CURRENT MISSION

Eagerly learning and enjoying life.

ABOUT ME

I am a small-scale fruit farmer at the northern-most part of Fiji's main island, Viti Levu, near the town of Rakiraki. I enjoying snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, beekeeping, chess, and farming. My partner and I are former U.S. Peace Corps volunteers now living in Fiji.

PHILOSOPHY

Laugh. Don't sweat the small stuff. Do the right thing. The Golden Rule.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I enjoy meeting people and learning about their experiences. Intellectual stimulation!

I enjoy doing something physical most days, such as working on the farm, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, or working honey bees. Mostly working on the farm or beekeeping. In the evenings, I enjoy a beer or two, good food and a relaxing evening at home with a book, video or friends.

Judy is a voracious reader and great cook.

I enjoy meeting couch surfers and learning from them. Couch surfers are welcome to visit and do their own thing or join us for snorkeling, fishing, hiking, and/or beach visits. We are NOT affiliated with any tourism businesses.

I am also open to sea kayaking with couch surfers on multi-day trips, but only experienced sea kayakers (BCU or ACA credentials). I have the kayaks. :)

Interests

Fruit farming, beekeeping, chess, art appreciation, culinary skills.

Music, Movies, and Books

Our farm home is open to couchsurfing visitors approximately half the year. Couples preferred, or a few singles together so I feel less obligated to entertain all the time, but singles are okay. I'm on Facebook if you want to check me out: John Caldeira in Fiji.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Traveled a bit around the world. Always appreciating the ways different cultures achieve their basic human needs for food, housing, family and community.

When I really, really, think about it, I haven't done anything truly amazing. I have some satisfying accomplishments, but not amazing really.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach/Share:
- Fruit farming, including grafting skills.
- Beekeeping, especially queen-rearing.
- Sea kayaking (former ACA Open Water Kayaking Instructor, Level 4)
Learn:
- Cooking, especially with tropical ingredients.
- Gardening and farming techniques.
- Almost anything I don't know.

What I Can Share with Hosts

The farm is a quiet place, so don't expect much nightlife. We live in a rural community with great neighbors. The neighborhood has some nice hikes, a few resorts nearby for a coffee or meal.

We built a new house on the farm, just 130 meters from the old one in the photos. Still private bedrooms for couch surfers.

Bring some food to share when you visit, or anything special you'd like to eat. Meals can be together or on your own, as you wish.

Countries I’ve Visited

Azerbaijan, Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Georgia, Germany, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Kenya, Malawi, Mexico, Moldova, Mozambique, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Romania, South Africa, Tajikistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Fiji, United States