Writing…..the struggle!

Many writers struggle with structure. You have an idea, a few jottings, perhaps a couple of characters, maybe even the outline of what happens. But you’ve got tangled up and don’t know how to make it work. So now you turn your attention to structure: How have you built the story? Is this straightforward linear narrative, or should you be mixing up the time sequences? Where have you started? Maybe the end belongs at the beginning. Who is telling it? Perhaps switching from third to first person will deliver the intimacy it lacked. Are your characters really working? Do you have too many….or have you ignored someone who needs to come to centre stage?

This is a week in which you will pinpoint the heart of your story. You’ll learn how to bring your central idea to light, clearing out the distractions and focusing on the bones that make the body strong. As you develop the invaluable skills of self-editing, you’ll come to understand the structure of your story.  Cate Kennedy will help you write more freely then step back from your work to shape and polish it with a whole range of new insights.

By the end of the week, you’ll emerge with a piece of writing you’ve undertaken during the workshop itself – something either conceived of and jotted down at the start or brought along in nascent form – and then explored, thought about, redrafted and finally shared with others for feedback and clarity.

Cate Kennedy

“To start on a story is like embarking on a strange and solitary journey that only you can complete,” says Cate.  “Usually we don’t know quite where we’re going, or why, because we’re shifting into the unknown territory of our own unconscious with only our instinct to guide us.  This is the journey a writer faces every day, sitting at the desk. I think this stepping into the unknown creates the best kind of fiction, but it can feel like a wilderness.  I’d love participants to see this retreat as a chance to throw some light on the process, articulate what they’re striving to achieve on this deep level, and apply some tools to help them map out and plot their path and direction.  Everyone’s writing process is different and spending focussed time thinking about your own is a crucial stage in becoming a better writer – especially if you’re feeling discouraged, lost or just plain stalled.  My aim is to reconnect you with the joy and curiosity which drew you to writing in the first place, and see your work blossom as a result.”

Cost of course

$1650 per person twin share
$300 single room supplement
The course runs for 6 days, and includes workshops, local excursions and free time.
For enquiries please fill in our contact form or call (02) 8094 1613 or email sandra@paradisecourses.com

To make a booking go to our booking form.

Program Includes

• Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort.
• 7 nights accommodation at Daku Resort in traditional bures with private facilities.
• Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are provided.
• Course fees.
• Lectures, excursions as indicated.

Program Excludes

• Travel.
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance.
• Optional activities not listed on the program
• Costs of a personal nature eg laundry, massages, private trips
• Meals taken in transit at the airport

Cate Kennedy lives in Victoria’s north east, on a property on the Broken River.

Her short stories have appeared for several years in Australian literary journals and periodicals, in ‘Best Australian Stories’ 2006, 2007 and 2009, ‘The Best of the Best Australian Short Stories’ 2010, and internationally in publications such as The New Yorker, British Women’s Weekly  and The Harvard Literary Review. In both 2010 and 2011, Cate was editor of Black Inc’s “Best Australian Stories”, and she is recognised as a master practitioner of this form. Her latest short fiction collection, “Like a House on Fire” was published by Scribe in November  2012 and has been longlisted for the inaugural Stella Prize 2013.

When not writing, Cate works as an editor, mentor, and teacher.  In 2011 she was a guest at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, Calgary WordFest and the Vancouver International Writers’ Festival, and in 2012 she worked  with ‘Writing Australia’ to tour major cities to teach story masterclasses.  She is in high demand for both adult writing workshops and writer-in-residency programs in Australian secondary schools, and has taught story workshops in every state and territory. She is an enthusiastic and passionate teacher, completely able to get down in the trenches and identify with the frustrations of a writer – but also able to lift them up to see where they should be heading and how to reconnect with the joy of the process. During this week she will be teaching daily workshops, setting exercises and providing feedback and critiques in class.

Cate’s body of work:
Her novel “The World Beneath” (Scribe, 2009) was selected for the “Get Reading” (50 Books You Must Read This Year) list for 2010, and shortlisted for the Age Book of the Year Award, the Barbara Jefferis Award and the N.S.W. Premier’s Prize for fiction.  It went on to win the “People’s Choice” prize in these awards.
Cate’s third collection of poetry, “The Taste of River Water” was released by Scribe in 2011, and awarded the Victorian Premier’s Award for Poetry. “Dark Roots” (Scribe), a debut collection of her prize-winning short stories, was released in Australia in September 2006 and through Grove Atlantic in the US and the UK in 2008 to wide international critical acclaim. Upon its U.S. publication, “Dark Roots” was given a starred review in Publisher’s Weekly, was a Barnes and Noble Selection for 2008, and featured as Oprah Magazine’s “New Voice of the Month”.
Both her novel and her short stories have been made into popular audio books, and are used as teaching texts in Australian universities and secondary schools.
Her other work includes two critically-praised collections of poetry, “Signs of Other Fires” (Five Islands Press, 2001), which was shortlisted for the Victorian Premier’s Awards and won the Vincent Buckley Poetry Prize; and “Joyflight” (2004, Interactive Press).   Her travel memoir “Sing, and Don’t Cry; a Mexican journal” was broadcast in 2005, 2008 and 2013 on ABC Radio National’s “First Person”.  During 2007 she wrote a stage adaptation of Charles Waterstreet’s cult memoir “Precious Bodily Fluids” which became her first full-length play.

Programme

The course runs for 6 days, and includes workshops, local excursions and free time.
Throughout this week you have the opportunity to be a serious writer and show yourself and others just what you are capable of.

Day 1: Sat Nov 9
Arrive : welcome ceremony and dinner.

