Fiji

I never really intended to go to Fiji when I left for Australia in January. My intention and my flight said I was traveling back to LA. But when the cruise I wanted to take through the Panama Canal from LA to Miami was sold out, I had to pivot pretty quickly. The woes of 'last minute' traveler.

My layover was in Fiji. So, why not stop over in Fiji!?! People always talk about Fiji like it is a dream spot.

I can see why it seems like a dream to some, but I also saw how parts are not that dreamy. I am guessing by now you know that when I travel I like to get off the beaten tourist path a bit. I am not really a Marriott kinda girl so I am always looking for accommodations in local neighborhoods and experiences that show you a bit of authenticity. That quest in Fiji showed a huge disparity between the tourist experience and the locals.

I chose not to stay on Denarau, the island designed and built for tourists, filled with American-sounding hotels, bars and cafes, and stay closer to Nadi. It was a locally run resort with a small hostel and several bures. I went for privacy in a bure since it was so inexpensive.

The staff was friendly, the view was amazing and I was able to relax, that is when I wasn't slapping mosquitos! But the road there was rustic, passing by homes and farm animals wandering until the rope pulled them back. I would like to say it was picturesque, but instead, it was a picture of extreme poverty conditions and a lot of trash, so much trash. It was hard to connect all the beauty of the island with the conditions of local housing.

I took a tour to get to know the island. Our guide, Bobby, took us to Nadi, beautiful botanic gardens, mud baths with thermal pools, a temple, the market and a local village. He was so kind and shared the story of Fijians, even when the loud Americans wouldn't stop talking. The Fijians' lives are centered around their love of family and work in either tourism or farming, both with long hours and little pay.

That root is Kava, a tea that is often consumed socially and as part of traditional ceremonies and cultural practices throughout the South Pacific Islands. In small doses, the effects of kava include muscle relaxation, sleepiness and feelings of well-being. I tried it...made my tongue numb and tasted a bit like dirty vegetable water, you know like what you think it would taste like if you drank the water after washing potatoes.

Back at the resort, I met a new friend, Bill- 91-year-old Aussie. He was traveling alone and had a wicked sense of humor. We shared travel stories and laughed all day long, then ended up leaving the same day, traveling on the long flight to Australia. I have met so many amazing people on this journey.

So, my honest review of Fiji. Go, find the dreamy places, and make new friends (with the friendly, kind locals and tourists) but be a responsible tourist- don't litter, keep your loudness to a minimum, and, for the love, please be kind and generous to the people that live there.