After working to tight schedules for so long, early starts, gym sessions, FIFO work, a week of no schedule was a little harder to become accustomed to than I thought.
Flight with Air Fiji was uneventful, the flight attendants were helpful, food was tasty and a window seat to watch the scenery on landing. A band of local Fijians singing to welcome us to their country, Bula Vinaka echoing along the corridor towards the terminal.
Customs and immigration were a breeze, Bula, Bula, Bula... Hugo didn't even get his bag searched, even though his was the one chock full of bras for the village women.
Our driver was waiting for us, into the van and off we went, weaving our way through roadworks and pot holes and pedestrians.
The veiws between Nadi Airport and The Warwick were incredible. Scenes of shanty towns and raging creeks, dotted with the odd 4 star resort and lush gardens. People waving everywhere to our taxi, Bula Vinaka, as we drove along Queens Highway.
Arrived at Resort approx 2 hours after arrival, in time for a light Italian dinner, before watching the Polynesian Dance Show and Fire Show. Amazing backdrop, twirling fire sticks and acrobatics against a dark ocean, twinkling with reflections. Gorgeous.
It's true what they say about Fiji Time, it just seems to stop. I'm not sure if that's because there's not much to do aside from relaxing, if it's the effects of the cocktails, or the lifestyle.. But there's rarely a clock to be found, and if the question is asked, the answer will always be " it's fiji time".
We spent our days drifting between restaurant, to pool, to beach, to bar, to cocktail lounge... With a few walks and a trip to town interspersed. The people are beautiful, so attentive and helpful, their smiles light up their faces when they greet you, and their singing voices are amazing.. But I couldn't help but feel the poverty gap. The shop keepers, well trained in sales, are inclined to look upon a white face as a source of unlimited income, and it made me feel almost taken advantage of. I understand that any tourist area in the world has higher prices, so I'm not sure why I felt like this, almost like a lamb to slaughter.
The resort operates on a cashless basis, feeding the feeling of not being in control of monies spent. Upon departure you are handed an account of purchases, drinks, food etc, and it's not always easy to follow. We did pick up a couple of anomalies, which were difficult to rectify (on Fiji Time ) at 3-30am upon checkout.
The resort is beautiful, with daily activities organised, and plenty of free water sports if required. The most commonly used phrase was 'no pressure'.. Especially around the swim up cocktail bar. Even in the rain, here you would find people swimming, laughing, chatting with a cocktail in hand. We snorkelled, kayaked, walked, swam and finally after a day or two, slowed down. It was a quiet, relaxing time. There was minimal WIFI, so even that virtual connection with the world was greatly reduced.. It was bliss.
Our driver was also on Fiji Time and forgot to collect us from Resort for our return to Airport. LOL, both Hugo and I had a feeling that this may happen, we ended up sourcing another local taxi and off we headed 45 mins behind time, thankfully for all concerned, the airport also operates on Fiji Time and we arrived to check in without any dramas what so ever.
Hugo now works a 2:1 roster, and with it being cheaper for us to fly OS for the week than to spend the time in Dubbo or Orange, you will see more of these quick trips pop up in my blog this year. I enjoyed Fiji, I'm not sure Ill go back, but it was an interesting time, sad to see so much poverty and unemployment amongst the locals, but hopefully the new government will put plans in place to counteract this. With the Bali Executions imminent, and the expected backlash by Australians opposed to it, Tourism Fiji should be jumping on this opportunity to cash in.. Whether they do or not remains to be seen...
So, here I sit, in the Qantas lounge, after seeing Hugo off to his new swing, and me heading into the Emerald City for the next two weeks. I'm looking forward to returning to the gym, the routine, the schedule, the kids. This relaxing stuff is way too hard..
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