Day 2: Sun Nov 10
9.30 – 12.30 Workshop
1.00 Lunch
2.00 Tapa making demonstration
Afternoon free
6pm –7pm   Reading and feedback
7:00 Dinner

Day 3: Mon Nov 11
9.30 – 12.30 Workshop
1.00 Lunch
Aftrenon vist to Savusavu town
6pm –7pm   Reading and feedback
7:00 Dinner

Day 4: Tue Nov 12
9.30 – 12.30 Workshop
Picnic lunch and  Beach outing
6pm –7pm   Reading and feedback
7:00 Dinner

Day 5: Wed Nov 13
9.30 – 12.30 Workshop
1.00 Lunch
Afternon free for snorkeling, writing, relaxing
6pm –7pm   Reading and feedback
7:00 Dinner

Day 6: Thu Nov 14
9.30 – 12.30 Workshop
1.00 Lunch
3.30 – 5.00 Village visit and meke (traditional dance)
6pm –7pm   Reading and feedback
7.00 Dinner

Day 7: Fri Nov 15
9.30 – 12.30 Workshop
1.00 Lunch
Free afternon
Final dinner and readings and celebratory drinks
Day 8: Sat Nov 16: Return.

Mapping out an idea

Jan welcomes writers of all abilities. Her workshop in 2013 contained the entire spectrum of writers from the complete beginner to a couple of published authors.

Have a look at what the writers on that week said about it at the blog: for instance,  published author Margo Lanagan: I came here for the companionship of other writers, and to shake my mind and my writing loose from their usual patterns by listening to other people’s stories and discussing their work and my own. I found affirmation in what I was writing, and that lifting of spirits that happens when you’re being transported by someone else’s writing, whether halting first draft or polished near-done chapter.

And here’s beginning writer Dinny Laufenboek: All too conscious of being a complete novice as far as writing fiction was concerned, I took the precaution of emailing Daku to ensure that the presence of a wannabe-story teller starting from scratch would not hinder the flow of ideas to/from more experienced workshop participants. “No problem”, the answer came back from Jan.  And here’s the thing – it wasn’t!  It would be difficult for me to pinpoint what triggered my “breakthrough”  but my experience truly was just as promised by the Workshop write-up i.e. Jan doing what she’s so good at: focussing on what’s swirling around in your mind, accessing it and getting it down on paper in your own voice.  And that’s what happened!  My turn to read in the evening, I was told at the morning’s workshop session – so I went back to my room and I wrote.   And I wrote again.  And again.  And haven’t stopped since!

Breakthrough writing is a week’s creative writing retreat that will help you break through whatever barriers stand between you and your writing project: lack of confidence, procrastination, structure, not knowing what it’s all about. This is a week when you will be guided towards focussing on what’s swirling around in your mind, accessing it and getting it down on paper in your own voice. As any writer knows, none of this is easy – and all of it is essential.

Workshops take place every morning and participants are expected to use some of their time in the afternoon to complete specific writing goals. During the workshops, we’ll revise the essential elements of the writer’s craft, and you’ll have a chance to read, critique and receive feedback on any aspect of your writing or writing process. Begin a new work, refresh a tired old draft or come as you are. Jan uses the principles of the course to work with all genres including scripts, poetry and non-fiction with the emphasis on breaking new ground in your chosen writing form.

This workshop takes place in March, which is the end of summer in Fiji and can still be hot and humid – but this end of summer price is a real low-season bargain which should really take the heat out of your wallet.

A writing workshop is a precious opportunity to forget all your daily responsibilities and be greedy with your writing time. No work; no cooking or shopping – just pens, paper, inspirational teaching and a group of others who share the passion.

Then spend the afternoons relaxing or exploring the island – snorkeling the reef, hiking up the mountain, visiting a local village, having a spa massage or reading by the pool.

Throughout this week you have the opportunity to be a serious writer and show yourself and others just what you are capable of. The lab concludes with celebration drinks and readings.

Cost of course

$1650 per person twin share
$300 single room supplement
The course runs for 6 days, and includes workshops, local excursions and free time.

For enquiries please fill in our contact form or call (02) 8094 1613 or email sandra@paradisecourses.com
To make a booking go to our booking form.

Program Includes

• Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort.
• 7 nights accommodation at Daku Resort in traditional bures with private facilities.
• Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are provided.
• Course fees.
• Lectures, excursions as indicated.

Program Excludes

• Travel.
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance.
• Optional activities not listed on the program
• Costs of a personal nature eg laundry, massages, private trips
• Meals taken in transit at the airport

Jan Cornall is a highly experienced teacher, renowned for motivating writers in all genres to set and complete writing goals while instructing them in essential writer’s craft. Participants in past workshops include many who go on to publish. First time author Marguerite Van Geldermalsen, Married to A Bedouin, received invaluable help from Jan’s workshops. Margo Lanagan, award winning fantasy writer wrote her novel, Tender Morsels, with the support of Jan’s Draft Buster workshops, as well as her novella Sea Hearts, the winner of the 2010 World Fantasy Awards.

Others who have benefited include : Margaret Wilcox, Gone (Penguin); Anne Lovell, Connie’s Secret (Allen & Unwin); Catherine Therese, The Weight Of Silence (Hachette Livre); Margaret Stevenson Meere, The Child in The Lotus (Rockpool); Walter Mason, Destination Saigon (Allen & Unwin); Yvonne Louis, Brush with Mondrian (Murdoch); and Mary Delahunty, Public Life, Private Grief (Hardie Grant).

She has also written over 15 produced plays and musicals, a feature film (Talk 1994), a novel (Take me to Paradise, 2006) and three CD’s of songs. Jan’s cabaret musical, Failing In Love Again, (with pianist Elizabeth Drake), was a cult hit of the comedy/cabaret revival in the early 80’s when Jan performed alongside Jeannie Lewis, Margaret Roadknight, Robyn Archer, Wendy Harmer and Gretel Killeen.  www.writersjourney.com.au

Programme

Day 1:
Arrive : Welcome ceremony and dinner.

