The experience of a life time!

When we arrived at the village I felt like a celebrity everyone came outside to greet us. We were surrounded by 30 people all excited to introduce themselves and ask who we were. I was a little nervous at first since I am brutal at remembering names (even english names). I felt like there was no chance on absorbing them but surprisingly I picked up a lot in a short time. They all assured me that I would know all of them by the end of the week! They were right!
After the traditional Kava ceremony, that welcomes us into the village, we were given "buddies" that would help us out if we needed anything. My buddy was Poonum. She is a beautiful Indo-Fijian girl that was a student of the University of South Pacific. Although my buddy was Poonum my house mate was Sai. Sai was also a Fijian student of USP. I couldn't have asked for a better roomie! She was sweet, funny, helpful and incredibly beautiful! She helped my with so many thing and eased my culture shock! There were many nights we would stay up and talk about life in Fiji and how our cultures differed.
The house I stayed in was owned by the Chiefs daughter. Her name was Bucca (Boo-ka) and she had a 16 years old son named Buddy-or that's what we called him at least. He was really shy at first but then warmed up and became a very funny 16 year old!
I didn't realize until the second last day that another man lived in my house. He was Bucca's brother. The reason I didn't know he lived in my house is because the house was sectioned off with curtains. Sai and I slept in the front room with curtains that were pulled to make it more private. The kitchen/washing room was behind another curtain. This is where the family spent most of their time. I would yell 'Bula Bucca' when I came in and she would yell 'Bula' back.
My first sleep in Vusama Village was a pretty rough. I had to go to the washroom so bad but was too scared and didn't know how to get to the pit toilet (they are about 20 meters off from the house). So I held it and held it and held it! The night felt so long! I soon got over my fear of night and lurking insects!
The next day we were thrown right into the dig! We were up at 7:30 for breakfast and at the site by 9:00. Breakfast was amazing every morning...we had cakes and fruit. When we arrived at the site I was in shock, it was unbelievable. We were steps away from the beach and the shells that were coming out of the units were nothing I have ever seen before. They were monstrous! Bigger than a softball and triangular in shape! I honestly just walked around for 15 minutes staring at them! My mom would have lost her mind if she saw them! I remember turning to Claire and being just in awe! I couldn't believe we were on a 3000 year old site and in Fiji to boot!
The first day was long. We worked until 6pm and thought there was no way we could last 2 weeks! Everyday after that we only worked until 5pm though. Work became easier as we got adjusted to the site. Dr. Nunn also allowed us to take many breaks and would sometimes bring us fruit to recharge our drained bodies!
Each day on site was great fun! I was in Mata's pit for the first few days. He is a Fijian archaeologist who works at the museum in the capital. He was quite at first then became a very entertaining man! I also had other USP students in my unit-Reemal, Cozy, Kirti and Schiza. They all were great people and made me feel welcomed!
On the first day of work I found a skeleton. I could believe that it was just right there. It was amazing to excavate it by myself as well. At home it becomes such an ordeal when bones are found!
I don't have any complaints of the site, it was interesting and educating! The people were so kind and everyone was so quick to help one another! It's great to see people eager to work and loving their job!
Claire loved being at the site more than the village but I think I loved the village more. Not that I didn't LOVE LOVE LOVE the site but I just enjoyed the experience of how people lived in the village. Everyone who lived in Vusama was so hospitable. They all yelled 'Bula Jenna' even when I had no idea who they were. They were all so gracious and giving.
Ironically, some of the best memories I have of the village was when I was showering and brushing my teeth. It seemed to be when the most hilarious and spectacular things happened! Like Claire's bucket shower, I only had three walls as well. Since it didn't have a curtain or anything blocking my naked body I could look out on the hills behind the village. I would frequently see wild horses, pigs and sometimes men walking by! I'm not sure if they saw me since I turned away as soon as I saw them! I would also hear random things in the bush that I didn't know what it was! Maybe it's best I didn't know!
Every night when I brushed my teeth I would look up at the stars! They were more beautiful then I have even seen them! Toronto is missing out on how beautiful the sky is! I would also hear random things in the bushes when I was brushing my teeth. One night in particular I was brushing them when I heard a loud noise over my shoulder. I turned around and it bolted from the bush... I SCREAMED. I actually screamed so loud that I think people thought it was a dog yelp! So embarrassing! It was only a pig but it scared me so much my heart was still racing when I crawled into bed!

I cant write much now since Claire and I are heading to Robinson Crusoe Island for a few nights and have to catch our ride, but I will finish explaining my experiences when I get back!

Hope everyone is great back home and keeping warm!
I love and miss you all!
J xo

written by  clairejenna on February 2, 2009 from Vusama, Fiji
from the travel blog: Claire and Jenna Do The World
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