Fiji (Nov 5-10)---------------------------------------------
A collection of over 333 small islands clustered together under political turmoil and situated in the tropical South Pacific. My journey begins here, amongst the sanctuary of a people who although governed by a fluctuating leadership, continue to have a strong sense of tradition and culture.
Easily, the most apparent feeling here in Fiji, is the sense of hospitality and welcome. From the mainland city of Nadi, I´ve taken a boat to Mana Island, part of the Mananuca Island Group. The water here looks like a blue silk cloth gently cradling the boats docked near it's sandy beaches.
My mind is still settling into this new lifestyle. I am slowly letting go into this world of nomads and explorers. My thoughts keep coming up with new projects, reminders of things left undone, and people I am supposed to contact and confirm my safe arrival with. All these thoughts dissolve as we approach the shore of
Mana Island, and the staff of the Ratu Kini Resort assemble on the beach to greet us with song and smiles. The melody they are playing and their voices take the place of my thoughts, and I can´t help but smile as well. I am arriving with a group of about eight others; some dutch girls, an Australian couple, two Irish chaps, and a German girl.
The Fijian welcome crew, consisting of Jeri, Amini, Kula, Maria, Emily, and others, help us with our bags and take them inside to the reception desk. Little do I know then that leaving these people a week later will be the first of many difficult farewells.
We all check in and enjoy another round of the Ratu Kini resort welcome song. The resort is situated directly on the beach, sandwiched between a massive luxury resort owned by a Japanese investor and a string of budget accomodations on the other side. I am impressed by how at home I already feel.
A few days have passed and guests have come and gone. A young French Canadian girl arrives, and I can´t help to admire her courage in deciding to travel at such a young age. She is only 18 years old. The curiosity of the young is an attractive quality I both love and struggle to resist. They walk a fine line of sensitive naivity and awe in relation to the world. Their wonder can lead them to unforseen downfall or joyous discovery...and what I believe makes them so attractive is their willingness to take the risk.
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There is a sweet seranade in the breeze as birds call to one another, hoping to attract the perfect partner to sing with. It is early in the day, and the air is still crisp. I am on my way to the local school to see how the Fijian kids spend their days. It is in the middle of the island, hidden amongst Papaya, Mango,and Sweetbread fruit trees. The schoolhouse is a plain looking building with three main classrooms. The exterior is painted blue and looks the color of a slightly cloudy day, as small areas faded revealing the concrete understructure. All the children are together in the far right room, I can hear them singing. The words are foreign to me, but the joy in their voices is not. It seems Ive come at the right time, as a group of others coming from the luxury resort join me at the door. A special presentation has been arranged for them....and now me
too, as I quietly walk in with the group. We all sit down at the front of the classroom, and the schoolteacher gives the children a cue, which sends them in a excited flurry towards us.
Before, I know it, I am covered in sweet smelling flowers,
one atop each ear, and a few more placed gently in my hands by giggling 5-6 year olds.
The children sing us songs and demonstrate traditional dances. I am amused when a small boy who had been faking his way through the song and dance notices that Ive caught him. He smiles, and moves behind one of his classmates, embarrassed. There is an exchange of gifts from the wealthy resort folks who donate supplies and candy. I have only my gratitude to give, and can tell it is enough as each child gives me a warm embrace when itś time to go.
It is midday and it has begun to rain. Just as sudden as the downpour has appeared is the blur of local children that have come bursting out of the rainforest foliage. They are doing what children do best when it rains;
playing in the water.
Myself and other travelers smile and laugh as we watch the children plunge into the ocean,feeling the water splashing around them,and falling upon them from above. After a while, we decide ´ẃhen in Fiji, do as the Fijian kids would do´ and run down into the water ourselves.
The rain is warm, as is the ocean water. Even as the tiny droplets pierce the surface, the water remains clear enough to see the bottom. I begin flowing through the water in an impromptu Wuji Dance. My friends notice, and begin mimicking my movements. Within minutes I find myself leading a short qi gong session. The children have joined in as well. I feel very blessed for this cultural exchange.
I spend the next few days massaging the staff and leading another qi-gong session at (movielink)Sunset beach. Ive only been here a week and already Ive taken on old roles; as teacher and healer. There is a fine line I must find of being authentic, allowing certain roles to manifest, and making sure I develop no attachment to those roles. It is becoming more real to me that this journey is now my life, and not just a short trip around the world.
Auckland, New Zealand
