Traveling across the islands of Fiji slowly broke apart my old idea of what wealth means.
Nanuya Lailai. Wayasewa. And Naviti.
What I found there was not the face of a resort. It was the simple and vivid life of the village people.
On the islands there is little desire to own things. The ruler that measures who has more seems already broken.
People do not share because they have more. They share because they sit together.
It is not a grand philosophy. It is not moral education. It is simply a rule that becomes natural when you live there.
When I lived in the city I was always chasing the next thing.
On the island a simple chat becomes the day. Sitting under a tree can quietly finish an afternoon.
At first this felt like empty time to me.
But when I accepted that space it did not feel wasted.
Watching the sky change color taught me something. Time is not something to cut into pieces. It simply flows with us.
A village where the wind passes through
Waves & Sway
The children on the island were very friendly and strong.
One day after school they took my hand and led me to a swamp to catch crabs.
The mud was deep and sticky. My flip flops sank and I lost my balance.
I stood there like a helpless adult.
A girl about seven years old stepped into the mud. She grabbed my arm with both small hands.
She pushed with her small body. Her face turned red as she tried to pull me out.
Her energy was powerful.
The child I thought I should protect was now helping me.
Her small hands were strong. Her kindness had no hesitation. I could only admire her.
Small faces, big lights
Finally I escaped from the mud. I stood there covered in dirt. The children froze for a moment.
Then they looked at each other and burst into huge laughter.
They laughed at my silly mistake with their whole bodies.
At that moment they were simply children.
When they guide visitors they look responsible and mature.
But they can also laugh freely in the mud.
These two sides live together in them without conflict.
I thought to myself. This is life.
Their laughter filled the air.
There was no calculation. No hesitation. No polite smile.
They help with full effort. They laugh fully in the moment.
Their pure energy reminded me of a simple joy of living that I had lost.
Bula Smiles
Another moment stayed in my mind at a school on Naviti Island.
In the corner of the school yard stood a rough green tank.
On its side I saw familiar words.
’’From the People of Japan’’
In my country water flows easily from a tap. Here that is not normal.
Their daily water comes from rain stored in this tank.
It felt more than aid. It felt like a prayer that traveled across the ocean from Japan.
It felt more than aid. It felt like a prayer that traveled across the ocean from Japan.
As I touched the cold surface I understood something. The world is connected by many invisible lines.
A gift that crossed the sea
- From the People of Japan -
Even now after leaving Fiji I still hear the warmth of the people and the laughter of the children.
I did not bring home many souvenirs. I did not bring perfect travel knowledge.
What I carried home was the feeling that we are connected.
Maybe that feeling alone is enough for a happy life.
I remember the words on the tank on Naviti Island.
I now wonder how I can continue that kindness in my own life.
I want to live more honestly and with effort. One day I hope I can answer those bright smiles with pride.
Vinaka vakalevu
- Gratitude -
