Last night in Fiji and I'm reflective as I watch the sun set

Sadly, I only have about 24 hours left here to bask in the sun and I’m reflective about my experiences in Fiji. I have to admit that it isn’t what I expected it would be. It wasn’t better, and certainly wasn’t worse- just different. I think we North Americans hear of Fiji and think of it as some faraway, mystical island. It most certainly is, but I would liken it to the Carribean from a tourism standpoint. It’s the Aussie/Kiwi equivalent of our Dominican or Cuba. In other words, a poor country with swanky resorts.

Color abounds

A resort employee plucks a coconut from a tree for me...mmm....I love young coconut water!

While I love a resort as much as the next person, for anyone who knows my travel style, I prefer down and dirty travel and exploration. It doesn’t bother me if I have no clue where I’m sleeping that night. Actually, it quite excites me. So in deciding to visit the cryptic island, I had exotic visions of sleeping in palm trees and dodging coconuts while running through Fijian jungles. Ok, not really, because I did know I had the same accommodations for the whole trip, but one can hope, right?

Flowers are everywhere

The untouched beaches

More color, more flowers

But I’ve drawn the conclusion that while this trip isn’t quite what I expected, it was magnificent in every way. The beauty is staggaring indeed. Certainly I have never been to a tropical beach where I could look as far down coast as my eyes could see and not witness another human being. There were no pot-bellied European men in their speedos, dilapidated beach chairs, or vendors pawning cheap merchandise- it was raw beauty of a tropical island untouched by man. And that to me is a spectacular and rare sight and I’m privileged to have witnessed that.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my life, it’s that things don’t always go as I plan, but somehow in hindsight they turn out better. Fiji is no exception. I am completely relaxed, and the images of the beach and colorful flowers are branded into my brain by the hot sun forver. I will always cherish these memories. If you’re in the area, stop by and drink in the beaches and scenery and fraternize with the lovely locals. But if you’re looking for adventure, catch the next flight to New Zealand.

See you soon.

A funky tree

Oh- and the new Wally Lamb book is excellent. I highly recommend it.