"Most Devastating Storm Ever"

Today was the first day we could get into the city of Nadi. Over the last week the area had been underwater from unrelenting rain. All day,every day the rain was steady and hard. As Canadians we couldn't believe just how much rain could actually fall from the sky.
Driving around town was incredibly depressing. The streets were full of store merchandise that had been ruined and furniture that had been waterlogged. Garbage was everywhere. Visually it was unbelievable but what was worse was the smell. The stench came from the stagnant waters that still pooled in the streets but also from the heaps of garbage that pilled infront of every store. (everything was covered in mud)
Each shop had their entire contents cleaned out. Many were sweeping the water out of their stores with brooms. We couldn't help but think of the despair. These people just lost everything. Azeem (the man we are staying with) told us of a man that owned a pharmacy and lost everything. We also heard that people's cattle were being swept away by the rising rivers. Even though I hadn't seen the country before the destruction, I still am in a state of shock when I see what it is like now- after the waters have receded.
If the dig doesn't happen, due to the weather, I think Claire and I should volunteer with the Red Cross. People are desperate for supplies and we could help with handing out aid.

Although the country is in bad shape you can still see how beautiful it is. Today the sun was shining and the people were smiling. Random people you don't know smile and say 'Bula' (which means hello). Everyone is so kind and courteous! People will ask where we are from. They will also wonder why we are archaeologist! Azeems friends asked, "Why do you want to do that job? Why don't you want to be a nurse?" We smile and say, "We love our job"!

Claire and I hit a wall about 3 or 4pm. I think the jet lag is still lingering! We have taken a nap each day, but this will change once we get on the dig. Both of us are looking forward to getting our hands in the fijian dirt... probably mud now!

Love from fiji,
J

written by

clairejenna on January 15, 2009 from Nandi, Fiji

from the travel blog: Claire and Jenna Do The World

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Hello my lovelies! I just discovered this! I'm so glad you're blogging and I can share in your adventure this way :) It sounds like the weather was incredibly devastating. I hope you can still participate in the dig, but if not then it sounds like your idea to help with the red cross would be much appreciated given the situation. Do they often get weather like that? Like, does the flooding and threat/damage of hurricanes happen every year, or is this a rare thing for Fiji? I know you're super busy, and I remember what it's like to be traveling and be pressed for internet time, so you don't have to answer my questions. It'll give me more to ask you when you come back, or when we're in the Field and run out of random games to play. It sounds like everything is off to a fantastic start! :) xoxo

written by Alison Torrie on January 15, 2009

Hi Sweetie!
Yeah, the weather here isn't great. We had one nice day yesterday but it rained again today. This is the rainy season in Fiji, but apparently this is the worst storm they have ever had. Some of the shops in town got up to 15 METRES of water!!! It is crazy. The guy we are staying with was born in Fiji and he said he has never seen it so bad. We really miss you and the rest of the gang. It was hard today, because the weather was shitty and I was a bit lonely, but we went out tonight with some friends of the gentleman we are staying with and it was a lot of fun, so I feel better!

We will update again as soon as we get back to civilization!
LOVE LOVE,
C

written by

clairejenna on January 17, 2009

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