Another Day in Paradise

DAY 2, continued: (Johnny) BULA BULA! Happiness is sleeping almost all the way through an 11-hour plane ride, waking up in time for fruit, coffee and a smooth landing, all while watching the sun rise over distant island hills as the palm trees "have their hair done" in the breeze (to quote Kay Thompson).And what a breeze it is. We stepped out of the airport to a distinct and sweet smell in the air. What is that? Sugarcane... a major staple of Fiji's agricultural industry. Acres and acres of sugarcane.

It taunted my nose and made me hungry.I decided to ride shotgun, so I confidently hopped in and buckled my safety belt. Looking up, I quickly encountered a steering wheel... oops! Guessed wrong. Perhaps it was best I didn't do the driving. Hopped out and into the left side (the “right” side in Fiji) and laughed out loud even as my stomach growled. Luckily, Jone, our new friend and affable host, took us to the Warrick Resort for an incredible breakfast buffet spread with a backdrop out of a Corona commercial.Perfectly poached eggs, incredibly ripe papaya and French toast to soak up whatever lingered on the plate.As we made our way along the southern coast on a three-hour drive, we saw children getting ready for school. Some waited at bus stops, some walked in small groups along the grass-lined road. At most bus stops, there were steaming pots set on burners on the ground. Sweet corn, about 50 Fijian cents a cob... a quick and affordable breakfast.

At other spots, where steam was rising out of the earth, people cooked in lovo style, food wrapped in banana leaves and cooked underground.

As we got closer to Suva, Jone pointed out that the terrain was getting greener due to the heavier rainfall on that side of the island.

We pulled into the hotel, grabbed Danny's backpacker guitar and brushes and joined another new friend and host, Alena, who escorted us to the nearby Gold FM.Alena has a smile that could make a rain cloud run, honest and true.We had listened to 100.4 on the FM dial during the drive and heard them play some of our music and announce the upcoming concerts. So just like the old days, we all crowded around the mics and did acoustic live renditions of Smoke, Smoke, Smoke and Movin' into Graceland.

Then, back to the hotel to reunite with our luggage and find our rooms.Today is the Melbourne Cup so everybody has laid down their bets and will gather together to watch the race.Tonight we're planning to play a few tunes downstairs to lift the spirits of those who backed the wrong horse and celebrate with those whose fates met with fortune.Everyone we've met here has made us feel at home.

"Bula" is "hello" in Fiji.

"Vin aka" is "thank you."

I haven't learned "goodbye" yet and the warm welcome we are receiving makes me wonder if I ever should.