i arrived to nadi, fiji at 5:30am on january 18th, 2011. i exited the plane and the intense humid weather hit me immediately. it took me a second to adjust my breathing. i took my camera out of my satchel to quickly snap a photo of my starship that got me safely to my destination, but the camera lens fogged up so much, i could barely make out the plane. as i entered the nadi airport, the beautiful local tunes of the fijian people welcomed us to their country. how kind of them to allow us to borrow their homeland for the coming days.
suddenly it hit me, i had no friend waiting to greet me, no driver holding my name up on a sign, no hotel booked, no boyfriend, no family, i had nothing. before i could really allow for the influx of emotions to take over, i quickly took in my surroundings and headed to the immigration desks. for whatever reason, that stamp on my passport calmed my nerves. this trip will not be one of fear, this trip will be of adventure and self discovery. my every thought, my every move, my every heartbeat would determine that. with my mind made up, and positive energy protruding through the island atmosphere, i exited the airport, ready to fight the taxi men and their high fares!
outside the airport i happened to inquire a fijian indian local on the whereabouts of the nearest town. through our small talk i had come to find that his wife worked at a hostel nearby and with a click of his mobile phone, i had a place to call home and a free ride to get there. life was already on track.
i saw a psychic once, and with a knowledge unknown to me, he said that i would be a world traveler, setting foot on many different soils, and touching the lives of various people. when i asked who i would be traveling with, he said i would go alone. shocked i fired back, "and who will protect me?" He answered simply with, "the angels of course!" That was good enough for me.
xoxo - ShannonSmile
Oh cousin how i love and and miss u so already! I love reading your blogs. I feel as if i'm reading a novel. You inspire me so much. I can not wait to hear all about your next adventure. And when I lay my head down tonight and as I pray I will pray for your safety. I don't think you are being selfish in anyway shape or form. You have no children or husband or big responsibilities you need to attend to daily... and for those who told u that they are just jealous as I see it cause they cant do what you are doing and wish they could! Lord knows I wish I could. I could use every excuse in the book to why I cant but in the end it comes down to i'm to chicken shit to do it! But I applaud you on your bravery. Cousin you really should have been a writer! You know how to use your words woman. But i suppose that is a Ramirez trait that we all got. I love you and miss you. I want to see lots and lots of pictures! With all my love, Your Hoe Aka your cousin Val XOXOX
ReplyDeleteWahhhh I miss u already ... Thank God I get to see u soon love you sister
ReplyDeleteMiss Shannon
ReplyDeleteI am so excited about your blog and will live vicariously through you, unless of course I find a cheap flight and then you will be seeing me in person!
I am very proud of you, friend! Wishing you lots of safe travels, amazing adventures, hugs and love on your journey!
xo
Cam
Bravo!
ReplyDeleteHi Beautiful!!! I knew you had interest in traveling since we had talked about teaching abroad, but I had no clue you were going on this adventure!! Then again, I have a feeling most people didn't expect it :) When I read your blog I had this indescribable feeling of understanding and happiness for you. I was there (in one way or another) and I don't think you could've made a better choice in going alone... best thing I've ever done. I wish you the best of times and safest of travels. And my only recommendation is: live each moment exactly how you will love to remember it.
ReplyDeleteI'll be checking up on you!!! Best wishes love XO