Living in Paradise

Apparently, August was wicked month for my people back home:

• The debt ceiling battle caused more economic stress (the details of which I am not really privy since my consumption of news from the states is rare and scant). I guess I'm not retiring anytime soon and may have to work till I'm dead since what little investment I have is apparently shrinking (again). Then again, I'm a 46 year old volunteer living in a rural village in Fiji... building wealth has not been a huge priority. I think I'll relax and head for the beach
• A rare earthquake hit the mid-Atlantic region. Again, I've gotten few details but apparently it shook the ground from DC to Baltimore. Could it be that the sleepy fault line down the eat coast is stirring? I currently live within or quite near the infamous Pacific Ring if Fire and the only tremors I've felt are when the rcikety old buses rumbled over the bridge near my host family's house.
• A giant hurricane has swirled it's way up the east coast threatening the big cities and causing evacuations. Haven't gotten an update on this one yet... Hope everyone is safe and well. Here in the South Pacific our hurricanes are called cyclones and the season for these storms is Nov-April (the opposite of the Atlantic hurricane season). Right now, we are in our dry season (winter). Although the sun can get hot and some days are steamy, it is relatively cool (especially in my region) with chilly nights.

My month:

• Visited the Sand Dunes, Fiji's first National Park, and hiked up a giant dune that overlooked the Pacific. Tried to "ski" down the sand slope by taking huge jumps down it's steep side and slidding in our sandals.
• Spent a weekend at one of the many resorts that dot the coastline on the south side of this island. Took a sea kayak out in the morning, swam within the coral reef, napped in a hammock under the palm trees.
• Traveled to the capital city for the annual Hibiscus Festival (carnival food and rides!) and marched with the Peace Corps in the Hibiscus Parade.
• Hiked through a hilly rain forest to waterfalls and pools.

So, apparently, it's safer here (certainly more pleasant) in Fiji right now than it is back at home. I think I'll stay a while. Come join me!