Dream Destination — Fiji
Submitted by Narayan24 on Wed, 07/01/2009 - 14:36
It seemed like a battle for the bronze, silver or gold medals - three nations vied for the fame of being the first to welcome the new century: where and when the sun's first golden rays would grace the sky. In the forefront: the "Land of the Rising Sun," whose officials were skeptical that any nation could rent that coveted distinction away from them. Australia followed the whole process with keen interest. Her officials were suddenly aware that a tiny island somewhere in the Pacific would be awarded this status. It seemed that several nations were going to battle it out. But then another voice was heard.
"Hey, I am already in the new millennium," so seemed to brag the collection of Fiji Islands, looking for the whole the world on the map like a horseshoe thrown onto the international dateline. As folklore has it, horseshoes bring good luck, and an international panel of judges had the final say in the tug-of-war. They awarded the honor to the island nation in the South Pacific.
The Islanders were ecstatic. Never before in their isolated history had the world paid that much attention to them, and now they were Number One. Was that a good omen, and reason enough to travel to Fiji? For quite a few, it was, though it required traveling half way around the world. From New Zealand and Australia it is a short side-trip--who could pass that up?
Curious world travelers, bringing along their high expectations, were not disappointed. Waiting at Viti Levu airport was the bus from Hotel Fiji Mocambo, which transported the travelers through tropical vistas to their luxurious accommodations. A flowering tree's expansive canopy shades a swimming pool and invites relaxation.
But there was no getting too comfortable just yet! A sailboat sunset cruise would be on the evening's program, against the backdrop of a romantic sunset, accompanied by a mood-setting island musical serenade - guitar and drums —a South Seas dream - and just the beginning!
It seems the Creator had taken care establishing this island chain - peopling it with easy-going, pleasant native inhabitants. At least it appears they credit their life-style to their deep spirituality, which they demonstrate in their daily lives. Never mind their activities of the night before. On Sunday they attend a 5:00 a.m. Methodist church service in nearby Namaka village. Unbelievable, but true: before sunrise, hundreds of the faithful sit in the open air, reed mats shielding their heads from the intense rising sun. Following a talk entitled "The bottom line is compassion," all enjoy a community breakfast.
But we have yet to come to our main destination: Vanua Levu Island, with a brief interlude in the Fiji capital, Savusavu. A short connecting flight brings several passengers to their destination for the next few days—Tavenui Island. The island's Garden Resort Hotel is a mere 2 km. from the international dateline. The hotel's location -straddling the time/space anomaly -provides the first look at the lovingly hand-painted sign, pointing out the Fiji Islanders' and guests' proud feat of being the first in the world to welcome the new millennium. Those who would want to could straddle the sign, with one foot in Saturday, and the other already in Sunday.
A diving excursion the following morning requires no imagination - to view the coral formations, which keenly resemble a field of cabbages with giant green leaves. Here it is already Monday, while at the outset of the expedition - the hotel's diving pool - it was still Sunday. But the Fiji officials integrated both time zones, for practical purposes.
An outing to view picturesque waterfalls turns into a study of Islander mentality, in light of their laid-back life style. Official bus departure times are non-existent. The bus goes only when the driver decides it is a good time. That forces one to be patient. People waiting at the bus stop bide their time by visiting and conversing. Those who must return the following day to their more conventional lifestyles opt to take a taxi. This trip around the island leads past the Catholic mission church of Wairiki, and past the Maravu Plantation, an agricultural center. A rest stop is scheduled for the idyllic Karen’s Garden, where guests indulge in tea and pastries, on a lush green lawn shaded by magnificent vegetation, and simply let their thoughts wander. Exactly the right kind of place to do like the Islanders—to simply ignore time.
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