“When I first pictured Fiji in my mind, it was a touristy island full of resorts.  Although there are many of these spots, I was surprised to find that Fiji is bustling, diverse country in which many of its citizens still live the traditional lifestyle.”

Yoonhee Ryder, 2013 Fellow

“Our time in the city and our long boat and bus rides were the moments where we were able to observe Fijians candidly, by shopping and traveling along side them.” Alea Rouse

“You get to uncover Fiji’s history and meet its wonderful, diverse people.” Christel Carlisle

“You get to see a night sky so bright and full of stars you forget why we need lights.” Christel Carlisle

“This busy and diverse city contrasted to our campsite in Vanua Levu.” Yoonhee

“The majority the time we spent in Fiji we were mainly with the large group of Fellows, so our time spent traveling to and from the islands was when we were able to see the overwhelmingly beautiful scenery that varied from the outer ocean coasts to the breathtaking sight of inlands that consisted of scenic mountains and waterfalls. ” Alea Rouse

“The dancers (matana) may be men performing a war dance with decorated spears, or women performing a slow, smooth dance with woven fans as they sit.” Kendra Hein, 2014 Fellow

“You wake up at sunrise in your tent either from one of the best nights of sleep you have ever had in your life or from a night of broken sleep due to scurrying mongooses, yowling cats, coconut air raids and spiders.” Christel Carlisle, Field Trip Assistant

“Whole pigs wrapped in banana leaves and piles of dalo were roasted in earth ovens or lovos.” Kelly Ledford, 2013 Fellow

“The locals lived in small houses usually surrounded by chickens and coconut trees.” Yoonhee Ryder, 2013 Fellow

“The locals lived in small houses usually surrounded by chickens and coconut trees.” Yoonhee Ryder

“Although we were miles and boat rides away from any town our camping conditions were by no means unpleasant.’ Alea Rouse

“Kava is a very mild narcotic that is consumed during Fijian ceremonies. To some Westerners, it tastes like dirt. But even with this taste when drinking kava you feel as if you’re part of the culture.” Kendra Hein, 2014 Fellow

“When you’re sitting in a circle sharing kava with the locals it is a great way to get to know Fijians.” Kendra Hein, 2014 NSF-REU Fellow

“Mekes are used to welcome guests, and tell love stories.” Kendra Hein, 2014 Fellow

“When I first pictured Fiji in my mind, it was a touristy island full of resorts.” Yoonhee Ryder, 2013 Fellow

“In Nasinu we were able to see the entire village involved in preparations for a feast.” Kelly Ledford, one of the 2013 Fellows

” The markets in the city were filled with piles of both familiar and unfamiliar fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, and nuts.” Kelly Ledford

“We landed in Nadi after a long flight from Los Angeles. From there we took a bus to Suva, the capital of Viti Levu (Fiji), where we then stayed a few days to gather supplies for our journey to Nukubalavu.” Alea Rouse

“Every morning, you eat and you get your gear together and you commence a half mile hike to the excavation site” Christel Carlisle

“Fijians are wonderful people. They are always available help, to teach, to explain things.” Jozie Banas, 2014 NSF-REU Fellow

“Nighttime at camp consisted of storytelling and star gazing making nights some of our most enjoyable moments in Fiji.” Alea Rouse

“You eat fresh and unique foods, watch the ebb and flow of the ocean, see the sun rise and set on the other side of the world. ” Christel Carlisle

“Fresh coconuts were readily available. Perhaps too available. In fact the only danger we ever faced was the impending threat of getting hit by a falling coconut.” Alea Rouse

“I was surprised to find that Fiji is bustling, diverse country in which many of its citizens still live the traditional lifestyle.” Yoonhee Ryder

“In any direction you look, Fiji’s natural beauty was stunning and this album reflects just some insight throughout our time spent traveling. ” Alea Rouse

“When I first pictured Fiji in my mind, it was a touristy island full of resorts.  Although there are many of these spots, I was surprised to find that Fiji is bustling, diverse country in which many of its citizens still live the traditional lifestyle.  The two main islands of Fiji are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.  Suva, the capital, is located on Viti Levu.  This busy and diverse city contrasted to our campsite in Vanua Levu.  The pace of life in our campsite’s nearby village was much slower.  The locals lived in small houses usually surrounded by chickens and coconut trees.  The closest town to our campsite was Savusavu.  Savusavu is a yacht port.  Usually once every couple weeks, several students would go to Savusavu to restock supplies.”

Yoonhee Ryder, 2013 NSF-REU Fiji Fellow.