Tuesday, February 22, 2011

And so continues the amazing adventures of Carpe Diem in the South Pacific:  We spent the first week in Nananu constructing the footpath until an almighty rain came down from the heavens (no literally it rained for 3 days).  We finally got to continue our work on the footpath after 3 days of sitting around.  Our free time is spent hiking, swimming, and playing with all the little kids.  Gotta give a shout out to my boy Modji.  Its nice and warm.  Be jealous Mom.  Have fun with that new 14 inches of snow!  Everyone says hi to they're families!

I'm Willem Crabbe

You stay classy America

New Zealand Earthquake

Greetings from Carpe Diem Headquarters,

As the group is continuing their journey in Fiji and remain out of communication with email and internet, we wanted to post a word or two to address any concerns about the most recent earthquake in New Zealand.

As many of you may already know, Christchurch, NZ (the northern part of the South Island) was devastated with another earthquake on Monday. This is the second earthquake in the last 6 months to cause damage to the area. The magnitude of this earthquake was much more severe and far reaching in terms of effects, damages and lives lost.

In past semesters, Christchurch has been a part of our itinerary. But, serendipitously, this is our second semester of not entering Christchurch as we have some fantastic opportunities that keep us on the North Island. The group will spend their "free travel" week on the South Island, but, please feel at ease that the earthquake will not cause us to change any of our itinerary at this point, nor will they be in the area that has been the epicenter of these quakes.

Please send positive thoughts and prayers to all of the residents of New Zealand as they mourn the losses from this tragedy and as they try to rebuild their lives. We have many friends and contacts in the area and await anxiously to hear from them. We know any thoughts of peace and comfort will help!

Amy Berg and all of the Carpe Diem Staff

Monday, February 14, 2011

BULA!!!!!!!!!!!!! (one exclamation for each person)



We're coming to you from the downtown Nadi backpacker's hostel. After a long flight we're finally here!We spent our first day swimming at a very scenic beach, along with some orientation activities and everyone is getting along swell! Today, the boys went on a run (except for Kareem who was busying running around every girl's head  ;)). While some of the girls, Lucy, Hannah (me-holla), Kelsey, Cliff and Ryan had breakfast and will even be featured in the local newspaper...niiiioce. Then we separated into pairs for scavenger hunt (a great way to wander around the city and see some exciting sights).The Fijian people have been VERY friendly and nice. We'll be heading to our home-stays in two days which we're anxiously anticipating.

Sincerely,
 .
Bilbo Bloggings 


8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time
with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

...And They're Off!


We've just received word that all are present, accounted for, and checked in for Nadi, Fiji. Woot!

More from the group when they arrive and get settled. Until then, this is HQ signing off...

Friday, February 4, 2011

Hey mate, let's Walkabout!


Bula, from your very enthusiastic trip leaders, Karen and Cliff!

This blog is a place for you to post photos, tell stories and share your experiences with friends and family back home. Send your loved ones this link so they can see and read about the places that your adventurous spirit is taking you.

Throughout our semester, each of you will have the opportunity to post to this blog, documenting our journey for the world to see. Blogger is one of four roles that each of you will fill as the semester progresses. There are four other roles, and you’ll have at least one turn in each. They are Hot Wheels – arranging transportation, Cribs – organizing our housing, Clark Kent – who reports on the news from near and far, Regulator – making sure any loose ends are tied up, and finally El Capitan – the person who pulls it all together and MC’s group meetings.

Sharing the responsibility for success will help our group build a tight-knit community, and help each of you develop great travel skills.

Reminder: We are meeting at the Tom Bradley Terminal in LAX, at the Air Pacific counter. We’ll gather there at 5:30 pm and reconvene at that spot every hour until our entire group is together. Also, you DO NOT need $150 in cash for a train ride . . . if you don’t know what we’re talking about, don’t worry about it.

We're looking forward to an educational journey with you, full of adventure, smells, toil, sights and laughs. Hopefully you've already had a chance to read through the itinerary. For now, eat the foods you love, hug your families and pets, and pick up those last minute travel-essentials. Next stop, Fiji!

Peace,
Karen and Cliff