Boats are the singular exception to Fiji Time. We set sail promptly the morning after returning from the village, and our package deal with “Awesome Adventures” continued to impress us for all 5 days. They have these bright yellow boats that cruise the ocean like the double-decker sightseeing buses found in European cities, allowing passengers to hop on and off at various points (islands) along the route. Smaller motorboats transfer luggage and people between the deck and the shore.

It would be hard to find many places more perfect than the 300 islands that form the Fiji archipelago. Paradise is often the word used to describe them. There are simply 3 colors: blue (sky and ocean), green (land), and white (clouds and sand). Spread out just below the intersection of the International Date Line and the Equator (Fiji is always the first to celebrate the New Year), some islands are still untouched while others have been unlocked with resorts. We spent one night on Kuata – the gateway to the Yasawa Islands, two nights on Naviti – the larges in the collection, and one final night on Beachcomber – the party island in the Mamanuca chain.

They had a lot of things in common: a band that greeted us when we arrived, outdoor activities, a “bula” dance party at night, and wonderful people, both staff and other guests. But they each had a different personality…

Kuata was the most intimate. Within ten minutes we felt we’d seen everyone on the island. It was laidback and quiet, except for the drums that signaled meals.

Naviti had more options, and more groups of people to befriend. We snorkeled, kayaked, and lounged with a great bunch of backpackers, and even went to church all together. It turned out to be our lucky day, for the lady that preached announced that it was her first time in 15 years. Her husband usually did the sermons while she “ironed his clothes and waited in the kitchen,” but she was overwhelmed with the Holy Spirit the night before. It was clear she was making up for lost time by the number of times she shouted “Hallelujah!” and “Praise the lord!”

Last but not least – Beachcomber. The best buffets, the best bar, the best facilities, and internet! This resort has mastered the tourist game. The night we were there they hosted an “International Crab Race” that involved a shockingly high auction. A lot of alcohol plus a hint of national pride was all it took for some Aussie guys to spend one hundred dollars on a hermit “from down under”…that didn’t even win.

My previous images of Fiji all came from the “Fiji” water bottles sold in America. With each sip, I’d peer through the crystal clear liquid to see the waterfall sticker on the back that invited me to grab my next bottle from the source. I preferred that brand to all the others for the tropical fantasy alone. The kayaking trip Tanya and I went on made the sticker look like…well, a sticker. On our way to a distant cove, we paddled past sprouting mountains that resembled giant Chia Pets and palm trees inching to stand out. In all other directions, endlessly calm water made me forget the world isn’t flat.

It was smooth sailing all 5 days, and we left yesterday just as it began to rain. We’re back on the mainland now. No more rows of hammocks or casual dips in turquoise bath water, but at least I have the water bottles.

This entry was posted on Monday, January 16th, 2006 at 6:21 pm in XIV. Fiji. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.