer is having "loading image hiccups " !

A very busy, but oh so enjoyable August

On the last day of August, I reflect on the many things that have happened.Simon had a lovely birthday on the 1st August, playing golf and then dining at our favourite restaurant , Ashiyana's with Udo and the Battison family Doug, Maree and their sons, Harris 9and Lewis 6 years of age( Doug and Udo are two of my delightful work colleagues and several of Simon's Fiji golfing partners )Then Simon actually flew out to Australia to be with his Mum. She was so thrilled to have him home for a few weeks and her health improved remarkably. I was very busy with work AND I decided to make tomato relish in Fiji ! a challenge , but it turned out quite edible and everyone wants the recipe, so it must be OK. It is peak tomato season here and the mangoes are just starting. The sugar cane season is in full swing and if you strike sugar cane train you have to wait for a long time as they are sooooo long !
I also was invited by 2 of my students who are sisters, to attend a Methodist Church service. It was 2 hours long and 95 % in Fijian,and their singing voices were stunning. It brought back many childhood memories of the Wesley hymns. It was quite emotional as I thought of my gorgeous Dad who was a strong Methodist devotee.
Simon is back now and we have just enjoyed having Peter Conyers, a golfing mate, over here for a week. I needed to visit Suva, so dropped them at The Pearl Resort and Golf course for one night and picked them up the next day on our return to Nadi.
They squeezed in 5 games of golf in the week, which included one game at the new 36 million dollar course at the Intercontinental Hotel in Natadola, about half an hour away from here. This weekend we welcome Christopher across here for 2 weeks.
Our 29 Certificate 3 students graduated on Friday 28th August. Kerryn was able to return from Australia to share in the celebrations and work with me for the week leading up to the Graduation. What a very memorable evening it was for everyone.
The weather is still delightful at 27 or 28 each day... what a wonderful place to live and work... soon I will need to make a decision about 2010... mmmmm....

Back home to Fiji

July was a hectic but enjoyable month... we both crammed in so many things !
I finished teaching the Cert 3 of Children's services course with my students and we had many dinner celebrations together. They sang "Isa Lei" to me, which is the Fijian farewell song, which was very emotional. I spent a few days entering results and preparing for my new group of Cert 3's this term and be ready for my "old" Cert 3's to return as Diploma students ! I flew back home as planned on July 3rd to spend time with my delightful family, our 2 inseparable dogs, Lucy and Harry and catch up with as many work colleagues, neighbours and friends as possible in one week ! Sleeping in my own bed was just "heavenly", especially with my very own pillow ( which I squashed into the case to bring back here ) Both my Daphne bushes are still alive ! amazing !
Since our return Simon's Mum has been hospitalized with Salmonella poisoning and a chest infection, but is progressing well now. At 90, these things take a little longer to abate.
Christopher has booked to visit us in early Sept and one of my sisters, Dot and her partner Trevor are coming mid Sept. One of Simon's golfing mates is also flying over sometime too.
The weather is quite dry now, with daily temperatures hovering around 26 to 28 and sunny skies, but with cooler nights of 17 or 18 ... slightly different from Melbourne ! It was very odd wearing long sleeves, long pants, boots, coats and scarves ! It only took 10 minutes to change into thongs, t-shirts and shorts again.
We have been to the Bula Festival in Nadi and I was chosen to be one of the judges for the 9 contestants vying to be Miss Bula ( all in the name of charity)
As a token of appreciation we received tickets to the Bula Ball ! Simon wore one of his bright Bula shirts from his growing collection and I borrowed a very colourful Bula dress ! It was a memorable evening....
We look forward to celebrating Simon's birthday on Aug 1st..... better hunt for the candles !

A few more photos of our adventures and friends here !

These Fijian birds are called bulbuls. About 20 of them descend upon our balcony each morning awaiting their slice of bread, carefully fed to them by Simon. Since he has been back in Melbourne, they sqwark outside our window until I feed them ! Not sure what they will do when I go home too !

