Fiji

Time in Fiji was short, but oh so smiling sweet. With torrential downpours during my stay, it was quite difficult to go off island, or do any outdoor activities. Only a few of us roamed the quiet Aquarius Hostel. We decided to take the local bus into the town of Nadi (pronouned Nandi). Upon arrival, warm smiles greeted us followed by showerings of "Bula, Bula", which is to say greetings, welcome, hello and come and buy something from my shop! Pernilla a nice gal from Sweden and I made the afternoon of it prancing through the rain, through local markets and into stores. We enjoyed a visit to a Hindu Temple, a tasty plate of veggie friend rice, an inviting walk through a small village market, buying local bananas and of course exchanging smiles with the friendly locals of Nadi. So many smiles, I can't even begin to articulate. Later in the evening, I was fortunate to converse at length with the hostel receptionist and learned of the struggles Fijians have traveling overseas. Obtaining visas is extremely difficult and many yearn to see other lands. I was humbly reminded of my own family’s struggles in the pursuit for a better life. A reminder to those holding Western passports.. Be thankful, embrace and buy a plane ticket somewhere soon! You will thank yourself when you do.

A delightful dinner followed consisting of well cooked local prawns, rosemary potatoes and garlic bread.

Vinaka (Thank you) Fiji, the staff at the Aquarius, Pernilla, the wonderful Italian couple, the bus drivers, flight attendants, taxi drivers and each that gave a warm smile. BULA!