We woke at 3:30am and were on the road by 4. Two boats were loaded with our gear and ourselves. We pulled away from the wharf at 6:15, or 5:30 "Fiji Time." Three of us, Tanya, Alex, and myself sat in the bow, above the small cargo hold, the best seats in the house. The water was like glass and parted smoothly on either side of the boat as we left the bay. The sunrise was breathtaking. Colors changed by the minute--purple to pink to red to orange to yellow.
Tanya best voiced our sentiments: "People work, 9-5, every day, at an office to make money. Of this money, they may save 5% for vacations. After doing this long enough, they can see the sun rise over Fiji's big island from a boat on smooth water."
Alex: "This is the best commute I've ever had."
Once the sun was fully up and we left the main island behind, the sea took a short break from tranquility. In other words, it went from peaceful to, in my opinion, fun. Soon, the water was hitting us in spray and bucketfuls. Those in the main area did not share my opinion in what qualifies as fun, particularly the girl that threw up over the side of the boat. Another took some dramamine and hid in the cargo hold. Nearly everyone was soaked. I remained on the bow, holding on to the three inch tall rail/tie down and laughed. Headphones and raincoat on, I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
The main island fell from sight and the smaller islands of the Yasawa group rose from below the horizon. We reached the safe waters between them and the see was calm once again.
Picturesque best describes the sight that welcomed us to the island. We arrived at Malakati village, greeted by singing villagers. Lunch was soon ready and we ate. It was good, and afterwards we rested. The staff enjoyed our newfound peace in different ways: some sunbathed, some swam, and others rested in the shade. I partook in all of the above. After an hour or so of this hard work, we set up some tents.
Between tent set up and afternoon tea, I played rugby with some of the village boys. To sum up the athletic abilit of these Fikian kids, I would say quick. These teens and preteens seemed to burn me on nearly flat our run. Quick little buggers. I had a blast.
Then came, in order, tea, medical meeting, dinner, swimming, kava, bed. Swimming was amazing. A handful of us went out after dark to jump off the boat into the still, warm Fijian waters. I tried standing on a surfboard on this still water. It didn't work.
Throughout drinking kava, many of the village men played guitar and sang for u. Once again, more proof that Fijians are great musicians.
Then, bed.
Tanya best voiced our sentiments: "People work, 9-5, every day, at an office to make money. Of this money, they may save 5% for vacations. After doing this long enough, they can see the sun rise over Fiji's big island from a boat on smooth water."
Alex: "This is the best commute I've ever had."
Once the sun was fully up and we left the main island behind, the sea took a short break from tranquility. In other words, it went from peaceful to, in my opinion, fun. Soon, the water was hitting us in spray and bucketfuls. Those in the main area did not share my opinion in what qualifies as fun, particularly the girl that threw up over the side of the boat. Another took some dramamine and hid in the cargo hold. Nearly everyone was soaked. I remained on the bow, holding on to the three inch tall rail/tie down and laughed. Headphones and raincoat on, I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
The main island fell from sight and the smaller islands of the Yasawa group rose from below the horizon. We reached the safe waters between them and the see was calm once again.
Picturesque best describes the sight that welcomed us to the island. We arrived at Malakati village, greeted by singing villagers. Lunch was soon ready and we ate. It was good, and afterwards we rested. The staff enjoyed our newfound peace in different ways: some sunbathed, some swam, and others rested in the shade. I partook in all of the above. After an hour or so of this hard work, we set up some tents.
Between tent set up and afternoon tea, I played rugby with some of the village boys. To sum up the athletic abilit of these Fikian kids, I would say quick. These teens and preteens seemed to burn me on nearly flat our run. Quick little buggers. I had a blast.
Then came, in order, tea, medical meeting, dinner, swimming, kava, bed. Swimming was amazing. A handful of us went out after dark to jump off the boat into the still, warm Fijian waters. I tried standing on a surfboard on this still water. It didn't work.
Throughout drinking kava, many of the village men played guitar and sang for u. Once again, more proof that Fijians are great musicians.
Then, bed.
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