Lauren joins us in Fiji

Bula everyone !
Once again, I have been very slow in adding a new entry.. apologies... we have been very busy showing our daughter Lauren, the sights of sunny Fiji ! we spent 3 days on the Coral Coast, meeting lots of attentive staff ( Lauren phographed with one called Tange) and then celebrated her 27th Birthday with a day boat cruise to Malamala island. Since she was here, Simon has now gone home for a few weeks and I fly home on Fri 3rd July. We both return on July 12th.
The weather here is a little cooler now and I have even wore long sleeves twice in the evening ! Although cooler is about 28 in the day instead of 35 and at night about 19 instead of 25. The daily swims are less frequent, but I still enjoy a dip a few days per week.
I taught my last class with my Certificate 3 students today, but hopefully will be able to continue teaching them, as they have chosen to continue their studies by enrolling in the Diploma of Children's Services, due to start on July 17th. There will be 24 students in Diploma and I have a new group of Cert 3 beginning on July 21st !The second half of the year promises to be extremely busy ! Simon is joining the local golf club and has been playing weekly in what they call the "Chook Run " The prize is a few frozen chickens !

A great time with our visitors

Bula everyone!
No entries for a while.. we have been very busy showing my sister-in-law Helen and my brother James, the sights of Fiji. They spent a few days on Mana Island which they loved, before we headed down to the Coral coast together for 3 days of sightseeing and snorkelling ! This I did for the first time ever in my life and am now hooked ! Simon had not been snorkelling since I had met him, so 35 years ago and he is sorry to have left it that long ! It was so good to see them both. James visited the Asco Motors, the Toyota dealership here,to check out the different models etc and the workshop area. We were enthralled by the beautiful famous orchid gardens at the Land of the Sleeping Giant started by Raymond Burr, the US actor, many years ago. We scrambled over the Sigatoka Sand Dunes and visited the Tavuni Hill Fort hearing gory stories of the early days of cannibalism in Fiji.
Simon continues to play a little golf, shopping, cooking, reads a lot and does heaps of crosswords sent over by Lauren ! She will be our next visitor in a few weeks time. Christopher is planning to visit later in the year.
My work is very hectic as the students are coming to the end of the Certificate 3 in Children's services. There will be a 3 week break before many continue in the Diploma course. We hope to go home to Melbourne for a period during that break. I have extended my contract until Dec 31st 09.
The weather continue to become less humid, and drier now. It is just delightful, we are making the most of it, as we about hear the chilly temperatures back home.... brrrr.......
It is around three months now since our arrival in Fiji and the many letters and parcels from home are always very welcome... they create that special link...

Time is passing quickly AND the weather is cooling down slightly !

Much has happened in the past few weeks. Suva was so different from Nadi. The photo shows the spectacular view over the city of Suva from our hotel window on the 9th floor ! It is a much bigger city and more urbanized. Simon and I enjoyed our time there, and took pride in finding our way around quite easily. We were there at a very historical time when Commodore Bainimarama was ousted and then re-instated within a short time. At any time, we did not feel in danger, but did return to Nadi on Easter Saturday in time for Easter Bunny. Since then, I have been extra busy at my work as we are beginning a Resort Kids Club stream of Certificate 3 in Children's Services in July, so have been in contact with all the large resorts both on Denerau Island and the Coral Coast. At the weekend we welcomed my sister-in-law Helen and my brother James to Fiji and have been busy showing them the wonderful sights of Fiji and feasting on scrumptious pineapple and pawpaw etc. Lovely blue sunny skies of 28 degrees and very little breeze. The weather is MUCH less humid now and the days not quite as hot as before and drier. Next weekend, the 4 of us, we will head to the Coral Coast for a few days snorkelling and enjoying the sun and sand. I still cannot get my head around working in such a holiday destination. It is so nice to see them both as our first visitors.. we hope many more will join us here. It does appear to be quite safe and one would hardly know what was happening politically on the other side of the island. The Fijian school holidays are about to start as they have 3 terms here.
I have been to many teacher's meetings, building my professional network and loving the teaching side of things. Simon has played some more golf and made more new friends. We do love the Aussie butcher here and Simon has made some yummy meals...
I tested the oven again and made Anzac Biscuits for Anzac Day. My students had not tasted them before and want the recipe !

