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The last day we spent in Fiji was a bit manic. Firstly, we woke up to no power - the air conditioning had gone and we were so hot. It turned out there had been a nationwide power cut so that was definitely an interesting thing to wake up to first thing in the morning!
Once the power had come back at around 1pm, we decided to check out the nearest village. It was a pretty horrible experience. From the minute we got out of our taxi we were harassed non-stop. People were trying to drag us in to all their shops and pressuring us to buy things all the time! But I should have realised that this would happen. The region is predominantly poor and dark skinned, which meant Matt and I stood out a lot and we obviously were seen as a big source of cash. We did have a good experience though - we ended up sitting with some Fijians and sharing a bowl of cava! We got some cool photos and that was definitely a great experience!
When we got to the airport, Matt and I ended up talking to another New Zealander who was heading back to ChCh, and we gave him a heads up about the earthquakes happening again. And then some other guys over heard us who were also from New Zealand and we all ended up having a big chat. That was pretty pleasant because I already miss New Zealand so much. I love all you guys back at home so much you have no idea! One guy had a house in Seddon but the earthquake totally destroyed it. He had been in Fiji for just one day and was already heading back :(
But Fiji, I don't want to put you down. It was great that you were my first stop and I learnt SO much so quickly, and that is why I am doing all this travelling! Learning about new cultures, learning where my boundaries really lie, meeting new people and so on. The people of Fiji are amazingly friendly, everyone says hello to you all the time! The climate is beautiful, it makes you feel happy all the time.
Three words to describe Fiji: tropical, poverty, friendly
Tropical: Fiji was great because it had the whole hot, tropical island thing going on. It was definitely a nice escape after being in New Zealand during the winter season. I also found it was really exciting being surrounded by crystal clear waters, trees brimming with coconuts and mangoes and tropical breakfasts. We also got the typical island experience where we had unlimited access to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snorkelling gear and gleamingly white sandy beaches. I got stung multiple times, and got the worst sunburn on my life. But the sunburn is now turning in to a nice golden glow, the stings have gone. I got to spend a day on the most beautiful island checking out gorgeous marine life and seeing how far I could push my limits.
Poverty: My first impression of Fiji was pretty bad. When we drove from the airport all we saw was poverty. But it got better as we began to feel more comfortable in our hotel and then went for walks around nearby areas. We had an interesting encounter with a taxi driver which, whilst I was absolutely petrified most of the time, turned out to be a great experience as he told us about the area from a local's perspective.
Friendly: The people in Fiji, whilst are very harassing, are also so, so friendly. Everywhere you go you are greeted by constant "bulas". Whether you walking through the hotel, sitting at the beach, looking around a super market. And they are always so willing to help you, or tell you more about their culture, etc.
Few things I noted about Fiji which I think it's important for other fellow travellers:
- Taxi fares seem to be set at a standard price. For example from our bay taxis always cost $6 to town, $9 to airport regardless of how long it took to get there.
- When you fly in, you see smoke coming out of the ground everywhere. At first Matt and I thought they had crazy geothermal activity, but it's actually Fijians burning sugar cane!
- You will be harassed ALL THE TIME. It doesn't matter where you are or when, people will try and find a way to make money out of you
- Whilst I had a few bad experiences, definitely make an effort to embrace the local culture. Don't just stick to the island resorts - you won't see the real Fiji otherwise! (the good and the bad!)
- Say Bula (hello) and Vinaka (thank you) ALLLLLLLLLLL the time! To everyone!
NOW! On to the next part of the day! We flew to L.A. so our day four has been stretched out heaps!
The flight was pretty average. I mean the service was great - I would definitely recommend Fijiairways to people because despite being a brand new airline (and having a bit of drama with flight schedule) the service is great - lots of food, movies to pick from, blankets and pillows provided, toothbrush and toothpaste, etc. I found it very difficult to sleep, kept getting a dead leg, etc. I think that's pretty standard though to be honest.
As for L.A., I am absolutely head over heels in love already and I've only been here a few hours. At the moment it's warm, but there's a cool breeze. This is AMAZING considering I'm still recovering from sunburn. We are staying on Venice Beach at the moment and its frickin cool. So busy but so much to do! So many street entertainers, food stalls, and so on. The vibe is great and I'm so happy to be in the U.S. which actually surprised me! It's also great being able to blend in - I feel a lot safer even though I'm sure crime is probably worse here than in Fiji. As soon as Matt and I started heading to the beach, some people asked us for directions and it was weirdly comforting being mistaken as locals!
So we are in Venice Beach until I think the 20th, then we spend two days in Hollywood and then head to Vegas! We have free unlimited Wi-Fi so I should easily be able to keep you all updated :)
- comments
Mum What are the three words you would use to describe America on first impressions? Love ya Mum xxx
Stephanie Colourful, busy, comfortable! But still early days :D
Agnieszka Anna Sounds really great, Steph - enjoy and stay safe !!!! :-) xx
Nan Bula to you both, sounds like you might make a return trip to Fiji one day wish you had an underwater camera sounds like the snorkelling was stunning. And now Las Vegas, any idea why it is called Venice Beach? I look forward to seeing photos as I have an image of Las Vegas as boulevards with loads of motels and Elvis Presley lookalikes lol. I am relying on you to educate me. Take care love you xxxxxx
Steph Vegas isn't for a few days yet! Still got four nights in L.A but will deffo take lots of photos!
Steph Also Venice in LA is named after European Venice because they built similar canals I think! :)