by Lindsay Clark

Created on: October 20, 2009

I anticipated wild animals or at least poisonous critters; there were only slightly famished mosquitoes. I was prepared for long drop squat toilets but sat on flushing porcelain thrones. Instead of swatting away massive rodents or monster flying insects from meals, I only needed to wave my napkin for the flies to scatter.

And I assumed I'd make many a cultural blunder within the first days, but honestly, living in the Fijian Highlands for a week was only culturally shocking in one sense: it was so beautiful. Idyllic. Lush. Vibrant. It's a place I feel a strong desire to return to.

And to think a place so lovely is not only that but open to outsiders such as ourselves and able to make us feel comfortable beyond our expectations.

What we as travelers often worry about is the possibility of experiencing the new and/or shocking and not knowing how to deal the right way. And being prepared for the new causes us to step into the unknown as we would put a timid toe into frigid waters. The potential for vulnerability keeps many citizens couped up in their home bubbles or only allows them to travel to familiar destinations. No one wants to feel like a victim or a traveler-unaware.

Will this sweet old lady be offended if I forget to say "jilo" when I walk behind her? Will a snake cross my path or hang near my head on this mountain hike? What if I wear a hat as I walk across the village, will the children howl in shock? I forgot my deet; from the looks of my massacred leg, I'm bound to have malaria by now. Are they sure mosquitoes are harmless here? I'd better get on WebMD.

The reality in the Fijian highlands is that there's a greater chance of forgiveness for making mistakes than disrespect for what you didn't know. The Namosi Highlands were blessed with both hands in that all those things that make jungle life so unappealing are not there in Fiji. It's safe. It's perfect. While there, I lived in simple, gorgeous, welcoming luxury. There's almost no reason to worry, which makes a trip there as close to heaven as mere mortals can reach.

Makes it easy for wayward nomads like ourselves to dive into a culture so utterly stunning. Hesitate no more, readers, for Fiji wants you. And, trust me, you want Fiji.

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