Nadi, Fiji

With the infinity pool in front of me, beautiful turquoise water and waves breaking over the reefs in the distance, the week is slowly beginning in Fiji. Indeed as the locals say there is such a thing as being on Fiji time. Everything moves at it's own pace, from the palm tree leaves in the wind, birds slowly coasting above the water surface searching for even lazier fish or waiters that are in no hurry to full-fill their orders but are always willing to offer a smile and words Bula Bula (Fijian hello that actually signifies life). Just in these first couple of days of observation it continues to amaze me how happy people can be in places like this so far away from the materialistic world that we so easily become trapped in. Fishing, enjoying life's basic needs and spending time with their loved ones are what majority of people that I have met so far in Fiji are all about. It is such refreshment being able to truly relax. No Internet connectivity, no emails, really being away from it all even if it is just for a few days until everyone else gets here and we are back to Nutrimetics world. 


This trip is even more special as my dad was able to come with me. It is beautiful to be able to share some of these experiences with him like I did with my mom in China and create the new born memories that are cementing their places deep within us and making up for all the years we spent apart. 20 years ago on the streets of Belgrade who would have thought that one-day we would be strolling down the beaches of this tropical paradise? Life never ceases to amaze me. 

We started off with a quick fishing trip behind the reefs on the horizon....as the little boat forcefully cuts through the ocean and the playful morning waves cast their mist over their breaking points you realize the beauty of nature all over again. All the worries and problems evaporate together with that mist to ease on you even if it is just for a couple of hours during this morning adventure. 

Fish on the other hand were not nearly as cooperative and we only managed to catch one as my dad proudly pulled it in the boat...so since fish did not want to extend it's warm Fijian welcome we decided to pay it the visit...there are not too many experiences in life that can compare to diving into this pacific paradise and joining the underwater world as it slowly comes to life with the morning sun....fish of all colors around the reefs that just like the sentinels of time guard the entrance to this beautiful lagoon.....beyond words on this screen....and for the first time here even the Fijian hours flew by...so now lying back by the pool, looking at it coming together with the ocean in the distance, and observing the horizon that we were the part of just a short while back, just once again reminds me how blessed I am...to live is to travel and to travel is to live...welcome to Fiji....I wonder what the rest of the week will bring....

One of the most special things that we ever did in all my travel with work happened here in Fiji. Through our E3 Charity Initiative we helped lay the foundation for a kindergarten and also build a library in one of the local schools. Amongst all the great moments and incredible nature, that one afternoon easily rose above it all. Knowing that we are making a difference, seeing it in the eyes of kids  and teachers, once again reminded me how bless we are to live the life we have. It was food for the soul to be able to spend those few hours and leave the tinniest mark on the lives of those who stay behind. And one scene from the end of it will forever stay itched in my memory...as we served ice cream to all the school kids, some of them kept walking around with it, not opening it, as it melted down their hands. When I asked their teacher why they were doing that, the answer served as a final sobering testimony how fortunate we are....some of the kids have never seen ice cream before and they wanted to save it, and take it home to share it with their families. And that in a nutshell is why traveling the world is so special. It takes us to some extraordinary places, but at the same time, like nothing else can bring us down to Earth. To realize and appreciate the journey we have and to live each moment to the fullest.

Final few days were much more rewarding when it comes to fishing for my dad. Great photos and even  grander memories. Us being able to spend time together, grandest of it all.