Off to Suva for Easter

Simon and I are both well and looking forward to a few days away together.
It is now time to visit the southern Coral Coast region and the eastern side of Fiji. We have a break from classes for 2 weeks, as the APTC follows the Victorian school terms. I will still be working a few days over in Suva leading up to Easter. There are 4 students from there, who travel weekly over to Nadi for classes. I will then be working the second week back her in Nadi, for the four days, but reduced hours slightly ! More swimming time !
We are very excited as it will be a real change from this side, they even have traffic lights in Suva. Our 2 sets in Nadi have not worked since the floods in January and they are pedestrain crossings , not at an intersection. So it is a bit odd not to have travelled through a traffic light for 7 weeks !
We spoke to Christopher on Skpe tonight, so good to know that he is home safely from Europe and Lauren as a new job at Hahndorf chocolates ! Yum Yum

Becoming quite established here now..

Bula everyone !
After five weeks here in Fiji, we feel as though we know our way around now, without becoming too lost, in the Nadi area at least. The pattern of our week is emerging, as I teach the 3 evenings and Saturday morning. I do enjoy walking into the unit complex and smelling the yummy meals that Simon prepares for us. I am being thoroughly spoilt ! I do still have a turn to cook on some other days. We are just getting to know the oven, making one batch of cupcakes, yet to try scones. Shopping is a most intriguing experience, as we discover a wide variety of brands and foodstuffs never seen in suburban Blackburn South !
Simon played golf this week, but found the course "like a goat track " very soggy, stinking hot and rather hilly. He will return when they take delivery of golf carts from New Zealand in a week or two. Many items come from there as it is quite close.
There was a bit of panic here yesterday as they experienced an earthquake in nearby Tonga and issued a tsunami warning for Fiji as well. The school kids loved having an extra day off, especially as Monday is a public holiday here for World Youth Day.
We are especially enjoying our daily swims, even when it's raining ! Simon worries though,that his hair may go curly ! Take care !

Classes now in full swing

I have now completed my first week of teaching classes and embarking excitedly upon my second week. My 29 students are divided into 2 groups who attend twice weekly. As these delightful people are all currently working with young children in Kindergartens, they come to class later in the day.
Group One attends on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4.00-7.00pm
Group Two attends on Fridays from 4.00pm- 7.00pm and Saturday morning 9.00am until 12noon. Having visited and assesed them in their workplaces during my first 2 weeks here in Fiji, welcoming them into class was such a pleasure. We are certainly having an enjoyable time together !
Simon has now purchased a second Bula shirt and will play golf shortly. The entry to the golf scene has been slower than he would have liked. We have embraced Skype as a superb tool of communication, enjoying frequent chats with family and friends.
I have found where to buy camomile tea here now, so feel more at home !

After 12 days later in Fiji

Time has passed quickly as I have been so busy. Work has been most interesting, meeting lots of great people and admiring their improvisation skills and their ingenuity to provide a high quality program for young children with very few resources. As always, it is the people who make a difference to a children's service. The APTC staff have been wonderful and I am very lucky to be among some great colleagues as I was in Box Hill.
Kerryn has returned to Australia now, a little earlier than planned as her son shattered his wrist and needed an operation. She was a legend in inducting me to the position.
I have been driving the Hyundai Touscon (4 wheel drive ) and finding my own way around Fiji. Quite difficult at times as many roads are not signposted. The local people are most helpful when I become lost ! Yesterday I remebered a short cut during a traffic jam ( they are still doing lots of roadworks to repair flood damage)
When all this round of student visits are completed tomorrow, I begin teaching classes next week. I have a total of 29 students in 2 groups.
Simon arrived last Monday morning and has been discovering new parts of Nadi each day. He is settling into the lifestyle very well, buying a colourful Bula shirt today!
I indulged in a $20 Pacific back massage which was delightful
Some of the food prices are steep ! $2.00 for one tomato, although prices are decreasing slightly as supplies are being replenished since the floods in mid January.
Chocolate is $9.00 for a Cadbury's 200gm block ! and I cannot find any cammomile teabags ! some other of herb ones ! but no camomile ! should have brought more across ! Dam.....