Bula! We’re in Fiji.

The people here are friendly, the country is spectacularly breathtaking and the gardens aren't manicured which creates this utopian wildness.  Everything here is a little greener and friendlier than home; especially in the context of it’s native animals, unlike Australia, nothing here will kill you. Their native species of snake has been virtually wiped out due to the introduction of mongoose. The absurdity is somewhat jarring, amusing and tragic all at once. This  was the strangest thing for me to get my head around, was I in pseudo Africa? 

Mongoose were introduced as a way to combat the rat population in sugar cane farms. Unfortunately the Mongoose have also eradicated many small mammals, snakes and ground dwelling birds. Don't get me wrong, I take conservation, very, very seriously, especially sustainable tourism, but for a brief moment I did think to myself 'here, in the exotic jungle, I don't need to worry about Taipans, Redback spiders or paralysis ticks.' I felt closer to heaven than deadly Australia. 

Valentine's day fell during our visit this year, so hopefully that explains all the love hearts everywhere! 

We met up with a tour for the day and our guide Bill from Moana Tours told us many facts and lovely stories during our half day drive through Port Denarau and Nadi to Smugglers Cove Beach Resort.  His most wonderful idiom was 'family' instead of 'ladies and gentlemen'; I did say the Fijians were friendly. 

Smugglers Cove Beach Resort 

On our way Bill would say things like 'Family, did you like that stop?' Or 'My family, did you know” he said “ Fiji is made up of 45%  Indian and Chinese people?”

This would explain why I kept seeing stray cows grazing on the sides of the road.

It also explained the gorgeous:

Sri Siva Hindu Temple in Nadi

He then went on to say “ Villages in the area still have traditional family groups which make up the Chief and his family, the communicators (and mediators) and protectors (who are the warriors of the village).

We were also taught about Kava, a Polynesian root crop used to make a sedative drink. Traditionally, the process requires the chewing of the root and spitting it out before fermenting. Although, the tourist version, due to health regulations, is simply ground up root and brewed like tea.  You can buy the roots readily at the local farmers markets.

Markets

We were told by Bill that many men will get together to drink Kava,  and although a sedative, it doesn't cloud mental clarity. It has also reduced crime rates in Fiji. Everyone just seems so zen. As a witty, cordial undertone he did mention that it also 'reduces productivity'. But who cares, if you lived here you'd feel like you're on a perpetual holiday anyway, right?

In the afternoon we headed back onto our Ship via tender. 

Port Denarau 

The weather started changing for the worse. Luckily we were on a massive tender ship (as seen behind Gemma) which took over 300+ passengers. On the other hand, my poor mum got stuck on the orange life boat tender and had a bit more of an adventure. 

Tips for travelling in Fiji:

FIJI TIME: ** EVERYTHING** runs on Fiji time, so leave your watch at home. No seriously, it's a thing. The people are so relaxed that they do things at their own pace, and while you're on holidays, you should too. 

Bula! Try saying that and not feeling happy. By the time you leave you will have heard it 100's of times. Bula, means 'wishing you happiness and good health', but is also used as 'hello', and as a blessing when someone sneezes. 

Remember: Dress conservatively, the Indian temples requires long dresses that cover the thighs and legs. 

Other than your swim gear and light clothing, insect repellent and SPF 50+ sunscreen you don't need anything but a big smile and an adventurous attitude to travel Fiji. 

Have you been to Fiji? Have you got any hot travel tips to add?