Fiji

Bula Bula
FIJI

Fiji is a quintessential tropical paradise. Beautiful and peaceful like the serene tropical postcards, but also rich with culture. The laid back and simple way of life here makes it the perfect relaxing start to our journey. It helps to wash away the stresses of our hectic American lifestyle so that we can transition into a more adaptive and contemplative travel mode. As the locals say, it is Fiji Time.

Our time in Fiji has been wonderfully simple and refreshing. The locals here are exceedingly nice and friendly. Our first day here we met Tom, a charismatic and talkative Fijian, who has generously helped guide our experience here in Fiji to ensure we had a good time. He took us to watch him play music at a resort for free, took us to meet his drummer and friend Mess [TOP: Mess, myself, and Tom; photo by Mike], and he directed us to the best small tropical island with backpacker accommodations (Mana). He also took us on a tour of the main island of Fiji to see his home town and some of the more rural areas. The whole time he helped keep us from being ripped off by the gouging of tourist prices. Not to mention that he gave Mike and me both free sharks tooth necklaces which he made. For Fijians the top priority is not money like Americans; relaxation, friends, and family are paramount.

In addition to interacting with the locals Mike and I have spent a lot of our time in the water; either snorkeling in the crystal clear green water, kayaking around the beautiful tropical islands [RIGHT: Mike and I kayaking around Mana Island], or in general just having fun in the ocean. The snorkeling here in Fiji is amazing. The sheer quantity of reefs around and between the islands keeps the waters protected and calm, which makes them amazingly clear. This coupled with a diverse population of colorful tropical fish makes for some breathtaking snorkeling. Or maybe the breathtaking part was just user malfunction with my new snorkel gear. Either way it was great fun, and with my underwater camera case I was able to get some wonderful pictures [BELOW: Mike and Elizabeth snorkeling; a tropical fish; a school of fish].

When we have not been in the water we are almost always near the water; either reading and journaling in the shade, swinging from the palm trees over the beach, or just relaxing in a hammock overlooking the beach. The backpacker resorts here in Fiji are all set up to cater to the lazy beach side lifestyle, and Mike and I have taken full advantage of it [BELOW: A couple enjoying the beach in Fiji].

Overall, our time in Fiji has been excellent and I would recommend it as a great tropical getaway for anyone feeling overly stress out with their busy American lifestyle.

As always,
-Russ

[Pictures from FIJI]