Final post!

Just to tidy up everything, I thought I would write one last blog reflecting on the incredible experience I have just had.

It is now Christmas eve, I am back with my family and relaxing in front of the warm glow of the TV (hardcore partier, I know; I maintain that I am still jetlagged!)

I am already finding that my stress levels are increasing dramatically, with my parents constantly talking to me about the amount of work they have to do (both housework and paid work) and with the realization that I have to spend some long hours replanning my degree. Although I somewhat criticized in my essay the relaxed nature of the Fijians, I can certainly see the benefit in an attitude that is not overly concerned with planning everything down to the tiniest detail, and worrying incredibly when something minor goes wrong. This is the attitude that I tried to escape from when I moved away from home!

I am very grateful that I managed to have this experience. Being exposed to different cultures is so incredibly valuable, especially those that are so close to Australia (and so inextricably intertwined with Australian society itself), and I am so glad that I was able to do this not just in a tourist role, but in a more intrinsic capacity, with a responsibility to uphold the name of the Australian National University, and a contribution to make to this country with so much promise, but a rather unfortunate history and current economic situation.

I am also very happy that I have transferred to Asia-Pacific studies; I believe this, combined with Law, will give a more focussed direction to my studies, and future career path, and will hopefully enable me to explore some fascinating cultural traditions and some amazing groups of people.

I will never forget the people I have met in Fiji, along with their infectious joie de vivre and pride for their people and their country. I sincerely hope I get the opportunity to return, hopefully this time with a few more years of studies and life experience under my belt.

In my time in Fiji, I think I have reaffirmed several passions of mine; a passion for languages (I regretted that I was not able to communicate in Fijian), a passion for using the law to help people (I would really like to investigate more the land tenure issues that plague the Pacific region, especially given how central land is to Fijian society), and a passion for helping women (I spent many of the kava drinking sessions chatting to women about their lives, and have come to the realization that the same issues often afflict women the world over).

So, it now being Christmas day, I think it is time to sign off once and for all. I would like to say thankyou to everyone else who participated in the internship (if anyone gets to read this!), you have made the experience so enjoyable. I would also like to thank Nikki and Katerina for their organization (and no, I'm not trying to mark-grab).

Vinaka vakalevu Fiji, there's a large part of my heart now reserved for you! Merry Christmas to all!