Day 2:
10.00am – 1.00pm: Workshop – Breaking Through to the Essence of Your Writing.
Setting goals, mapping the territory, making a plan, hunting and gathering. Dreaming up descriptive detail, creating the atmosphere of your writing.
6.00pm –7.00pm:  Reading and feedback
7.00pm: Dinner

Day 3:
10.00am – 1.00pm: Workshop – Breaking Out of Old Habits.
Dealing with the negative critic, procrastination, avoidance addiction, transforming obstacles into descriptive imagery, character and plot.
Afternoon: Visit to Savusavu town
6.00pm –7.00pm:   Reading and feedback
7.00pm: Dinner

Day 4:
10.00am – 1.00pm: Workshop – Breaking Into Voice.
Rediscovering your writer’s voice, developing its character, tone and rhythm, through the building blocks of sentence, paragraph, scene, chapter, story.
Afternoon: Beach outing
6.00pm –7.00pm:   Reading and feedback
7.00pm: Dinner

Day 5:
10.00am – 1.00pm: Workshop – Breaking It Down.
Effective editing, busting bad writing habits, going for the jugular, ensuring the impact of our writing with pace, style, rhythm, timing.
6.00pm –7.00pm:   Reading and feedback
7.00pm: Dinner

Day 6:
10.00am – 1.00pm: Workshop – Breaking Into a Run
Finding dramatic tension in action, plot, juxtaposition and opposition. Foreshadowing and suspense techniques, character development,  emotional subtext, subplots and storyline.
5.00pm –6.00pm:   Reading and feedback
6.30pm: Drinks at Savusavu Yacht Club. Informal dinner at Daku

Day 7:
10.00am – 1.00pm: Workshop -  Breaking Out of The Mould
Enhancing the unique qualities of your writing, finding unity and cohesiveness, experimenting with form. Setting future writing goals, discussing publishing options.
4.30pm – 5.30pm: Village visit and meke (traditional dance)
Final dinner and readings and celebratory drinks

Day 8:
Return home.

Diving with Jean-Michel Cousteau Dive team in Fiji

This is an unrepeatable offer to come and dive the awesome reefs of Northern Fiji and have an experience neither of you will ever forget. You will:

* visit the Marine Reserve at Namena Island, recently voted one of the best dive sites in the world.
* see the Hammerhead Sharks at the aptly titled Dream House.
* and have the benefit of the highly experienced Jean-Michel Cousteau team to guide and develop your diving skills.

What’s more, you have a choice:

Soft corals at Namena Marine Reserve

1) 5 x 2 Tank Dives over the week
2) A Padi Open Water Diver Qualification
3) A Padi Advanced Diver Qualification

Whichever you choose, it’ll only cost you 50% of the normal price !

The cost for two of you is only FJD$1980 plus taxes of 20% – that’s only about US/AU$550 (+ 20% tax) each ! You won’t find 5 star diving at a price like this anywhere else or anytime soon.The offer is good throughout May and November.

Places are limited – so please Contact us by clicking here as soon as possible, or fill in our booking form here.

1 – 8  June

7 – 14 July

7 – 14  September

(if these dates don’t suit you, please contact us; we are often able to arrange small groups at other times)

A fantastic week of snorkelling, learning and exploring in Fiji

8 Days / 7 Nights

The reefs around Vanua Levu provide some of the most rewarding snorkelling in the world – a chance to see the famous soft corals of Fiji, swim amongst clouds of sergeant majors, anthias, damsel fish and jack fish, and see sharks, rays and turtles.

For the first time we will be offering a day trip to Namena Marine Reserve on the boats of the dive operation at the  Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort. The dive company, L’Aventure Jean-Michel Cousteau, has been exploring these waters for over 20 years. The trip to the Namena Marine Reserve is one of its jewels. Whilst the divers go down deep, the snorkellers stay on the surface and enjoy the profusion of marine life in this protected area.

In the evenings, an experienced marine biologist will give talks on the marine environment and brief you on the next day’s snorkel. He will come with you to guide the snorkel and point out some of the wonders of the ocean on an all-day field trip.

Below the water is definitely the centre of the week, but we’ll also show you a lot of Fiji above the water. Visits to schools, farms and villages are included.

Cost:AUD$1300.

Single supplement $350.
Includes accommodation, all meals, excursions, equipment.

Not included: Travel – but we are happy to help book your domestic flights if you’d like, and we’ll pick you up from Savusavu airport.

BOOKING: click here

Marine Biologist Johnny Singh studied at the University of the South Pacific in Suva. He has worked in Savusavu for the past 6 years and knows the reefs and marine life of the area intimately. He is a keen underwater photographer and illustrates his talks with his own wonderful photos and videos. He is a passionate conservatioist, and his enthusiasm for ocean life is contagious.

Itinerary at a Glance

The course runs for 7 days; the last day is a travel day. We have not specified which day we’ll go to Namena as this depends on weather and tides.

You should book your flights to arrive in Savusavu on the first flight from Nadi at 7.00am on Saturday – and you are welcome to arrive earlier in the week or stay on later – we’ll just charge you at regular room rates less 15% if you’re on the course.

Saturday
Introductory lecture and field trip with Johnnie Singh.

Practicing in the pool

Sunday
Field trip day with Johnnie Singh.

Monday
Morning: Field trip.
Afternoon: Town Visit.
Evening: Lecture on Conceptual Coral Reefs

Tuesday
Morning: Field trip.
Afternoon:Pearl farm visit.
Tapa demonstration.

Wednesday
Morning: Field trip.
Picnic lunch and boat / beach trip.
Evening : Lecture on ‘Cities under the sea’

Thursday
Morning: Field trip.
Afternoon: Excursion tolocal village.
Evening dinner in town.

Friday
Morning: Field trip.
Afternoon: Free
Evening: Lecture on Coral Critters

Saturday
Leaving Ceremony and departure to Nadi.

» » Make a booking

Feet in the water

During this week you will learn how to paint the basic elements of any seascape and landscape in a realistic style. You will learn how to paint sky and clouds, beach scenes with sand, rocks and a foam wash, how to capture the movement of waves with ripple effects, reflections in water, adding people or boats to a scene as well as mountain landscapes with coconut trees and other vegetation. We will be using acrylic paint in Fiji but the techniques learned can also be successfully applied to oil paints when you return home.

The studio under the raintree

Each workshop is structured around a group demonstration of a particular subject while on location followed by individual tuition. We will be covering aspects of art theory such as designing balanced compositions, blending techniques, aerial perspective and linear perspective, colour mixing, creating the illusion of texture, tone, as well as the use of light and shadow. As well as these actual painting techniques, we will also be learning how to paint “en plein air”. That means painting outdoors on location and dealing with the elements. All painting locations are a short drive from Daku Resort, with shade trees to paint under and the most picturesque views. In the event of rain, painting will be done from one of the villas at Daku Resort which has gorgeous views looking out onto Savusavu Bay.

