FIJI TIME!!!
Trip Start
Oct 29, 2009
1
2
3
Trip End
May 12, 2010
Nadi,
Viti Levu,
Fiji
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Sorry this blog is a bit delayed, but hey, we've been on "Fiji Time!!!" Fiji Time is one of mankind's most ingenious ideas and primarily involves running late and not giving a damn. It's AMAZING. Everything (except buses and boats, we discovered) runs on Fiji Time. If things are a bit behind schedule, everyone laughs it off and says "Fiji Time!" The Fijian culture is laid back, relaxed, and works to avoid the kind of stress and anxiety pervasive in our own society.
We stayed at Drift In Hostel the first night in Fiji and were absolutely blown away by the people. John (the owner's brother) picked us up at the airport and asked whether we'd ever been to Fiji. When we replied "No," he responded with "Welcome home." And that's really what it was like
Mr. 118 Bracelet
. Never have I met a more amazing group of people in my life - and this was not specific to our hostel or even Nadi. We found the same warm, welcoming and good natured people throughout the islands as well.One thing is for sure - the Fijians are doing something right. Their smiles, laughter, constant singing and joke telling demonstrate day in and day out that they are a truly happy people with a unique and inspiring perspective on life. It seems pretty clear that they have figured something out that we haven't quite grasped and are more than willing to let us in on their secret.
Staying in Nadi was absolutely amazing. John took us into Lautoka where we spent the day shopping, talking, and eating some of the local grub. That night the hostel carved pumpkins for us crazy kids (suprisingly though, we did not meet a single American the entire time we were in Fiji) and we sat around drinking Fiji Bitter and talking to the multitude of other young travelers staying at Drift In. I was shocked at how many backpackers go to Fiji - of all the people we met, only one of them was on an actual vacation. The rest were on long trips similar to ours; some were just starting out as well, while others had done essentially the same trip, but in reverse.
We went to some local Fijian bars and clubs that night, but decided to come home around two (everyone else was out until five) as we had to catch a 7 am bus the next day to the islands
Well worth certain death
. However, when we arrived at the hostel, there were a couple of Fijians drinking Kava (the local drink derived from a plant that makes your mouth, tongue and face go numb - yeah, no idea what kind of crazy stuff we got ourselves into) and we were invited to join. Not only is it disrespectful to decline an invitation to drink Kava, it is virtually unheard of. It tastes like muddy water and really does make your tongue go numb, but hey, when in Rome...Kava is used to repair rifts between individuals or groups or simply to bring people together to talk, share stories, and laugh. It is a very communal custom and gave us a chance to spend some time with the locals and learn firsthand about the Fijian people and culture.So, in sum, Day 1 was one of the best and longest days. Don't worry, I won't do this for each day, but Day 1 was a biggie :)
After Nadi, we ventured out to the islands. OMG. The end, 'nuff said. But really, in no way could I begin to express the beauty of the Fijian Islands. The pictures we took can't capture the overwhelming awe you experience as you gaze upon the dramatic volcanic cliffs, the lush green hills that dot the piercing blue waters and the little village towns that line the many beaches.
Alesi!
We spent three days at Walu Beach resort (google it, it was built for an Australian reality show, I can't wait to watch it when we get home). Paris Hilton was apparently at this teeny tiny island near our resort while we were there - yeah, that's right, we had the same view as Ms. Hilton - except we paid $190 Fijian dollars a night instead of $16,000. She got ripped off. Walu was amazing - we were a bit worried at first because it seemed too resort-like when our intention had been to seek out the true backpacker accomadations, meet the local people and spend time with fellow travelers. Turns out that loads of backpackers stay there; we met some amazing people (yay, Del and Lisa!) who have truly become great friends of ours in the short while since we met.
After Walu, we took the boat the Waya Lai Lai, another beautiful resort that was much more backpacker friendly and was filled with people our age doing the same trip we're doing. It's an ecohaven resort, meaning it's run by the local village and all profits are shared by the villagers. We visited the beautiful sandbar that connects the small and big islands and took a trip to the local school. Check out our "Pictures of the Post" - you'll see my new friend Alesi, who introduced himself straight away, grabbed hold of my hand and led me all around the school
Sarah and Milly
. As I left, he gave me his address so that I could stay in touch and send him some of the pictures we'd taken. The kids were some of the happiest I had ever seen. They were so sweet and friendly and were beyond excited to see us. They performed songs and dances, drew pictures for us and looooved checking out the pictures we'd taken of them. I talked to John about the kids and he explained how everyone expects to feel sorry for these poor islanders, but that in reality, these are some of the happiest children in the world. After nine days in Fiji, I'm convinced it is one of the most beautiful places in the world, with a rich and inspiring culture and some of the happiest, most loving people I have ever met. We met such great friends along the way and plan on meeting up with many of them in the months to come. It is so refreshing to meet other backpackers, as they all seem to have same good-natured, fun-spirited and open personalities, always willing to engage in conversation, to make a new friend and learn about a different place.
As sad as we were to leave Fiji, there is so much more to come...
Quote of the trip: "In Fiji, we see the first sun, so if we're an hour delayed it doesn't really matter, we're still ahead of the rest of the world."
"The main goal in life is ensure your happiness and the happiness of those you love."
Both courtesy of John - thanks for the insight!
Room 118 Corner: OMG we miss you guys soooo much! Go Bears! Mr. 118 Bracelet is seeing the world, I just hope the world is ready for it!!
Jen's Corner: I'm dying without you. LOVE YOU!
Family and Friends: We miss you all so much and think about you day in and day out. We love you soooo much!
