Out at sea

Carlito (I am now on nick name basis with Carlos Castaneda by merely reading his book) wrote that "in fact, the reality of the world we know is so taken for granted... that our reality is merely one of many descriptions." In that case, I concede to the fact that my relationship with the English language and therefore my descriptions, often prevent me from portraying my true reality.. whatever that is... And since I am giving you insight into my reality I have chosen to add a few photos (along with short descriptions) and simply state that... I traveled with work for two weeks on a boat through the most beautiful islands of Fiji- the Yasawas, there was a dental, school and outpatient team, we visited two villages a day, there was a lot of fishing....


Despite quoting Carlito, no drugs were involved - though I will say that there were many times when my reality did feel like a dream. I have decided that there are two kinds of people- those who can tell grand stories about their experiences and those who can't. I'm the latter. Here are some photos...




My living situation for 2 weeks

Where we slept

Where we ate

Afternoon refreshments- yummm, coconuts. Everyone likes the water, but few like the flesh, which works out well because the flesh is my favorite part.

The medical boat. The engine hasn't worked in over a year. Quite decorative... not?

Inside a very well stocked nursing station

Unloading on Yasawa-i-rara (the top most inhabited island)- also called 8 month island. They say that if you get the sand from here in your hair, it'll take 8 months to get out. I don't know about all that, but I will say that walking on it was like walking on an inch or so of powdery snow.

Swimming in the open sea

delivering a much needed water tank to a health center. Water supply is scarce on most of the islands- and hygeine is the biggest public health issue in the villages and schools.

Out-patient mobile pharmacy

Pap smear team- Auntie Vani is wearing a head lamp upon my suggestion, unfortunately that meant that she no longer needed me to hold the flashlight during pap smears... I lost my job to better technology.

School team.

Dental education

Toilets by class

MMR and TT vaccinations

Class 1 teacher leading students to the community health school team

Looking out to Waya island- you don't see that everyday

Farewel Viwa

Girls collecting sea weed. You know... typical after school duties.

The ladies- the head sister and two dental therapists

Last night, the i-tatau, departing ceremony

Baby powder and a garland- in true fiji fashion.

The old capital

Before Suva became the capital of Fiji, it was a little town called Levuka, on an island in Lomaiviti (translation, inside Fiji-- look at a map and you'll see why the translation is relevant) called Ovalau. Oh and is it ever beautiful.

I didn't take any pictures of the town itself, but it's quite unique as far as South Pacific towns go. When you get off the boat you are overwhelmed by the smell of Tuna- as the Sunbell factory sits just beside the wharf.

After you get over the strong scent, you begin to enter the city. When I had cowboy boots I never wore them- but you need a pair for Levuka. Due to colonization, the buildings and town structure make it feel as you have walked on the set of an old Western movie-- except there were no pubs with swinging doors... unfortunately.

Anyway, what was I doing there? I was on vacation. On a whim another volunteer and I decided we would take advantage of the long weekend of March 6-9. Carron, the volunteer stationed there, is always complaining of her isolation on "the rock".... so we went. And what a treat is was. Below are some photos.


Putu- this is what I was looking at when I called you on your birthday

Mission steps - 199 steps to the top

the view at from the top

on our way for a swim

on the road to Carron's house