All skill levels are welcome in these workshops, from beginners through to experienced painters. Elena talks about what painting skills you can expect from the week.

Price:

AUD $1800 twin share

Single supplement: $350
Non-painting partners: $850

Program Includes

Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort.
7 nights accommodation at Daku Resort in traditional bures with private facilities.
Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are provided.
Course fees
Lectures and excursions as indicated.
Program Excludes
Flights to Savusavu. We are happy to quote on these and book them for you if requested. Flight prices fluctuate according to demand.
Comprehensive Travel Insurance.
Optional activities not listed on the program.
Costs of a personal nature such as laundry, massages, private trips.
Meals taken in transit at the airport.

Bookings

For enquiries please fill in our contact form or call  (02) 8094 1613 or email  susan@paradisecourses.com

To make a booking go to our booking form.

Workshop enquiries

For enquiries about the painting workshops contact Elena on 0404 032 785 or info@elenaparashko.com

Artist Biography

Return to Paradise – oil painting by Elena Parashko

Elena Parashko is an award winning artist, teacher and writer from Sydney, Australia. She has received a number of corporate and government commissions with her artwork held in private and corporate collections throughout the world. Elena has been a finalist in the ANL Maritime Art Prize in Melbourne from 2006 – 2012. In 2006 she was a finalist in Sydney Business Review’s “Business Woman of the Year”.

Elena’s artwork has been featured in Australian Artist magazine, Artist’s Palette, Australian Decorative Painting, Artist’s Back to Basics, Ocean, Fine Art and Decorative Painting, Honestly Woman, Australian Coastal Home, Finally at 40… Life Begins, Modern Home, My Home and Home Ideas magazines. Elena contributes step by step painting demonstrations to the English magazine Leisure Painter. She is also a contributing writer for the American business magazine, Professional Artist, with a monthly motivational article for artists.

Elena is a trained teacher with a Certificate in Visual Arts, Bachelor of Education and Masters in Adult Education who enjoys teaching art to children and adults. She has over 20 years teaching experience. She also acts as an art therapist to intellectually and physically disabled adults. She sees her challenge as to inspire others, no matter their circumstances, through sharing her passion for artistic creation – the process as well as the product.

View Elena’s online gallery at:  www.elenaparashko.com

The Programme

The programme is structured around morning workshops with afternoons for activities and free time to enjoy a massage, snorkelling, relaxing by the pool or continuing to paint.

Saturday 1 June
Domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu.
6.00 pm Welcome ceremony
7.00 pm Dinner

Sunday 2 June

9.00 am – 12.30 pm Workshop 1: Rain Tree location
- How to set up for “en plein air” painting

- How to use a viewfinder to select a composition
- Painting sky and clouds
- Blending techniques
1.00 pm Lunch
2.00 pm Tapa demonstration
Afternoon: Free time
7.00 pm Dinner

Monday 3 June

9.00 am – 12.30 pm Workshop 2: Rain tree location
- Painting the view down a beach
- Reflections in water
- Perspective lines of waves
- Colour mixing
1.00 pm Lunch
Afternoon: Trip to Savusavu Town to see local market and shops
7.00 pm Dinner

Tuesday 4 June

9.00 am – 12.30 pm Workshop 3: Devodara Beach location

Studio on the beach at Devodara

- Painting the view out to sea
- Ocean ripples and waves washing onto sand and rocks
- Creating the illusion of texture
1.00 pm Picnic lunch
2.00 pm Swimming at Devodara Beach
7.00 pm Dinner
Wednesday 5 June

9.00 am – 12.30 pm Workshop 4: Savusavu Town location (view of Nawi Island and boats)
- Painting a landscape with mountains, tropical vegetation and boats

- Tone
- Aerial perspective
1.00 pm Lunch
2.00 pm Coconut demonstration
3.00 pm Walk up hill behind Daku
7.00 pm Dinner

Thursday 6 June

9.00 am – 12.30 pm Workshop 5: Daku location
- Adding figures and / or boats
- Light and shadow

- Completing previous paintings
1.00 pm Lunch
Afternoon: Free time for optional activities
7.00 pm Dinner

Friday 7 June

9.00 am- 12.30 pm Workshop 6: Daku location
- Use a viewfinder to choose and paint your own subject using elements learned in previous workshops

1.00 pm Lunch
2.00 pm Visit to local village
7.00 pm Final lovo dinner

Saturday 8 June

Fly from Savusavu back to Nadi
International flight home

Note: the order of workshops may vary depending upon weather conditions.

Botanical artists at work

Leonie’s course offers a chance to do both Botanical Art with its rigorous attention to detail, and Holiday Sketching where the student can relax and capture the landscape in a more impressionistic style. The mornings are dedicated to Botanical Art, whilst afternoons are the time for sketching, when Leonie will take you off around the island to capture the landscapes and details of your holiday.

You are welcome to bring along non-painting partners or friends, who will find plenty to do and are welcomed on all the group outings.

Botanical Art
Leonie has been leading painting and sketching tours to Fiji since 2007.  She delights in the rich variety of flora which offer her students a marvellous choice of subjects – multicoured ginger, delicate orchids, vibrant heliconia, sturdy coconuts and other exotic plants. These specimens can be gathered from the gardens of Daku Resort where we are staying, and also sourced from the surrounding countryside. Leonie combines individual tuition with group demonstrations, focusing on each participant’s particular abilities and style within the context of the demands of botanical art. Explore various techniques in both drawing and painting and learn to mix and match any botanical colour. All skill levels are welcome.

Holiday Sketching

In the afternoons, following a demonstration of colour and techniques, there will be expeditions to local locations to sketch. Holiday sketching is quick and spontaneous, and captures the impression of people and place. Learn to create a visual souvenir of your holiday in Fiji. Diarise your experiences and enhance them with colourful sketches. Explore and experiment with various materials and techniques using coloured pencils, waterproof pens and watercolour. There are daily demonstrations, individual tuition on location and daily reviews of completed sketches. No previous experience is necessary.

