Final Reflections

The final days of my three weeks in Fiji were very crazy- lots of work both at the National Trust and for our course, sad farewells and gift- buying. Doing an internship with the National Trust and the various events associated with the program has allowed me to gain an insight into the country, people and culture that I could never have imagined from just simply travelling. Interestingly, my next door neighbours were in Fiji at the same time staying in a resort on one of the outer islands. It was a perfect family holiday for them, yet it sounded very similar to our last night in Nadi when I know that many of us were frustrated by the ‘Fijian dance shows,’ the endless souvenir shopping and the lack of activities apart from lazing on a beach. It made me realize how different my experiences were from the initial idyllic expectations that I had from our pre- departure sessions back in Canberra.

Farwell Dinner on the Monday Night

Farewell Party at the National Trust

The most memorable part of the experience was the people- how welcoming everyone was; the smiles and the genuine caring nature of the people from work, the Colonial Lodge and the Conservatorium of Music Students. The pride and passion for their work whether it be traditional dance or environmental conservation has been something I have been very impressed with. Of course there were some negative aspects. I was at some points frustrated by ‘Fiji time’- the endless waiting, the lack of organization in the work place which I felt lost a lot of resources and work hours. However this was part of the experience and I felt I have learnt a lot about ‘going with the flow.’ The past three weeks have been intense, but full of amazing experiences and memories. I have enjoyed getting to know the other ANU students, Nikki, the National Trust staff and the Conservatorium of Music students. I am still very much in denial about returning to reality even though I have been back in Australia for nearly a week now!

Vinaka vakalevu