Exploring Sigatoka, Fiji (February 27, 202
Life always feels better after a good night’s rest and morning meditation. (MEDS-RX, for the WIN!) True, nothing has “changed” about being temporarily homeless in Fiji, but now at least I’m feeling whole, perfect and complete and can approach this temporary set-back with a clear head, open heart and curiosity.
After looking around the AirBnb site, Elena and I find something a bit further out on the island that looks like it will meet our needs. For a brief moment, it looked like the problem was solved, but then Will pointed out that this location didn’t have air conditioning. Given the 90% humidity and 85 to 90 degree heat, he’s right. So we keep looking and find another property in the same area that will work for us.
We sort out our taxi to get to this property, check out of our hotel and have about an hour before the taxi will pick us up. Will has an idea, “Dad, let’s explore this area while we’re here.” Great plan, son!
Will standing on the beach in Sigatoka, Fiji
Better picture of Will on the Sigatoka, Fiji beach
It really shouldn’t surprise me that spending quality time in nature (especially with a loved one) rejuvenates me fully. Whatever negative feelings I was experiencing yesterday, I’m back to where I choose to be and am reminded that this is always available to me.
As we walked, Will and I talked about how I want to be versus how I showed up yesterday. When I’m stressed, it doesn’t help anyone. It was great to “let go” of these feelings, acknowledge them as I let them go and share my humanity with my son.
In fact, sharing my journey was helpful to Will as well. He appreciated that things got to me. He rarely sees this side of me and it lets him know I’m human and working on my own stuff too. There was a kind of kinship in a shared experience of frustration and, at the same time, a feeling of relief when we were able to resolve the conflict and move on.
I believe the gifts of this circumstance are still unfolding here. The initial gifts include my resilience training, quality time with my son, and unpacking the challenges in real-time as a means to bring us closer together. All of that is wonderful and helping us in our journey together.
A Transformer statue built by a local here in Fiji
On our taxi ride to our new AirBnb, we stopped for gas and Will and I checked out this Transformer statue built locally. It’s impressive to see art in its many different forms and to be able to discuss it together.
At the suggestion of our host, we stopped for lunch at a local resort while the house was being cleaned and prepped for our stay. We met some local cats who like to come out at lunch time in case any of the guests care to feed them ;-)
Beautiful tabby looking for any leftover meat from lunch
And, while we waited for our food to arrive, Violet, Will and I played “Cut Throat” on the local pool table. That’s a three-person game where each takes 5 pool balls (1-5, 6-10, or 11-15) and tries to knock the others out before being knocked out.
Violet taking her shot as we wait for our food to arrive
Will sizing up how difficult this cross the table shot will likely be
The resort is friendly and the food is delicious. As it rains around us, it’s that tropical rain that cools down the surrounding heat. We’re eating outside and enjoying our time together as we get ready to unpack and be settled in our new (short-term) home in Pacific Harbour.
Officially IN Pacific Harbour, Fiji and ready to continue our adventure
(After a nice long nap in the taxi to Pacific Harbour, that is ;-)
