Don't Hate Me!

OK, so I rubbed it in. You may not remember it, but just a couple of weeks ago, Northeast Oklahoma was getting snow. School was cancelled and people were posting pictures on Face Book of snow covered yards and the sad state of affairs here, meaning everything- is- shut- down- in- the- four- states- sad.

OK, so I was in Fiji… as in Polynesian Island in the South Pacific. As in tropical green and lush, and laying by the pool next to the beach Fiji. Yes, it was a bit naughty, but, maybe I was wanting everyone to enjoy it with me, so I posted multiple pictures of that swimming pool. I’m sorry, I didn’t notice my bare toes where captured there in the picture! And that picture of the view from our balcony at the Sofitel Hotel in Nadi, Fiji? I just wanted folks around here to know how tall those palm trees can grow! And all those beautiful tropical flowers? I was sure it would brighten all my Face Book friends days to see the glorious sunshine while they were socked in with the snow.

Our trip to Australia and New Zealand offered us the chance to extend our tour with three nights in Fiji. Although it may sound ridiculous to need a vacation after our vacation, those that have been on “tours” where you cover a lot of territory and there are lots of getting up and going and lots of activity, then you understand, having a few days just to do “nothing” before returning to the real world is a wonderful way to end a trip. The bonus for us was the extension became 4 nights (at no extra cost!) when the final arrangements were made.

If you are headed to your globe to find this little bit of paradise, look for a cluster of over 300 islands northeast of New Zealand. A stopover at The Republic of Fiji breaks up the approximately 15 hour flight from New Zealand to the mainland. That is just one reason to go there. Another is that the location still remains a pretty primitive island destination. The economy still depends on the production of raw sugar from beets and cane, fishing and other age old trades. Yes, tourism is very important, and the huge 5-star hotels and resorts have a presence here. But you feel like you are going to your own deserted island but staying at a nice hotel. And isn’t that really the way we want it?

Fiji is both a romantic and family destination. This probably is a result of value for cost, English is spoken (allow for the Tongan twist to the sound!), and it feels very safe. Being an easy distance from the US west coast, Hong Kong, Korea, and of course, Australia and New Zealand, this gives the island an interesting mix of visitors. Fiji has been called the “friendly island” as the locals are quick to offer a big “Bula!” greeting that means Hello! Good Day! Best wishes! Complete with a bright smile. Slow down and smell the flowers here. A good spot to do that is the Garden of the Sleeping Giant home to a beautiful orchid range started by the late Raymond Burr of Perry Mason fame. Or study a little history, Wesleyan Methodist Missionary James Calvert arrived in Fiji in 1838 and as the islanders were converted to Christianity their history of cannibalism began to end. I had a guide on a tour that knew her great, great, great grandfather had practiced cannibalism. Crazy, huh?

Once again, I offer that pictures of me sunning in the South Pacific weren’t to be considered mean. But if it snows again, I’m headed to the store to buy a few square bottles of Fiji water (another big Fijian export) and let my mind return to the island. Bula!