'Bula' in Fiji!
This past week, Jen and I were fortunate enough to travel to wonderful FIJI!! It is nearly impossible to explain paradise in words, but I will do my best to express how extraordinary this place is.
We spent our entire week in one location, rather than island hoping as many do. We were situated on Waya Island at Octopus Resort.
"Waya Island is one of the largest in the Yasawa group of islands - or archipelago. It is to the northwest of the Vitu Levu which is considered one of the main islands of Fiji (Suva and Nadi are on this main island)."
It is here that I left a part of my heart. Being able to spend a week in one spot, we were truly able to emerge ourselves into the community and culture of the place. We met and enjoyed the company of many Fijians as they are such a friendly and warm group of people. One smile from a Fijian will touch any one's heart in a brilliant way.
We had the opportunity to travel to two of the four villages on Waya Island and as we ventured through their living space, Jen and I felt invasive of their home, but Fijians don't view it in that perspective. Instead, the Fijians welcome us with 'Bula' and bright smiles and the children embrace excitement at the presence of visitors. Even though their space is confined and their homes are with the lack of furniture, it doesn't matter - it is extraordinary how much joy and love still fill the lives of the Fijians. The simplicity of their lives is something to be envious of. When we ventured over to the primary school for the children of Waya Island, the students flocked towards us. Speaking and learning in English in school, their communication with us was fantastic and their curiosity lead them to draw us into conversation. This school is completely funded by the Resort through the money it receives from guests as well as any donations guests wish to contribute and its condition of facilities were very good. I was truly impressed with the openness of the Fijians towards us visitors, and it added to our experience greatly.
Lying in the sun with a good book to keep us company is how most of our days were spent. There are no better ingredients to a perfect Fijian day than losing track of time completely and soaking up the warmth of the weather. Though, thanks to the Resort, there were different activities to take part in daily. Jen and I took time to learn how to basket weave, make jewelry, and snorkel. We also partook in the evening volleyball game: Fiji vs the rest of the world, and the evening beach bon fire. Each night, we ate dinner all together as guests, family style; it was a wonderful aspect to the community of Octopus - a great way to meet people and stay connected.
Overall, I have learned a significant lesson from the land of Fiji. It is not just the sparkling turquoise water, or the strikingly green hills, nor the soft white sand - but it's the tranquility, the laughter, the relaxation, the peace that makes Fiji beautiful. It becomes so easy to lose oneself in the silence and stillness, in the beauty. Fiji possesses a beauty so pure. In its natural state, not trying to be beautiful, not trying to be anything, but just being is where its beauty lies. It's beautiful in its simplicity and luxurious in its beauty - and is a place where one learns to appreciate the joy of finding beauty in simplicity.
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