You will receive a list of materials for both courses.

Leonie Norton is a versatile artist who has made her name in Botanical Art, and also runs workshops on Holiday Sketching as well as taking holiday sketching tours to various destinations. She is an international tutor of Botanical Art and Sydney’s most prominent botanical art educator. She is highly qualified, holding a BA(VisArt), B.Fine Arts (Hons) Plant & Wildlife Illustration and a Grad Dip VET (Adult Ed). Her paintings can be found in private and public collections in Australia and overseas. She also illustrates for magazines, has many articles about her work published in art magazines, undertakes commission paintings, and has published a fascinating study of botanical artists ‘Women of Flowers’.

Leonie holds regular courses in community colleges and art centres and conducts specialised workshops throughout Australia and New Zealand. She instructs at Summer Schools in the UK, Canada, NZ and regional NSW, in addition to conducting an External Botanical Art Course where she educates students globally. She welcomes all levels of skills. She is past President of the Botanical Art Society of Australia. As one of Australia’s better-known botanical artists, she successfully exhibits annually with the Botanical Art Society of Australia and the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens.

Here she talks about the week in Fiji.

Price:

AUD $1800 twin share

Single supplement: $350
Non-painting partners: $850

Program Includes

Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort.
7 nights accommodation at Daku Resort in traditional bures with private facilities.
Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are provided.
Course fees
Lectures and excursions as indicated.
Program Excludes
Flights to Savusavu. We are happy to quote on these and book them for you if requested. Flight prices fluctuate according to demand.
Comprehensive Travel Insurance.
Optional activities not listed on the program.
Costs of a personal nature such as laundry, massages, private trips.
Meals taken in transit at the airport.

Bookings

For enquiries please fill in our contact form or call (02) 8094 1613 or email susan@paradisecourses.com

To make a booking go to our booking form.

Programme
The programme may change depending on the weather and the interests of the group.

Saturday 15 June
Fly to Savusavu.
Welcome ceremony.

Sunday 16 June
9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Poolside lunch
2.00pm: Free afternoon
7.00pm: Dinner

Monday 17 June
9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Lunch
1.00am: Holiday Sketching Demonstration.
Afternoon: Visit to Savusavu, visiting the geothermal hot springs, the local market and the shops. Sketching in town.
7.00pm: Dinner

Tuesday 18 June
9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Lunch
1.00pm: Visit local beach for snorkeling, diving, swimming, relaxing and sketching
4.30 pm Tapa making demonstration (traditional decorated bark cloth)
7.00pm: Dinner

Wednesday 19 June
9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Lunch
1.00pm: Holiday Sketching Demonstration
Free Time
3.30 – 5.30pm: Boat/beach outing with sketching
7.00pm: Dinner

Thursday 20 June
9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Lunch
Afternoon: Relaxing. Optional outings to beach or locations along the coast with sketching
7.00pm: Dinner

Friday 21 June
9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Lunch
1.00pm: Holiday Sketching
4.00 – 6.00pm: Village visit
6.30pm: Final dinner

Saturday 22 June
Return to Nadi and on home.

                                                                                            Orange dove

Please note: this programme has changed since it was first posted: details below are the latest ones.

The island of Vanua Levu is a great but little known birding destination. It is home to some of Fiji’s most spectacular endemic birds including the Silktail, the Orange Dove and the Red Shining Parrot. We hope to see these and a number of the other Fiji specialities including the the Barking Pigeon, the Fiji White-eye, the Slaty Monarch, the Collared Lory, the Orange-breasted Myzomela, the Fiji Bush Warbler, the Fiji Woodswallow, the Fiji Goshawk and the Fiji Parrotfinch during the birdweek. We will be visiting the site of Devo to see the Silktail.

The week is lead by Phil Gregory of Sicklebill Safaris, who returns to Daku after a successful first visit in 2012. He is a well-known tour leader, working for Field Guides Inc. and Sicklebill Safaris, and is one of Australia’s foremost birders. He has written species and family accounts for three volumes of the Handbook of the Birds of the World covering monarchs, bristle birds, the Acanthizidae and berrypeckers and longbills, and is involved as an advisor with the IOC and their World Checklist and Recommended English Names of Birds projects. He’s written a full report on the 2012 week on the Daku Resort blog, and a list of the bird species he observed are given below.

Phil Gregory

Phil will lead daily expeditions varying from the very easy – some are found in the grounds of Daku Resort itself – to the arduous. You are welcome to drop out of anything that you consider too hard and we will arrange for you to do something else instead – a snorkelling trip, a bushwalk or just a day of relaxing by the pool. We have described everything in detail below. Phil will also be giving lectures in the evening, with one evening put aside for a birding clinic when you can ask all the questions you want answered of things like binoculars or taxonomic system- and another for a bird trivia night.

Fiji Goshawk

In addition to a great birding week, the programme is designed to show you something of the Fijian way of life and culture and to enjoy its marine life as well as its bird life. It’s also designed to be a holiday in Fiji with time for swimming, lying by the pool, maybe having a spa massage and certainly having some fun.

Cost: A$2000 twin shared accommodation
$350 single room  supplement.

Includes
-      7 nights twin share accommodation at Daku Resort
-       All meals on the island of Vanua Levu when based at Daku and on excursions from Daku
-       Airport transfers from Savusavu airport

Excludes
-       Travel to Svusavu
-       Travel insurance

For further enquiries please contact us.

To make a booking, please fill in the booking form.

Full programme

Monday 10

Fly to Savusavu.
There will be time for a walk up the hill behind Daku resort in the afternoon.
Evening:  Traditional Fijian welcome ceremony.
Dinner

Tuesday 11

Bird watching trip to Waisele Nature Reserve. The reserve is about a 40 minute drive up the mountains to the north west of Savusavu, with some beautiful views as you go. . Return to Daku late morning.
12.30 Lunch
Afternoon visit to Savusavu.
4.00 – 5.00 pm The Tree of Life: talk on the many uses of the coconut in Fijian life.
5.00 – 5.45 bird watching on Daku Estate.
6.00 Pearl presentation at Daku
7.00 Dinner and evening surgery – a chance to ask all your birding questions

Wednesday 12

8.00 – 11.00 Morning boat trip.

