Bula Vinaka!

How is everyone doing? We are just finishing up our 2 week stay at Nadave. We have been staying at an all boys technology training academy and we have had classes all day everyday with a few fun things in between. It's beautiful here! Our bure (hut) looks over a river and we can see a few islands in the distance. It's been pretty rainy, but the last few days the sun has poked through a for part of the days. We have been learning the Fijian language which has been interesting learning from our native teachers Vili, Filipe, Kini, Moce, Elenoa, and Joe. The food has been a difficult adjustment for Liss, the strange cut of meats like spinal cord are too much for her weak stomach. Drew on the other hand has no problem taking anything down. There's a lot of mystery meat and extremely dense root crops that make you feel like you've just downed a bag of flour. We did have a traditional Lovo night which is where they cook many meats and veggies underground. Then the whole meal is set out on long runners on the floor and everyone eats buffet style with their hands. That feast was delicious, especially a seviche like dish called Kokoda which was raw fish in coconut milk. We ended the night with a sevusevu where everyone partakes in the Yaqona (kava). It really does taste like muddy water and makes you feel like you've been at the dentist all day. Last weekend we went to a rain forest reserve park and went hiking and swimming all over beautiful waterfalls and trails. Now we are in Suva, the biggest city in all of Fiji where over half of the population resides. It's your typical big city with big buildings, malls, McDonald's, KFC, and robbers. Starting Friday we will be at our host family's house for the next 7 weeks. We don't know what village it is in yet, or where our permanent site will be yet. The culture so far has been very friendly and welcoming. Walking down the street people yell from their houses "bula vinaka"! The scenery has been just gorgeous lush and green like we hoped. We are looking forward to December when the mango season starts! We hope everyone is well, and enjoying the summertime. Take care and Moce mada for now!