When we think of Fiji we think of remote islands with beautiful beaches, palm trees, crystal clear seawater - basically paradise. And I would be a liar if I was to say it wasn't.
Every island that I visited began with being greeted by a welcome song sang by the Fijians and when I left I would be bid farewell by song too. In fact I don't think I have ever been sang to so much in my life and doubt I ever will again - unless I return to Fiji of course!
I visited six of the many islands that belong to Fiji and each of them were unique in their own way. From the more tourist friendly South Sea Island, where the infamous Edith worked and made me laugh from start to finish, to Naqalia Lodge resort which felt like more of a home stay than a resort. At Naqalia, the children of the resort's family played in the sea and were so much fun to watch and be around. It reminded me that we sometimes forget that the really simple things in life are what make us the happiest.
Sadly my trip to Fiji was marred by an infected toe, which is still haunting me as I sit in a medical centre in Wellington, New Zealand writing this waiting to see a doctor and a stomach bug which kept me bed ridden for a day or two except for frequent bathroom visits. Apologies to anyone who may be eating whilst reading this!
It was because of these ailments that I returned to mainland Fiji a day earlier than planned so that I could see a doctor and obtain antibiotics (not that they helped) and I experienced the scariest boat ride of my life. The weather conditions were, to say the least, awful for sailing and when I saw that Fijians were getting sea sick on the boat I knew that this wasn't an easy ride for anyone.
I probably appear to be complaining and being negative about my trip but this is not the case. I actually look back on that boat experience and laugh at what an experience it was. Now I know how George Clooney felt in A Perfect Storm.............okay I'm exaggerating a little.
I am aware that my travels are going to have their highs and lows but that is part of the backpacking experience and these challenges will arise. Yet each challenge seems to have an interesting outcome and another experience. For example, my decision to go to the mainland about my toe meant that I had the boat experience and then met a lovely old lady in hospital who insisted on me taking her contact details so that I can stay with her if I ever came to Fiji again.
Fiji is a wonderful place full of wonderful people who I will never forget. I am sorry that I wasn't well for part of my time there because it prevented me from having even more fun with caring, cheerful people who I will miss greatly. Maybe one day I will return to Fiji but if I don't, I will certainly be recommending it to anyone who asks.
In fact I want whoever reads this blog to do something after reading. I want you to look up the Vinaka Fiji programme which is part of the Yasawa Trust Foundation. Despite its paradisal appearance, people living on the Yasawa islands go without basic amenities like fresh water, power, education and health facilities. Such good people should not go without such basic needs so if there is anything that you could do to aid such this good cause, please do so. I will definitely be donating when I get home.