Jean Vergara recounts adventures with the Lions Abroad Fiji program:
“Bula! Bula! Bula!” Every day we heard and responded with “Bula” the Fijian word for ‘hello’ and ‘welcome.’ Fijians are considered one of the friendliest people on the planet. With their warm smiles and constant greetings, it was easy to feel right at home.
Meeting the students and staff of Penn State University at the Nadi airport, I knew I was in for ten days of fun. After an exciting day at in central Nadi, we headed to the Coral Coast, where adventure and culture awaited us.
As it was my first time leading an AUIP Fiji group, I was just as excited as the students were to see the sights, meet the people and take on some adventures. As one of the many highlights of the trip, I would say the Luva River was a beast!
Our day started off like any normal Saturday on the mainland does…with breakfast. It was raining, and the sun had not yet appeared. I knew our river trip with Rivers Fiji would be a little more rugged than the Class I-II rapids experienced by past groups. And I was right.
Serving kava in the village
The road to our destination was long, bumpy and sometimes a bit scary. Nevertheless, we trekked through and were treated with gorgeous landscape, homemade banana bread and a colorful cup of TANG (orange drink) along the way.
After what seemed like an eternity on the one lane road, we arrived in Nakavika Village to participate in a traditional kava ceremony. The PSU students really embraced the culture and were definitely not shy to participate. Two students, Ashley and Corinne, were invited to help serve kava. I think they enjoyed the opportunity, and the villagers seemed to find it amusing as well. Their laughter was proof enough.
Finally, our wild river adventure was ready to begin. We geared up and were ready to roll down the river. The guides’ instructions were simple. Basilio, our main guide, said, “It best to fall off the kayak…people are scared to fall, but it is best.” Having fallen off a tube, a raft and many kayaks, I knew I would have to demonstrate a proper fall and float down the rapids.
Basilio providing kayaking instructions
As I drifted down the first set of rapids (Class II-III), I see a student stuck by a rock. The rapids were bringing me toward her kayak and, as to not crush her with my vessel; I heroically decided to roll out of my kayak. With my chest and legs facing up like a fallen turtle, I floated down the river and then when I had the chance, swam toward the group. The students and staff were cheering, clapping and laughing. It was like a scene from a movie. After that first rapid, it was smooth sailing from there.
We had a great outdoor picnic. Then we hiked through the rainforest to a beautiful waterfall and were pretty impressed by the power of the waterfall’s mist.
PSU feeling the waterfall’s power
After a long day of kayaking, hiking and kava-ing, we were greeted by little “punt” boats that took us through the scenic river. We spotted wild horses, countless waterfalls, sleepy villages and serene landscapes. At the end, we celebrated in our day’s accomplishments and marveled at the wonders we had seen. It was an ideal Fijian day that was definitely unforgettable.
