Bula Bula Bula!!

In Fiji, "Bula" means life.... and from the moment we stepped off the boat and onto the Blue Lagoon shores, Ewan and I have been living the life!

After a quick flight
to LA and a not-so-quick flight to Nadi (11 hours!) we were both wondering how we ever thought this stopover in Fiji was a good idea. Add a two wait and a five hour boat trip to Nacula island and we knew it was a bad idea. 40 minutes into the ride however and I was sleeping like a baby while Ewan sat atop the Yasawa Flyer and chatted up the other travelers. Turned out that there were quite the interesting groups heading our way, but by the end of the grueling trip the crowds whittled down to us, a few Auzzies and group of young Germans.



Having never stayed in a mixed dorm in my life, I was a bit apprehensive about the German takeover at the resort. Ewan might say it was more of a neurotic obsession, but I maintain I was as easy going as the hippie next to me. (Coincidentally also a German. They're everywhere!) Luckily my concerns never were tested as we were upgraded from dorm beds to a posh Lodge accommodation, complete with a ceiling fan and double bed. Turns out, German takeovers that may appear hostile at first glance worked in our favor, as the resort oversold the dorms. Score!
The Fijian islands (there are more than 300!) experienced some flooding and cyclone weather the past few weeks, so the weather has been touch and go. But even with overcast skies and the odd lightening storm, we've absolutely fallen head over heels in love with all things Fijian.



The Blue Lagoon resort has an amazing partnership with the three Nacula villages. Managed by an Australian couple, the resort uses all local Fijians for the rest of the staff. Money from trips and activities goes to the local schools to help send the village kids to high school in Nadi. We took a trip to the largest village on our second day and were both blown away by the culture and friendly nature of the Fijians. We keep using the word "genuine" to describe it, but that doesn't begin to cover how much these people love life here. It's no wonder they use "Bula" as a greeting, a goodbye and just in passing down the beach. We're determined that no matter how far away our travels take us from the 85 degree weather and postcard worthy scenery, the Bula mentality will stay with us!!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Fiji