April 17, 2025

FORT DE FRANCE, MARTINIQUE - 2nd time here!

It was really nice to be in a familiar port, and on a Sunday so we could go to Mass. A group of us all went together which made it even more special. These teens were all making their confirmation and were being honored on the alter at the end of Mass.

Last week in the Portuguese church, I used Google translate during the Readings and the Homily and was able to understand a good 90% of what was being said by the readers and the Cardinal. I tried using Google translate again, this week and it went terribly wrong translating the French ! Below are a couple of the translations I got. I stopped trying after the last one!

After Mass we tried to get some group shots - below L to R - Holly, Amy, Fran, Kimberly & Phil and me with Steve and Ann, fellow Philadelphians - they actually live in Haverford. We did some dress shopping after Mass.

PORT DEARAU, FIJI - Naidiri Village

By Patricia Patrick • December 4, 2025
Today we went to see the coastal Naidiri Village that has recently won the Top Prize in global restoration, for their ocean reef project. The reef restoration was borne out of necessity to solve their dwindling food/ main protein source for the village, of fish. It was started by 2 of the villages rugby players and today is run by the local teenagers (mostly boys) in the village. It was great seeing how empowered and proud they were of their amazing efforts.

LAUTOKA, FIJI

By Patricia Patrick • December 1, 2025
The port agent offered several trips to areas around Lautoka . We chose the trip to Serenity Island Resort which included van and boat transfers and lunch. It was a really nice day enjoying the sun, reef, pool, turtles and amenities!

RIVER TUBING DOWN THE NAVUA, SUVA, FIJI

By Patricia Patrick • December 1, 2025
I organized a group tour for a fun day experience. We had a great day despite the rain that decided to join in. We started with a 45 minute van ride out through the city, into the countryside. Then we got in long boats and went up river to a waterfall, some swam or cheered on the guides to cliff dive. Then back in the boats to visit Sabata Village where 50 family members live as a community existing totally off the land, along the river. Next was a quick boat ride to our BBQ lunch spot. After lunch we got to tube down the river, through light rapids, for just about an hour. We ganged our tubes together with the guide - we had a chain of 14 in my group and the guides totally blew us away singing hymns for a good chunk of the journey. It was truly moving in that place with the rain drizzling and all of us linked together. Loved it!