Boldly Go Solo

Bula Vinaka! (howdy)

In a few hours I'll be winging my way from the Los Angeles Airport to Nadi Airport on the island of Viti Levu. Where in the world? I'm headed to Fiji. Which is not one island but 322. Formerly known as the Cannibal Isles.

My first stop is an ecolodge on Viti Levu, the largest island. The next largest island, located to the Northeast, is Vanua Levu. Then there's the smaller Taveuni and then many, many much smaller islands.

Although this is a meeting for freelancer writers belonging to the Society of American Travel Writers, the main conference isn't until four days after I arrive. I know several people in the group, but no one at the eco-lodge. I'll be a solo eco-lodger. 

I hope to meet some villagers and learn about Fijian culture. I'm rereading a book called, "Changes in Latitude, An Uncommon Anthropology," which I happened to read many years ago. It stayed with me. It's about a 54-year-old Hawaiian harbormaster who ends up marrying a Fijian fisherman nearly half her age and has to learn to adjust to Fijian culture.

I'm hoping NOT to marry a Fijian this week. But apparently women traveling alone must "cope" with frequent marriage offers, according to the Moon Guide on Fiji. Good to know ahead of time. 

I'll try to post here when I can but not for a few days at least. Even if there is connectivity, I'd like to get away from all, at least for a little while. Enjoy the place first. Post later.

Vinaka Vakalevu! (see ya)

Photo: Mark Whatmough