Everyone talks about that dream vacation on a tropical island, don’t they? My visit to Fiji was my first, and it was absolutely beautiful.
On entering the airport terminal, you’re greeted with a welcoming song – and oh, wow! Can they ever sing! Everywhere you go, you’re greeted with a friendly “Bula!” and a genuine smile.
The islanders of Viti Levu call this mountain ‘The Sleeping Giant’.
The mountains become more prominent in the scenery as you travel inland from the coast.
The scenery is dramatic. Farms and fields of sugar cane and corn give way to mountains dotted with villages.
The people are vibrant and friendly, the colours are bright and vivid, and the hospitality is warmer than anywhere else I’ve been. Their houses and shops are not like those in Australia or the US – these people don’t place a high value on being fancy. Their values revolve around faith, family and community.
Among the colourful buildings and homes, the police stations are all white and blue so that people can identify them easily.
The sand on the beaches is golden and the water is clear and almost magically turquoise.
Many of the beaches feature palm trees that sway in the light breeze, which is almost constant.
Golden sand and turquoise water make a very inviting vision!
As we drove into the mountains, the beaches gave way to forests, rivers, and more closely settled villages.
An Aussie Maple Leaf, adrift on the wind... 