11.30 leave for Devo; picnic lunch with sandwiches en route.
We will first drive to Tukavesi where we will spend the night. Tukavesi  is a small Fijian village about 1½ hrs drive away. The bird watching area, Devo, is another 40 minutes drive.  This breaks up the journey – the road in the latter stage is quite rough and tiringIt is also a chance to experience Fijian village life. Please bring a sulu to wear in the village – this is a Fijian sarong and can be purchased in Savusavu before we leave for approx A$12. The drive takes you east along the southern edge of the island; the first section is tar sealed and the rest is a fairly rough dirt road. We will arrive at 4.45 and settle in to the accommodation. There will be time for a beach walk before dark at 5.45.
Accommodation in Tukavesi will be simple: we will stay in a large house with a number of bedrooms and a pleasant living area. There is only one bathroom and toilet but they are clean and tiled. There is electricity from 6.00p to 10.00pm.
We will have dinner in the house and afterwards the village will entertain us with a traditional meke dance. Early bed.

Thursday 13

We will have a cup of tea / coffee and some bread and jam before we leave at 5.30 am. The track into the forest is easily accessible and not too steep, although if there has been rain it will be muddy.  Please wear sturdy waterproof boots with a good grip. There is a small stream to cross as we arrive: you might like to wear reef shoes or rubber sandals and then put your boots on afterwards. You can leave your sandals behind in the lodge. We will return to Devo lodge later in the morning and have time to rest, relax and have something to eat.   Once we’ve rested, we’ll drive back to Tukavesi to collect any bags you’ve left, and then drive back to Daku, getting there in the afternoon. There will then be free time until dinner.

7.00 Dinner.

Friday 14

Morning bird watching at Waisele – second trip
12.30 Lunch
Afternoon free for swimming / relaxing / taking your own snorkeling trip/ option to visit pearl farm at 1.30 (F$25)
5.00 pm Masi (Fijian bark cloth) making demonstration
6.00 evening presentation by Phil
7.00 Dinner

Saturday 15

Bird watching trip to Savudrodro. This is also about a 20 minute drive with an
easy walking track. Return to Daku late morning.
12.30 Lunch
3.00 Afternoon: trip to Oneva
7.00 Dinner and trivia night

Sunday 16

Free day.

Monday 17

Leave Savusavu.

Species List

Endemics or near endemics in bold; Introduced species (I)

Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa
One en route from Labasa and two near Savusavu at the fishponds.

Pacific Reef Heron Egretta sacra
Small numbers seen, all dark phase except for one white phase that flew over the resort one afternoon. A bird on the sports field near Savusavu looked like a pale grey type Reef Heron, with a white chin and throat, but also seemed structurally more like a White-faced, raising the intriguing possibility do they hybridize here/ I have some good photos and will ask the great and the good for their opinions. Personally I think it is an immature White-faced Heron.

White-faced Heron E. novaehollandiae
A couple near Labasa airport, this is quite a recent colonist of the islands.

Brown Booby Sula leucogaster
A couple seen on the boat trip off Daku Resort. A distant booby seen from Daku may have been a brown morph Red-footed but I left it uncertain.

Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel
3 seen over Daku in the stormy conditions after we arrived, with one next day.

Great Frigatebird Fregata minor
This proved to be the commoner frigatebird this trip, with up to 6 seen and some nice white-headed birds over Savusavu

Frigatebird sp. Fregata sp.
Several unidentified distant frigatebirds were seen from Daku.

Swamp (Pacific) Harrier Circus approximans
Just one single over mangroves near Tukavesi, unexpectedly scarce.

Fiji Goshawk Accipiter rufitorques
Common, with 3 or 4 seen each day, often heard calling.

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva
6 on a reef near Tukavesi and then 28 at Savusavu airstrip.

Wandering Tattler Tringa incana
5 on a reef near Tukavesi, and one near Savusavu.

Great Crested Tern Sterna bergii
A few off Daku Resort.

Black-naped Tern Sterna sumatrana
12+ on the boat trip out of Daku, fishing with Black Noddies.

Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus
3 offshore from Daku Jun 14 then 2 out in the bay on the boat trip.

Black Noddy Anous minutus
Fair numbers >60 off Daku during the rough weather earlier in the trip and 40 on the boat trip.

Feral Pigeon Columba livia (I)
A few in Nadi and Savusavu, much to Dugald’s delight….

White-throated (Metallic) Pigeon Columba vitiensis
Great views of up to a dozen near Tukavesi, one at Waisele and then 10 on a tree near Jerusalemi village near Savusavu.

Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis (I)
A few around Daku and Savusavu.

Orange Dove Chrysoenas victor
A male at Natovotovo Silktail site gave fantastic views, and we saw another up on the Waisele Trail in the rain, with one heard at Savudrodo and another near Savusavu. The birds were singing well, depressing the tail slightly with each call so the bird gave a quiver, and making the bizarre “click” call.

Peale’s Imperial-Pigeon (Barking Pigeon) Ducula latrans
Common and very vocal in the forests of Vanua Levu.

Collared Lory Phigys solitarius
Great views of them feeding in a bottlebrush at Daku Resort, and small numbers were around in the coconuts at various sites.

Maroon (Red) Shining Parrot Prosopeia tabuensis
Distant and rather frustrating views of singles and twos near Tukavesi and up near Waisele, they were both uncommon and secretive on this island even though we had 5 day records. It’s a striking large parrot with a very strange flight, with deep slow wing-flaps, the wings raised very high over the back.

White-rumped Swiftlet Aerodramus spodiopygius
Quite common, we saw 10+ per day.

Collared Kingfisher Todirhamphus chloris vitiensis
A very distinct form, and the whole complex of 49 taxa is way overdue for radical splitting. We saw the pale and rather Sacred Kingfisher-like vitiensis on Vanua Levu, which looks to be sexually dimorphic with one sex being whitish beneath, the other a rich warm buff, and both very unlike Collared Kingfisher.

