Tribewanted: Vorovoro

Four days back home in Canada, and I still wake up thinking I’m in the Funhouse with Chief Chloe, and Francis’ camel balls breakfast is a short walk in the sunshine and fresh sea air away. I want to say Yandra Sia to my family, and sometimes I do. There are times when I think about something I want to say to Bebe, Tomasi, Api, or Pupu, and I wish I were still on the island.

I never could have imagined how special and influencial my stay on Vorovoro would be. What was it exactly that made it so hard to leave? Of course the beautiful warm weather and soft waves are exquisite, the food is excellent, and the activities are exhilarating, but it was leaving my new Tribewanted family that brought on tears during my final boat ride away from the village. Fijians are the warmest, most welcoming and accepting people I have come across to date. They work hard and have fun simultaneously. I can still hear Api’s outrageous laugh ringing in my ears, and I wish I could warn him to stop being so cheeky or it’ll be a Malau bus for him in the next grog session! I miss sitting down next to Pupu for a story or a bit of wisdom. That man is a legend! I hope he realizes how his positivity is felt by everyone around him. I miss the smiling faces of the Mali school children. I miss the magic of night fishing, and of watching a turtle lay her eggs. I miss boat rides. I miss playing with the Cahills. I miss GROG!

Vinaka vaka levu to everyone on the island for your friendship, love, and laughter.

I left a piece of my heart on Vorovoro. I can’t wait to go back!