Earlier this year, my School for International Training group visited the island of Viti Levu, part of the Oceanic country of Fiji. On our second day in Fiji, we went on a two-hour long hike on the island's sand dunes. Here, we learned about the history of these sand dunes and that they are partially anthropologically-caused, as a byproduct of deforestation. The hike was wonderful, but the other students and I were all rather surprised that the hike lasted for two hours! Standing at the top of one of the highest sand dunes was absolutely spectacular, though! It was a moment that made me feel truly happy and alive.
Our tour guide was a Fijian man who lived in a nearby village. He led us through a series of stretches and a brief warm-up before the hike. The first part of the hike consisted of walking uphill to an open, grassy area that revealed a scenic view of the hills of the Fijian terrain. There was also an overlook of the Pacific Ocean. During this first part of the hike, I spotted an assortment of different wildlife such as many species of wildflowers, shrubs and insects. Colorful butterflies fluttered around us as we hiked upwards, the hot island sun shining on our skin.
