Like Sand Through an Hourglass...

Well, there’s just over 6 weeks left of my time here in Fiji... can’t believe it. I think I’m officially in panic mode because I know I won’t be ready to leave when the time comes. I’ve formed relationships and have memories here that will be heartbreaking to turn away from... as much as I know that I have to return to Vancouver, where life will eventually go back to normal, I can’t help but feel discontented about it. I’ve fallen in love with the South Pacific... the lifestyle, the people, the nature, the beauty. I didn’t tell many people, but I was approved for a second semester here at USP... I wanted to stay longer so that I could explore the region further (I really would like to visit the Solomon’s, Tonga and New Zealand) and complete my degree here. However, after thinking and reflecting long and hard about it, I decided that it’s best for me to come home as planned... that way I’ll have enough money in my savings for the backpacking endeavors I have planned for next year, I won’t risk losing my job, and I'll be guaranteed to graduate on time – all very adult, somewhat boring considerations. I sometimes wonder whether I’ll regret this decision... and the panic I’m currently feeling doesn’t help... but I know I’ll be back in the South Pacific again some day, and I find comfort in that.

 This past weekend, I joined Greg and Lena (two lovely fellow Germans that are also studying here at USP) on a trip to Rakiraki, which is in the Northern part of Viti Levu. We took a 4 hour bus ride early Friday morning and arrived at Voli Voli Resort just after noon. It was a super chill weekend, where we read poolside and enjoyed our surroundings. I spoke to a diving instructor about the SSi and PADI diving classes, in hopes of getting certified while out there. Unfortunately, 2 days wasn't enough time to do so, so I'm hoping to perhaps get my diving certification elsewhere before I leave Fiji. I saw some neat insects/animals on our trip (a preying mantis landed on Greg, cows trekked on a road next to us, and a crab was chilling in our pool) which was fun. The mountains in Rakiraki were my favourite – so majestic and beautiful. It was a good place to be for a weekend, that's for sure!

 Since being back, I’ve begun to realize that I have a good amount of school work that I need to start on... I’m hoping to get it all out of the way so that I can go away to the Mamanuca Islands during our designated study break week. We’ll see how that goes! Other than that, all else is well here... sorry for the procrastination on my updates, it definitely lessens the quality of my posts, but I just can’t be bothered :p

From Fiji, with love <3