Will we ever tire of visiting tropical Islands?
After sending condolences to a dear friend of Brett's who recently lost his sister, we were reminded by his friend's wife to "Do all the fun shit now." A pretty great tagline for all of us to use in our earthly journey.
We have been traveling since early September including 10 countries and 8 housesits, giving us a wider perspective on the lives of others living in faraway places. The 8-month mark is when we start to get a bit weary, needing a travel break with some familiarity to comfort our traveling gypsy asses. We booked flights back to the US in mid in April for a quick visit with friends and family to reconnect before setting off to our next fairly extended domestic location. Trading in our snorkel gear and swimsuits for flannel shirts, a truck, camping gear, and probably some long johns.
We had a week slated in our Australia itinerary that was not dedicated to a housesit, so we were due for one last vacation. Getting a bit weary from jumping on airplanes, finding transportation, and foreign problem solving but we decided we would not miss the opportunity to zip over to Fiji for a week on the iconic South Pacific Islands. It would have been easier just to chill in lovely Australia for a week, but we really need to follow the mantra "Do the fun shit now." Now is all we are guaranteed.
With over 300 Islands in Fiji to choose from, how do you pick?
We took some tidbits from a friend who had just made the trip, and we are happy we did. We had a 5-star experience which was total bliss. We couldn't really find much fault in this tropical paradise.
Viti Levu Island
The largest of the 300-plus islands. Only about 100 of them are inhabited. We stayed at Yatule, on Natadola Beach, a very small place with only about 30 beach huts that lined the crystal blue waters.
Once landing, upon entering the airport you were serenaded by locals singing with ukuleles. It was the most pleasant greeting. Helpful, sincere locals getting you to your destination. Welcome home! they all said. Upon arrival, you get a Fijian Salusalu (Garland Flowers), a local sign of their appreciation for you as a visitor. Several islanders gave us their most heart-filled thanks for choosing Fiji as a destination. Like a lot of islands, the locals are chill, but Fijians hit the mark not only for being relaxed, but they kill it in the hospitality category. They are driven to work, not pushy in nature, and make you feel welcome and appreciated. They are happy, and just a lot of fun to be around.
Dash of History on the Island
In 1874 the British Settled Fiji with a lot of interest in sugarcane. In 1970 they finally gained their independence. Because the Brits were so persistent in their conquering pursuit, we have been driving on the left side (except for France) since we left the States in September.
The British actually treated the indigenous Fijians (fairly) well, but they brought over Indians (from India) to be slaves to work the plantations. Sugarcane is still all over the island and the small mini rail train cars are still used today. The power has flipped and Indians pretty much dominate Fiji's business environment. Want Curry for lunch? You will find it in Fiji. Looking to buy property there......not so fast you can't it is not for sale. The tourist places lease land from the locals and pay them a small kickback to do so. The Fijians now work for the Indians for about 1 USD per hour.
Fijians are about 95 percent Christians, (converted by the British) and they hold Sunday as a very special day for God and family. They have small local family villages dotted all over the island. Each has a specific identity, and a village chief or headman which is passed down by bloodline. Crime is super low, and people work together to live a happy, harmonious simple lifestyle. All islanders that we spoke to have never left the island.
Fiji is brimming with mountain and jungle landscapes, iconic white sand beaches, soft coral, fire shows, and tiny villages. There are no big high rises mostly smaller Inns. It is wildly beautiful, and we didn't bother locking our door. Oh, and dancers, they are killer good dancers.
BULA!
Hello in Fijan was heard around every corner. If we hadn't known better, we would have thought it was a friendly Buddhist country. The people were genuine and interested in forming relationships and they all wanted to talk to you.
Finding Nemo
We found a delightful local and took a tour of an uninhabited island that was symbolic to his local village people. We spent the day with Nemo where we did a cave tour and learned about some ancient traditions. He forgot his torch, so the cave was VERY dark. After we were done we were rewarded with this open sand beach all to ourselves. We did some snorkeling in super shallow water where the coral was healthy and tiny colorful fish plentiful.
Why do we always find Canadians?
We had delightful next-hut neighbors Deb and Kevin from Vancouver. Their Daughter and family are living in Australia and they also took advantage of a Fiji escapade before heading back. We were glad to have such interesting company to share time and laughs with. We are looking forward to another trip to Canada in the future to look up all our Canadian travel mates.
The Week Was Entirely Brilliant
Poof, that week was a quick one. We did hours upon hours of just watching the surf break on the second reef. The waves in the bay made a huge crashing sound that sometimes actually shook our hut at night. We didn't get much reading done because we were always looking up, just soaking in the rhythmic waters and outstanding colors. The bathwater temp was a welcome change after all the cold oceans we had been in.
We would not hesitate to recommend a Fiji vacation to anyone who happens to be on this side of the earth. Yes, the iconic photos are pretty true to the island. We found everything to be spot on. We loved no bugs, low crime, long sunny days, bathwater warm ocean, accommodations to fit all budgets, and well......you know we loved the people, and the overall vibe.
Del, our Captain for the day.
3-year-old Nemo Junior.
Self-setting camera on our sunset that dropped into the sea.
We are grateful for the gift of time. We can't be more thrilled with the simple minimal lifestyle we have chosen. We are going to continue to enjoy the journey and remember to do the fun shit now. Find your joy in daily life, sometimes it isn't the big stuff. Don't wait for 'that vacation' or 'when I retire' or 'when I have more money' or any other lame excuse that holds you back. Whatever your joy is, just get it done so you have no regrets.
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