What more can you say when the name itself sums up all that is magical, breathtaking, and essentially, bliss about a place? Paradise is that, and more. A haven of unequalled serenity that i have been lucky enough to find myself living and working. My name is Amir and I consider myself extremely privileged to be the Homeschool Teacher of Jessica & Thomas, children of Terri and Allan Gortan, and children of Paradise Taveuni, Fiji.
I arrived here almost 9 weeks ago, with my partner Claire, and am relishing the joyful times and new experiences. Aside from the surrounds, of which i am still awestruck by every time I walk down to the ocean through the lush greenery, it is the people thus far that have made my stay so memorable. Although the adjustment period in coming from a modest western lifestyle has been at times difficult, the always hospitable Terri and Allan are always there to lend an ear or hand if needed and issues are always warmly dealt with efficiently and professionally. The many staff, now friends, always find a way to make me laugh. Their constant cheery disposition is always a highlight in my day. A swimmer from before birth, the water is a place where i find solace. the ocean here is not only pleasurable to swim in 24 hours a day, the pristine flora and fauna which abound make it a wonder-filled surreal experience. To have it so close is more than i could ever have hoped for or expected and i honestly love it.
Thomas and Jessica are free spirited, little handfuls with beautiful hearts who constantly keep me both on my toes and entertained. Their playground that is Paradise provides them with an outdoor lifestyle only dreamed of by the mildest of outdoor enthusiasts. Understandably, the challenges inside the classroom have been occasionally met with resistance, potentially caused by the overstimulation of senses in their ‘normal’ lives. Specific integration of the great outdoors into foundation learning areas such as literacy and mathematics are therefore accommodated to when the possibilities arise. While these amalgamations of learning experiences usually delight the children, i sometimes wonder if i’m enjoying myself as much, if not more so, than they.
Our outings thus far have included the Bouma Waterfalls (Jess and I jumped from the cave into the falls, exhilarating), the natural waterfall water-slides (Sliding down with the locals, who thrill seek by standing the entire way and even do tricks, was very exciting), local surrounding black and white sand beaches (once a week with children from other resorts and local children participate in an activity filled day known as ‘kids club’), swimming (everyday lessons and free play), snorkelling (working up Thomas’ confidence in the ocean so that the children will feel safe and in control of all their surrounds, and also delight in the wonders that surround them), fishing (and fish feeding from the mariner, watching the spectrum of known colours expand with every piece of bread thrown in the water) and some beautiful walks around the resort grounds with our canine chaperones Mitch, Hot-dog, and Danny (including the animal enclosures: parrots, snakes, iguanas, pigs, horses, frogs and geckos, observing all the budding fruits and vegetables: Papaya, Pawpaw, Banana, Mango, Pineapple, Breadfruit, Tomato, Pumpkin, various herbs & spices and others which i’m sure i’ve missed) and beautiful trees and flowers. Especially of note is the children’s magnificent and beloved treehouse, which is a massive ~30 metre high mango tree that has been modified to house four split level platforms with adjoining ladders leading progressively upwards, a gangway plank, tarzan rope and hammock. Not too shabby.
I will endeavour to keep you all up to date on the children and our time together in Paradise Taveuni as often as i can pull myself away from enjoying it.
Vinaka, Amir - Home School Teacher
School teaching in Paradise
