Coming Back to Fiji Feels Comforting Now

I recently spent about three weeks away from Fiji for work and to visit home.
During that time, while experiencing life in a busy city again, I found myself thinking a lot about Fiji and the feeling of living there.

Before moving to Fiji, I had always lived in cities.
Life was convenient, fast-paced, and surrounded by endless information.

Good restaurants were always nearby, convenience stores stayed open 24 hours a day, and online orders could sometimes arrive the very same day or the next morning.

New trends constantly appeared, and information never stopped flowing.
For someone like me who had become used to that lifestyle, Fiji initially felt like a completely different world.

But now, whenever I return to Fiji, I feel a sense of comfort.

The nights are incredibly quiet, and the morning air feels fresh and clean.
When I open the window, I can hear birds singing and feel how close nature is to everyday life.

And more than anything, the people feel calm and warm.

In Fiji, even while standing in line at immigration, it’s common to make eye contact with the people around you or exchange a few casual words.

In cities, it’s not unusual to spend an entire day surrounded by people without speaking to anyone at all.
That used to feel completely normal to me, but now it sometimes feels a little strange.

During my recent trip home, I realized that I had naturally adapted to Fiji’s way of interacting with people.
There were moments when I almost started talking to the person sitting next to me on the train out of habit.

Then I suddenly remembered, “In my country, strangers usually don’t casually talk to each other.”

Of course, city life is incredibly attractive in many ways.
Everything is convenient, things move quickly, and there is always stimulation and excitement.

But at the same time, there are so many advertisements and so much information everywhere that sometimes just walking outside for a day can feel mentally exhausting.

It can feel like constantly looking, comparing, and choosing.

In Fiji, that pressure from information somehow feels softer.

Now, I’m beginning another season of life back in Fiji.

Fresh vegetables and tropical fruits at the local markets.
Slow-moving days.
Evening skies that gradually change color as the sun sets.

Perhaps because I know the convenience of city life, I can appreciate Fiji’s peacefulness even more deeply now.

Of course, life here is not always convenient.
Things do not always go as planned.

But being able to slow down, breathe deeply, and live close to nature is something I’ve come to truly value.

Lastly, I’ll continue sharing more about life in Fiji, its culture, nature, and the little moments that make this country special.
I hope you’ll continue following along.

Also, Bula Fiji Magazine Vol. 04 is available to download after subscribing to our newsletter.
If you haven’t read it yet, we’d love for you to check it out.