Fiji | Yasawa Islands

Each one of us has an imaginary place drawn up in our minds where we retreat to hit the reset button. We are able to wholly relax in this place as our connection to society is severed. In this place, the sun’s rays stretch out and touch our tanned skin while our toes wiggle in the warm, white sand. Our thirst is quenched by a tall cocktail made with fresh fruit and garnished with fragrant mint. Our gaze drifts over our worn book at the wide open sea in front of us and you feel as if you can see the end of the earth. Our day is easy . . . always easy in this place.
I often try to go here for just a few minutes after a long, tiresome day of work. After this last week, however, this place is no longer a fantasy for me. This place is the Yasawa Islands in Fiji and I’ve seen it, fully experienced it and long wholeheartedly for it already.
It took 2 planes, 1 van ride, 1 seaplane and 1 boat ride to get here. While the 11 hour flight from LAX to Fiji was rather monotonous, the seaplane was exhilarating and quite an experience! The seaplane hosted 6 passengers including the pilot. To use the word “pilot” would be an overstatement considering only 2 buttons on his shirt were actually fastened, he was rocking aviator Ray Bans and he was barefoot. Barefoot! I sat co-pilot and my knees were 2 inches away from brushing up on 20 or more knobs which I’m sure serve some role in keeping the plane airborne.
The next 6 days on Yaqeta Island began with yoga on the rooftop sundeck followed by French press coffee, coconut slices and passion fruit, fluffy croissants and freshly squeezed fruit juice served by Fijians from the local village. I thought being from a southern state meant I’d experienced the greatest level of hospitality, but I was mistaken – the Fijians are the most genuinely welcoming people I’ve ever met. Keeks, Watti, Taruka, Melli, Wanga, Noa and a man who claims his name is Giorgio Armani quickly became our friends. With only 10 huts, known as “bures”, on the island, the staff knew everyone by name and exclaimed, “Bula Hutton!” each time I passed them by.
A few highlights over the last week include:

1. Snorkeling at a gorgeous coral reef nearby with 3 Aussie couples we befriended
2. Listening to Giorgio Armani explain about how he “teaches visiting Chinaman to swim”
3. Taking part in the Fijian kava ceremony
4. Watching the local children’s Lions Cub Choir sing/belch Biblical hymns
5. Learning about all of the useful parts of a coconut tree from Keeks (the Fijians utilize ALL parts)
6. Drinking a delicious cocktail known as the “white lady” – blended gin, Cointreau, lime, simple syrup
7. Hiking to the top of the hill nearby for a stunning sunset view of the Navutu Stars, the plantations and the island village
8. Attending the local Christian church service and hearing their beautiful voices proclaim the gospel through song

Until I write from Auckland, New Zealand. . . Bula! Vinaka vakalevu!
XO, HUTTON B.