Vinaka Fiji!

Bula fam! 

Wow - our time in paradise went way too quickly. We were lucky enough to spend four nights on the beautiful Robinson Crusoe Island Resort, a private island off Fiji’s west coast. In Fiji the cost of living is high and income is low, with the average family consisting of three children and extended family members, whose care becomes the responsibility of the sons. Fiji boasts 333 separate islands and is also home to the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere, which we were able to see during our stay. Staying at the resort was the equivalent of staying at a Canadian cottage but at an island paradise - our clothes were always wet, hot showers were out of the question and we lived in a tiny hut with all of our worldly possessions. The island was also home to our new friend Tyeson the dog who would wait outside our hut in the evenings to say goodnight before bed.

Island days are filled with local coolers, swimming in the ocean, homemade buffets, snorkeling, learning and watching Polynesian dancing and during rainy moments, a game or two of Dutch Blitz (courtesy of Canada). The first thing we learned on the island was that everything operates on “Fiji time” - things move a little slower; “No hurry, no worry.” However, that didn’t stop us from quickly earning a reputation as the Canadians that were perpetually late for activities, all because we missed snorkelling ONCE. This reputation was given to us by our adopted New Zealand family - Nicky, Danny, Marshall and Georgia. Nicky quickly became our surrogate mother who told us about events and kept us on track. Marshall was our little brother who we often made fun of and ordered around, even though he is only a few years younger and Danny became our quiet but lovely dad. He looked out for us behind the scenes, invited us to visit and was always around to crack an appropriately timed dad joke just when we needed it. We are hoping to visit them on their farm in New Zealand soon!

Evenings on the island often included a traditional Polynesian culture show with our favorite Fijan friends donning grass skirts and dancing with fire to the amusement of both the island “houseguests” (folks staying at the resort, 20 at the most) and day trip visitors. One night we had the opportunity to learn a few of their moves and got all dressed up for the occasion. The shows also included a traditional kava (or yaqona) ceremony where we were invited to taste the kava and become members of the Fiji family. Kava is a mildly narcotic drink made from mixing pepper plant powder with water. Not to worry though - the “tourist” kava we tried is extremely watered down. Houseguests were referred to as the “crazy family” and part of being in the family was gathering on the beach every single time a boat arrived with visitors or took people away from the island to sing and wave them off with the staff.

All in all, Fiji far exceeded our expectations and gave us the perfect opportunity to relax before starting our lives in Melbourne. Anybody who has the opportunity needs to explore the breathtaking islands of Fiji, which is home to some of the most hospitable and kind people in the world. Vinaka (thank you) Fiji… for all the sunshine and friends you gave us. And thank you to the staff at the Robinson Crusoe Island Resort, who made our stay comfortable and memorable. 

Much love,

Linnea & Oshaen

P.S. - We arrived safely in melbourne on July 17th and can’t wait to tell you about our first impressions of the city! 

Sad to leave our island paradise... and our new friend Marshall.