Don't Worry...Fiji Time

Fiji was meant to be my holiday from travelling but it didn’t feel that way to begin with. The weather was shocking. I never thought I’d bring rain to Fiji but I managed it. Every day was the same but it didn’t affect me too much as it was at its heaviest on a night. I just hoped it would disappear by the time I arrived at the islands!

Having discovered that I am some sort of Rain Princess, I decided to head out to a large water source for nourishment. Namatakula is situated near a waterfall. I say near, it was still a bus ride and a 40 minute trek, but in Fiji, that’s near.

This didn’t faze me. I was a few days into my trip in Fiji and I was already so relaxed I felt like I was floating most of the time. Everything works on “Fiji time”. This is a phrase commonly heard in Fiji and used by many as a joke when things don’t happen on time. Fijians work on a different timescale to foreigners. Things get done when they get done. It’s Fiji time!

When do I ever need an excuse to slow down? You can never be late in Fiji so whenever I apologised for losing track of time, Tupou reassured me that it’s ok – “Fiji time!” I like this concept. I doubt it would ever crossover to another country which is a shame. 

The funny thing is I used to be a stickler for time-keeping in England. I hated it when people turned up ridiculously late or if things didn’t run on time. It stems from my impatient persona. I think this part of my personality has moulted from my brain at some point. 

My frame of mind now is – as long I get the outcome that suits me then I’m not too fussed about what happens up until that point. What’s the point of getting worked up over something that’s usually out of your hands anyway?

Before we headed to watery paradise, Tupou took me to a women’s community meeting. I had no idea what was going on. Money was exchanged, notes were written in books and issues were discussed. As laid back as Fijians are, this village is organised when it comes to matters that affect the community. Everyone sticks together to ensure that things run smoothly, laws are followed and the people are healthy (and well fed).

Catching the bus was easier today but the trek was not. Due to the delightful rain, it meant the track was muddy and slippery. Lazy tourists rode on horseback but I persevered.

One of many streams we waded through to get to the waterfall

Tupou picked up a little something for dinner

Almost there...

Oooo

There were a few tourists dotted about when Tupou and I arrived but thankfully they buggered off after we ate lunch. I had the place to myself.

Tupou didn’t join me as the water was too cold. It’s funny how the mild weather on the main island has the same effect on the locals as England’s bitter winter does to me back home. Everyone wraps up, especially Sake with his woolly hat and giant raincoat.

After drying off and getting changed behind a rock, we made our way back to the bus stop. This time around things were slightly different…

My afternoon remained the same as always. I showered and rested in my room. Laughter echoed through my cabin from the school kids playing rugby on the beach. They practise every day as rugby is taken very seriously here. Apparently Namatakula is well known for producing top rugby players for the country. It’s one of two major ways where locals have the opportunity and means to leave their country. Due to the low minimum wage, a Fijian with a standard job would have to save for years to afford a flight out of the country.

Another way is love. Fijian men are very keen on western women. As there are no white Fijians, we are an exotic presence. If cupid strikes, Fijian men can follow their new beaus back to their native country. Don’t worry mum, I won’t be bringing back a Fijian for dinner!

Speaking of, that night we ate at Tupou’s father’s house.

We ate the Fijian way

The green dish to the left is what Tupou picked up on the way to the waterfall. It was surprisingly tasty

It was another night of kava and an interesting dessert. It was the smelly papaya in coconut milk. I couldn’t eat it as the smell hit me straight away. I felt bad for not eating more.

Just as we were settling down for kava, some Aussie students dropped by to say hello. This isn’t unusual in Fiji as most people have an open door policy, especially in villages. If someone is having kava, it is not uncommon for passers-by to come in and join the group.

Each of the girls was volunteering at one of the schools as part of their studies. We had a brief chat and they left. It did not surprise me that they didn’t want to stay for kava.

We didn’t stay long as Tupou wasn’t feeling too good and was suffering from a bad back. I joked that she should have some kava to cure it.

Little did I know, things were about to take a turn for the worse. For the remainder of my stay with Sake and Tupou, I was ill. I was the sickest I’d been in a very long time. It was horrendous and worrying seen as I was nowhere near a medical centre.

Tupou knew what was wrong with me straight away - too much kava. WHAT!? If I knew that kava could do this to me then I’d never have drank it.

By the end of the next day, I was left a weakened quivering mess. I couldn’t eat and I was in so much pain. I took paracetamol throughout the day along with rehydrating sachets. I barely made it out of the room for the next two days. This was not good as I was due to depart soon to island hop.

Thankfully, I felt slightly better. I still wasn’t 100% but was well enough to begin my island hopping adventure.

Sadly, I missed Tupou before I left which was strange. Normally Tupou would knock on my door to tell me it was time for dinner or whatever was scheduled. Today was different and Tupou left with another homestay resident for the market.

Sake drove me back to the resort where I stayed when I first arrived in Nadi. A brief goodbye later, and I was alone again. I felt bad that my farewell didn’t reflect my time I had with Sake and Tupou. Unfortunately “Fiji time” bit me in the ass today!