Orange-breasted Myzomela Myzomela jugularis
Small numbers daily on Vanua Levu, where we had up to 6 per day. it’s a very striking species with red on the rump.

Wattled Honeyeater Foulehaio carunculata
Common at Daku where they were coming in and chasing around the bottlebrush, this is the race taviunensis with a well-developed orange wattle.

Fiji Wood-swallow Artamus mentalis
Quite common on Vanua Levu with up to a dozen per day.

Polynesian Triller Lalage maculosa
Quite common out in the wooded areas, this is the race woodi which has quite dark blackish upperparts in some birds, more brown in others, presumably a sexual dimorphism.

Fiji Whistler Pachycephala (pectoralis) aurantiiventris
We saw two rather distinctive taxa on Vanua Levu which were new for my collection of “Golden Whistler” taxa: The nominate aurantiiventris was quite common in tall forest and is entirely orange-yellow below, with dark blackish upperparts and no yellow collar; the female is drab brown with a pale throat and buffy underparts.

The Natewa Peninsula race ambigua has a narrow black breast band and yellow underparts, and a richer coloured female. I wish I’d been able to tape the calls, but at least I got a good series for aurantiiventris, which is very vocal at dawn at Daku.

The whole complex of 64 “Golden Whistler’ taxa is way overdue for a massive split-up, which the IOC have now begun with Fiji and White-throated Whistler (Kadavu) here in Fiji.

Streaked Fantail Rhipidura spilodera

This was fairly common on Vanua Levu but only in good tall forest. The race here is erythronata, and Fiji birds seem pretty different to the New Caledonian birds too in both calls and morphology.

Fiji Bush Warbler Cettia ruficapilla
Common by voice but hard to see, with the race castaneoptera on Vanua Levu. We saw one quite well up at the Silktail site. Sorry John!

Slaty Monarch Mayrornis lessoni
First seen up at the Devo Silktail site, the harsh scolding call is diagnostic, then again at Oneva.

Fiji (Lesser) Shrikebill Clytorhynchus vitiensis
Good views up at the Silktail site at Natotovo seeing a couple of birds, then a nice look at one at Oneva in regrowth forest. This is the race buensis with 8 taxa recognized here in Fiji, differing in minor colour and size characters.

Vanikoro Flycatcher Myiagra vanikorensis
Quite common on all 3 islands, we saw rufiventris on Vanua Levu. It is virtually a Fiji endemic, as the nominate is only on remote Vanikoro in the Santa Cruz Islands, Solomons.

Silktail Lamprolia victoriae
Probably the highlight of the stay was the finding of the rare kleinschmidti taxon of Silktail in the forest at Natovotovo, at the site of the former Silktail Lodge. Eddie the landowner took us right to the spot after a fairly easy walk crossing one shallow creek, and we had nice views of at least two birds. I was surprised at how small they seemed, and the way they were foraging high in branches and creepers, picking about like a creeper. The head had a dull bluish iridescence, and the tail was silky satin white with a narrow black border and tip. No vocalizations were heard. It occurs only on the eastern part of the Natewa Peninsula and must be pretty darn rare as the forest is pretty disturbed and not too extensive, though they have 2500 acres here, which they are currently preserving. It’s also amazing how Blue-crested Flycatcher does not overlap with it.

Pacific (Scarlet) Robin Petroica (multicolor) boodang
Good views of a male at Oneva and another at Savudrodo next day, this is the race kleinschmidti. It was heard up behind Daku Resort as well but was very skulking.

Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica
A few around Savusavu.

Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer (I)
Small numbers on Vanua Levu; it’s actually quite an attractive species!

Layard’s White-eye Zosterops explorator
Common in the wooded habitats.

Silvereye Z. lateralis
Not as common as the endemic white-eye, but still seen most days with one or two birds.

Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus (I)
A few around Daku and Savusavu, much less common than the abundant Common Myna.

Common Myna A. tristis (I)
Common around the coast on Vanua Levu.

Red Avadavat Amandava amandava (I)
Small flocks abound Savusavu and at Tukavesi, quite an attractive small finch and probably harmless here.

Fiji Parrot-Finch Erythrura peali
A group of about 4 feeding by the roadside en route to Waisele was a good find and gave nice looks.

With Rachel Hore

May 11 – 19 2013

Rachel’s week of Singing in Paradise in Fiji is a regular part of the calendar for many of her followers. It is a joyous week in a beautiful location: a feast of workshops wrapped up in a holiday in Fiji. In the mornings, everyone comes together to learn and practice songs in 3 and 4 part harmony, singing from Rachel’s collection of contemporary Australian, gospel and world music songs. In the afternoons, the choir spends time learning Fijian songs and singing with a Fijian village choir. It’s a time when people form wonderful friendships both within the group and with the Fijians, and revel in the blissful release that singing brings. And as well as singing, there’s also time to snorkel on the coral reef, swim in the pool – or just relax and read a book.

Rachel Hore is an exceptional teacher who brings a fantastic energy and warmth to her work. She can mould a group of relative strangers into a beautiful choir in an astonishingly short time, and she makes each and every singer believe in the glory of their own contribution. She has a relaxed, fun style of teaching and it suits beginners right through to experienced singers.

Perhaps her most impressive strength is her unique ability to arrange music in a way that is not difficult to learn, even for a beginner, and those arrangements resonate deeply with the singers – call it bliss, call it ecstasy, but it raises the hair on the back of your neck, and is never forgotten.

Rachel has been performing and teaching throughout Australia and internationally for the past 20 years. A graduate of the NSW Conservatorium of Music, she began her singing career with the highly acclaimed Australian vocal quartet ‘Arramaieda’, who became an important influence on the now flourishing choral scene in Australia. Rachel has conducted large choral events for over 400 voices including the Melbourne Millennium Chorus and the Woodford Folk Festival Fire Choir. She teaches at the annual choral retreat Wintersong, and overseas choral workshops Singing in Tuscany and Singing in Siena. She welcomes both experienced and novice singers.

COST:
$2180 twin share : includes course fees, all meals, excursions as listed and domestic flight from Nadi to  Savusavu. International flight to Nadi is not included, but we are happy to make the booking if requested.

