Settling In

I’m settling in to life on the road and traveling is getting easier.  I’m getting use to moving around, not staying one place for a long time and meeting numerous people from all over the world.  Actually mainly Germans. 

Fijiwas a culture shock.  I’m glad I started there because even though there was much poverty, Fijians will give you the clothes off their backs if you are getting a little too sunburned.  They are the most selfless people I’ve met thus far and very, very beautiful esthetically as well.

After I left my initial accommodations and found a couch to surf on, I felt much better about being in Fiji.  Staying with Diane was wonderful.  I became much more relaxed and felt safer being in the company of other people.  Meeting some of the locals gave me a better perspective on Fijian life.  Diane rented the basement of her home out to two twin brothers, Phillip and Tofu. They were from one of the low land nation islands but I can’t think of the name of it right not.  They were fire dances and craftsmen.  Both worked in the backpacker resorts entertaining and providing activities for guests.  Incredibly sweet talented men.  I hung out with them when I was staying at Diane’s and I went to Mana Island in the Yasawa’s with Phillip for a couple of days.  He was working at the backpackers I stayed at.  Again it was nice to have someone with me who knew the ways of the land and culture.

I didn’t make it to far inland in Fiji.  I here that the mountains and rivers are something to see.  Instead I headed out to the YasawaIslands for a couple of days.  The group of Islands are stunning and extremely warm.  It was so warm that even the ocean felt soupy.  Mana Island is a village island.  The village was behind the backpackers place.  I felt incredibly guilty for being there.  These people have next to nothing and live very simply.  Here I was taking one of the best buildings to sleep in and eating food that most couldn’t afford.  Yet most of them seemed to be very happy.  I didn’t get over the guilt, but each day I felt extremely grateful for the opportunities and things that I have.  I will say that it was fun to play with the local kids.  They hung out with me and a woman I met who was from the States.

Fiji was beautiful and an eye opener.  I feel a little bit more prepared for places like Thailand and India.