Bula all...sorry it's been a while! Have loved every minute of my seven weeks back home...Christmas with family, catching up with friends, even working! I thought it would be weird working back at my old bookshop, Waterstones. And it was, a bit. But it also reminded me that I am indeed a massive book geek, and that one of my favourite things to do in life is talk about books (as you've probably gathered from all the book reviews). It also helped that Waterstones seems to attract awesome staff...it was great to make some new friends while working.
Anyway...enough of that. So here I am, back in hot, rainy Fiji. Our pal Fiji's had a bit of a tough time as of late, with flooding in most parts of the country. Selfishly, I wasn't sure if I could make it back to Suva from Nadi. But, thanks to the kindness of an American ex-pat, I soon got back to good ol' Suva- and it felt like I had never left. Same dusty, crowded bus station, same Tapoo City rising high above the city, same colourful clothes and umbrellas lining the streets. Despite this, it's still always a little strange returning to a place you already know so well...those little differences from home that you grew used to suddenly seem stark again. You have to relearn the kooky ways of the place and people...though luckily, not from scratch. And as I always say, it's good to have a little break from somewhere...it clears your mind, and makes you more open and excited about change.
So, Suva hadn't changed all that much...yet so much was about to change. The next day I started my new teaching job; the day after that, we moved to a new apartment. We've certainly realised that when it comes to finding a place, it's all about location, location, location. Our place is in the city now, and we have a BALCONY! Finally, Patrick can live out his hammock dreams! It was a real shame to leave our landlords- genuinely lovely people- but we wanted to start living the Suva life a little more. Our neighbours seem very friendly- and lively! Just an hour ago, there seemed to be some gospel-style singing coming from up there! The only problem so far is the cold, dribbly shower- not such a nice wake up in the mornings. Ah well, can't have it all I suppose!
So, that's one new chapter in our lives. And of course, I've just become a teacher...bloody hell! Never would have dreamed it this time last year...but then that's the beauty of life, eh? Throws you into all sorts of unexpected situations! I haven't started teaching yet, so I'll keep you all updated with how that goes. All I know is that I'm as excited about it as I am nervous...which has got to be a good sign, right?
Before I sign off, just have to share with you one little thing we saw yesterday. Fiji played South Africa yesterday in the New Zealand 7s...and the whole of Suva was watching. Mcdonalds seemed to be the place to watch it...the place was rammed, with 20 people watching from outside, and 20 more watching from across the street! Crazy! I went past Courts, the electronic store...same story. Even in the market, people were less attentive than usual, ears glued eagerly to radios and mini TVs. Fijians sure are a passionate lot...and I love them for it!
Anyway...enough of that. So here I am, back in hot, rainy Fiji. Our pal Fiji's had a bit of a tough time as of late, with flooding in most parts of the country. Selfishly, I wasn't sure if I could make it back to Suva from Nadi. But, thanks to the kindness of an American ex-pat, I soon got back to good ol' Suva- and it felt like I had never left. Same dusty, crowded bus station, same Tapoo City rising high above the city, same colourful clothes and umbrellas lining the streets. Despite this, it's still always a little strange returning to a place you already know so well...those little differences from home that you grew used to suddenly seem stark again. You have to relearn the kooky ways of the place and people...though luckily, not from scratch. And as I always say, it's good to have a little break from somewhere...it clears your mind, and makes you more open and excited about change.
So, Suva hadn't changed all that much...yet so much was about to change. The next day I started my new teaching job; the day after that, we moved to a new apartment. We've certainly realised that when it comes to finding a place, it's all about location, location, location. Our place is in the city now, and we have a BALCONY! Finally, Patrick can live out his hammock dreams! It was a real shame to leave our landlords- genuinely lovely people- but we wanted to start living the Suva life a little more. Our neighbours seem very friendly- and lively! Just an hour ago, there seemed to be some gospel-style singing coming from up there! The only problem so far is the cold, dribbly shower- not such a nice wake up in the mornings. Ah well, can't have it all I suppose!
So, that's one new chapter in our lives. And of course, I've just become a teacher...bloody hell! Never would have dreamed it this time last year...but then that's the beauty of life, eh? Throws you into all sorts of unexpected situations! I haven't started teaching yet, so I'll keep you all updated with how that goes. All I know is that I'm as excited about it as I am nervous...which has got to be a good sign, right?
Before I sign off, just have to share with you one little thing we saw yesterday. Fiji played South Africa yesterday in the New Zealand 7s...and the whole of Suva was watching. Mcdonalds seemed to be the place to watch it...the place was rammed, with 20 people watching from outside, and 20 more watching from across the street! Crazy! I went past Courts, the electronic store...same story. Even in the market, people were less attentive than usual, ears glued eagerly to radios and mini TVs. Fijians sure are a passionate lot...and I love them for it!
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