$350 single room supplement

Non-singing partners welcome: $1200 (excludes international flight)

Program Includes

Return domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu.
Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort.
8 nights accommodation at Daku Resort.
Breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Course fees.
Excursions as listed.

Program Excludes

International flights to Nadi.
Comprehensive Travel Insurance.
Optional activities not listed on the program.
Costs of a personal nature eg laundry, massages, private trips.
Meals taken in transit at the airport.

The course runs for 7 days, and includes workshops, local excursions and free time.
Prices quoted are per person twin share with private facilities.

Programme

Sat May 11 Fly  to Savusavu.
Sun May 12
9.3 0 – 12.30     Workshop.
1.00                       Lunch
3.30 – 5.00        Visit to Yaroi village to join church choir practice.
7.00                      Dinner and informal singing.
Mon May 13
9.3 0 – 12.30    Workshop
1.00                       Lunch
Afternoon:          Visit to village with church choir
7.00                      Dinner
Tue May 14
9.30 – 12.30     Workshop
1.00                      Lunch.
Afternoon          Optional visit to town
7.00                     Dinner
Wed May 15
9.3 0 – 12.30    Workshop
1.00                     Lunch.
3.00                    Visit to village with church choir.
7.00                    Dinner and informal singing.
Thu May 16
9.3 0 – 12.30    Workshop
1.00             Picnic lunch at Devodara beach
6.30pm      Drinks at Savusavu Yacht Club. Informal dinner at Daku
Fri May 17
9.3 0 – 12.30    Workshop
1.00             Lunch
Afternoon        Free time. Options for private tours, relaxing.
7.00             Dinner
Sat May 18
10.00 – 11.30    Final session.
Afternoon rehearsal.
5.30                       Concert and party
Sun May 19 Return to Nadi and on to Australia.

1 – 8  June

7 – 14 July

7 – 14  September

(if these dates don’t suit you, please contact us; we are often able to arrange small groups at other times)

A fantastic week of snorkelling, learning and exploring in Fiji

8 Days / 7 Nights

The reefs around Vanua Levu provide some of the most rewarding snorkelling in the world – a chance to see the famous soft corals of Fiji, swim amongst clouds of sergeant majors, anthias, damsel fish and jack fish, and see sharks, rays and turtles.

For the first time we will be offering a day trip to Namena Marine Reserve on the boats of the dive operation at the  Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort. The dive company, L’Aventure Jean-Michel Cousteau, has been exploring these waters for over 20 years. The trip to the Namena Marine Reserve is one of its jewels. Whilst the divers go down deep, the snorkellers stay on the surface and enjoy the profusion of marine life in this protected area.

In the evenings, an experienced marine biologist will give talks on the marine environment and brief you on the next day’s snorkel. He will come with you to guide the snorkel and point out some of the wonders of the ocean on an all-day field trip.

Below the water is definitely the centre of the week, but we’ll also show you a lot of Fiji above the water. Visits to schools, farms and villages are included.

Cost:AUD$1300.

Single supplement $350.
Includes accommodation, all meals, excursions, equipment.

Not included: Travel – but we are happy to help book your domestic flights if you’d like, and we’ll pick you up from Savusavu airport.

BOOKING: click here

Marine Biologist Johnny Singh studied at the University of the South Pacific in Suva. He has worked in Savusavu for the past 6 years and knows the reefs and marine life of the area intimately. He is a keen underwater photographer and illustrates his talks with his own wonderful photos and videos. He is a passionate conservatioist, and his enthusiasm for ocean life is contagious.

Itinerary at a Glance

The course runs for 7 days; the last day is a travel day.

You should book your flights to arrive in Savusavu on the first flight from Nadi at 7.00am on Saturday – and you are welcome to arrive earlier in the week or stay on later – we’ll just charge you at regular room rates less 15% if you’re on the course.

Saturday
Introductory lecture and field trip with Johnnie Singh.

Sunday
Field trip day with Johnnie Singh.

Monday
Morning: Field trip.
Afternoon: Town Visit.
Evening: Lecture on Conceptual Coral Reefs

Tuesday
Morning: Field trip.
Afternoon:Pearl farm visit.
Tapa demonstration.

Wednesday
Morning: Field trip.
Picnic lunch and boat / beach trip.
Evening : Lecture on ‘Cities under the sea’

Thursday
Morning: Field trip.
Afternoon: Excursion tolocal village.
Evening dinner in town.

Friday
Morning: Field trip.
Afternoon: Free
Evening: Lecture on Coral Critters

Saturday
Leaving Ceremony and departure to Nadi.

» » Make a booking

Leave behind your daily schedules to join one of our week-long retreats when you can follow your dream and let your light shine.

We’ve welcomed many people of many ages – but there are two characteristics that unite everyone who comes – a passion to deepen their involvement in a chosen subject, and a determination to make sure not to leave things on the bucket list until too late.

Come alone or bring a friend – either way, you’ll have privacy when you need it and companionship when you want it.

Just launched:

Fiji Pearls Ocean Swim sponsored by J Hunter Pearls.

We are hosting Fiji’s Northern Division’s first open water Ocean Swim at the end of May.
There are two marathon swims and one middle-distance swim:

Marathon swims: 10k swim on Wednesday May 29 and 5k swim on Friday May 31
Middle distance swim : 2k swim on Thursday May 30.

Full details at our new Ocean Swims Fiji website.

AND

SPECIAL  2-for-1 Dive offer with Jean-Michel Costeau Diving: we’re running a fantastic offer on diving in May : details here.

Let us know which course you are interested in: email us directly.

A big thanks to the wonderful Amy May whose original song REAL is featured on our video. More at http://www.amymaymusic.com/

You can find out all the details on our menus – just click on the categories below:

Art: acrylic, pastels, watercolours, sketching, botanical art
Craft: machine quilting, traditional quitling, free form symmetry
Snorkeling: many dates to choose from
Bird watching: professionally guided in June or do-it-yourself any time
Singing: choral workshops and gospel a cappella
Yoga: hatha, yantra, anusara inspired, power yoga, Nia dance
Writing: breaking through to your core idea