Fiji Time
We arrived in Fiji more than one month ago. Life is good. The air temperature is a consistent 75-85 degrees with low humidity and water temperature measures an agreeable 73 degrees. We’ve spent the last month moored at the resort island of Malolo Lailai on the western side of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu. Three bungalow style resorts dot the palm-fringed shoreline, all are cruiser friendly. We can access pools, restaurants, a general store with all the basics, an island bar (picture an island “hut” bar) and a small, high quality spa facility. With only sand roadways, the island has no place for cars. A few golf carts buzz around and bikes are available for rent. Aerial views from the hilltops afford quintessential island landscape panoramas with reefs skirting the edges showcasing the full spectrum of blue water colors. There are, in fact, two islands, Malolo Lai Lai and Malolo, but at low tide, they join into one. The water recedes, providing a sand walkway between the two - a great place for shell collecting. At sunset, pink clouds form over open ocean to the west adding texture and volume to the sky. Once the sun goes down our backdrop is twinkling light clusters ashore, bright constellations of anchor lights in the foreground, and a backdrop of the stars above.
This is perhaps the slowest pace we’ve ever sustained and yet the days and weeks seem to pass quickly. Reading is a constant, enjoyable undertaking. I currently average two books per week but just the other day I started and finished a book on the same day. Now that’s a good day and a good book. When we expend more energy, we usually snorkel, walk the island adding to our ever expanding collection of shells, kayak or bike. An adventurous day has us at one of three local villages, either via kayak or crossing the sandbar on foot at low tide. We pass out treats and toys to the children and admire wood carvings. Life is slow here and locals know it. They refer to the pace as “Fiji Time.”
We celebrated Jim’s 41st birthday a few weeks ago. His special day started off with a massage followed by lunch at one of the resorts and an afternoon nap. While he enjoyed those, I secretly orchestrated a surprise party later that evening at the island bar in honor of his latest trip around the sun. What better venue than an island bar for Jim’s birthday party? We had balloons, cake, cupcakes, apple pie, barbecue fare and an unlimited supply of the local beer, Fiji Bitter, not to mention 15 cruising pals singing Happy Birthday. If he had to turn another year older it was the way to do it.
The next two months may take us to another island group, the Yasawas, which is within a day-sail from here. Then again, we may just stay right here. It’s hard to say. After all, we are on “Fiji Time.”
June 24th, 2009 at 6:02 am
Wow… 2 books per week… you must be running low on crayons.
June 24th, 2009 at 7:21 am
I am glad you did not sell your boat! See what you would have missed?
June 24th, 2009 at 7:55 am
Now that sounds like what life is supposed to be like. I hope you are feeling at least a “little” guilty for having such an ideal time while we are here fighting this wonderful economy. Enjoy a cold one at the island bar for me.
Bill
June 24th, 2009 at 8:02 am
J & T,
Thanks for Steve & Wendy’s info. My best to John & Renee if you see them. Fiji Time sounds like something the entire world needs a dose of. Happy Birthday Jim and the best to you both. I enjoy your updates. Take care of each other.
Ed
June 24th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Sounds like you’ve found paradise. A belated Happy Birthday to Jim. “Fiji Time” sure sounds a lot more inviting than the “Hammer Time” I’m experiencing here! Look forward to your next post.
June 25th, 2009 at 7:14 am
Oh figi smee- gi. I liked it better when you were telling us about those awful annoying downright scary passages… then I didn’t feel so jealous.
Island huts and beer drinking…snorkeling and picking up shells…YAWN. I suppose you don’t even need reading glasses when you are reading all these books do you? Seriously you guys…settle down…take it easy for cripes sake. Okay enough of the jealous banter…been following you guys every step of the way and am thrilled for your adventures, minus the bungee jumping. We are grounded for now, as Ian has had to move his 92yr old mom in with him so things are on hold. All is well otherwise but no where near Figi-fine! I hope to spend one of my birthdays exactly like that. Can you reserve the hut for July 19th? Take care…uh…well you have that covered. I am going to spend the day trying to bring down this Figi fever. It happens to be one of my top destination desires, so I have had the fever for years. I will get there…maybe I will find you both at the bar when I do! Will buy you a bitter! Peace and love and turquoise water!
June 26th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
You haven’t mentioned the cobalt blue star fish that I remember in Fiji. Are there so many that it’s ho hum to you, or are they just not in your little part of the island?
We are heading out with the RV this weekend and will check in with you when we have WiFi…..although we plan on being pretty remote at times.
Nice to read your latest post and not have my stomach in knots (pun intended). Enjoy that beautiful weather and those golden sunsets.
XOXOXO
June 27th, 2009 at 8:17 am
Bula, Bula!!!
Glad to hear you’re enjoying Fiji so much. If you get starved for some more civilized stuff you might think about sailing to New Caledonia. If so, look up Jean-Michel Lange and Jacqueline Dubois at Cercle Nautique Caledonien. They’re nice folks (as Frenchmen go). Dan
June 27th, 2009 at 10:12 am
I am totally jealous - we are working on silicon valley time and it sucks - you and Jim have it right. Give me some Fiji time and kick back. Well at least we get to live through you. Take care and enjoy.