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Published: August 3rd 2016
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The seven hour flight out of Ecuador and South America led me to a quick layover in El Salvador where I would board another plane for the six hour flight to LAX. I was back in America. I am always a little nervous when crossing borders and going through immigration, but in the USA I have no such fears. What, they are not going to let me in my own country? The border agent thoroughly questioned me about my six months in South America and about what I was doing there to which I replied “as little as possible”. Next up was what do I do for work, to which I replied “working is for suckers.” He did not like this and I then found myself into secondary screening where my bag was ripped apart searching for what I assume to be drugs. No drugs found and an hour later I was in Los Angles on a local bus bound for affluent Manhattan Beach for Mexican food and a Coors Light. It was all very strange for me being in the USA. Everything was on time and clean. There were white people everywhere speaking English and no one was trying to
rip me off. What a country!
After my ten hour holiday in the U.S. I boarded a ten hour flight to Fiji on Thursday night and arrived Saturday morning in Nadi, Fiji. Flying over the International Date Line, Friday never happened for me and I’m still not sure how I feel about that. Clearing customs was a breeze and I was thrust into the main terminal without a clue of what to do. Immediately three ladies came over to me asking if I needed help. My South American scam radar went up and I quickly made my way past them. They pursued and turns out they genuinely wanted to assist and help me with no interest in financial gain. What a novel concept! The people here are so outgoing and friendly and truly want to know you and help in any way they can. So different from where I came from. It has taken a little to get used to. So at the airport I was able to book a boat and accommodation for five days in the Yasawas Islands just West of the main island Viti Levu here in Fiji. Travel is simple here and everything is taken
care of for you.
After a five hour ride north through the beautiful South Pacific Ocean I was at my destination of Nacula Island. I was serenaded upon arrival with the sweet sounds of traditional Fijian welcome songs. Here in Fiji everyone sings to you when you arrive and when you depart anywhere. It is all quite refreshing. The beaches are everything I have seen on postcards and on travel shows. Soft white sands, crystal clear turquoise waters, and palm lined forests. I couldn't believe I was here and I was in a dream like fantasy basking in the radiant sun.
I spent my time on the islands hiking around the beach fronts, visiting local villages, and even climbing up the tallest peaks for world class views of the volcanic chain. I was also able to utilize my PADI Scuba certification and I took a dive that led me 25m deep to the realm of the bull shark. Yes I swam with sharks. Everything was in total control and I was never worried. It was so awesome to be with these mighty fishes in their native habitat and I was happy again to be underwater breathing in this
alien world. Another day I was able to negotiate with a local fisherman to take me out on his boat to try my luck at the local game fish. I had three monster hits, all of which got off. The equipment was not the best and clearly I am not as good as I think I am. I did manage to get one small bonito fish into the boat which served as a fresh and tasty lunch. True to the Fijian nature Thomas, my fishing guide, was visually upset that the three big fish got away and offered apologies to me and even to my brother as I had told Thomas my brother was a fisherman as well. Incredibly genuine people.
Fiji is a wonderful place and I'm stoked I was able to come here as the destination kind of just fell into my lap. The beaches, scenery and energy of the islands are beyond words. But to me the star of Fiji will always be the people. They are warm hearted, selfless, and the most happy and kind persons I have ever encountered. Someday I will return here to again be embraced by the pure goodness that is
the Fijian culture.
My villager friend Nap who showed me the husking ways of preparing a coconut. So if I'm ever stranded on an island, I'll be good. Turns out I can climb a tree quite well.
Onward and downward I hopped a three hour flight to Auckland, New Zealand where I now find myself without a plan and without a clue. I have a few ideas though and as long as I can survive driving on the left side of the road I should be good. Wish me luck!
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