Traveling is a fantastic way to gain a wealth of knowledge about life. Every year, countless individuals from around the globe embark on journeys to various destinations. Additionally, traveling holds significant importance for humanity. Some individuals travel to gain insights, while others seek to escape their daily routines. Regardless of the motivation, travel provides a vast opportunity for us to discover the world beyond our wildest dreams and engage in numerous experiences. This essay will discuss my passion for traveling in relation to the aforementioned statement.
To start, traveling is one of my great passions. It encompasses exploring new locations, connecting with diverse individuals, and acquiring different experiences. I am originally from Fiji and have had the pleasure of traveling across the islands of Fiji. I often recall the words of Samuel Johnson: “All travel has its advantages. If the passenger visits better countries, he may learn to improve his own. And if fortune carries him to worse, he may learn to enjoy it.” I have been fortunate enough to visit exceptional countries, and I believe my travel experiences have significantly enriched my understanding of human life and broadened my perspective.
When I embarked on my journey through Fiji, it opened my eyes to the different ways people live. I discovered that individuals could find joy in their lives despite lacking substantial wealth or luxury items. Fiji is situated in the southwest Pacific, located south of the Equator. It is an archipelago made up of 322 islands, with 106 of these being inhabited while the rest serve as natural reserves. The primary island, Viti Levu, hosts the two main cities: Suva, which is the capital of Fiji, and Nadi, where the international airport is located. Most of the population of Fiji resides on Viti Levu. The second largest island is Vanua Levu, followed by Taveuni, which is the third largest.
I learned that happiness doesn’t solely depend on money; it requires a mindset that appreciates what one has. Additionally, I gained a better understanding of the importance of embracing individuals from various races and ethnic backgrounds. While traveling, I encountered new cultures and diverse ways of life. The culture of Fiji is a rich blend of indigenous Fijian traditions, Indian influences brought by indentured laborers, and customs from other ethnic groups that have made their home there. This unique culture offers visitors a glimpse into its richness through traditional dances, music, and cuisine..
Experiencing a meke, or a traditional Fijian dance, is one of the most enriching ways to immerse oneself in Fijian culture. Meke shows, which play an essential role in Fijian festivals and ceremonies, often include singing, dancing, and storytelling. Travelers can observe meke performances in various towns across the islands, in addition to many resorts and hotels that host them.
Fijian food offers another avenue to engage with the local culture. The cuisine of Fiji features a mix of native Fijian, Indian, and Chinese influences, with fresh fish, tropical fruits, and vegetables as key ingredients. Some Fijian specialties worth trying are kokoda, a flavorful raw fish dish resembling ceviche, lovo, a traditional feast prepared in an underground oven, and roti, a type of Indian-style flatbread.
Exploring nearby villages provides tourists with an opportunity to experience Fijian culture firsthand. Many villages on the islands host cultural tours where visitors can learn about Fijian traditions, customs, and lifestyles. Guests are typically greeted with a kava ceremony, which involves a traditional drink made from the kava plant’s root, before being guided through the village to learn about its history and culture.
I found it to be incredibly exciting and adventurous. I embraced these new experiences and became immersed in the diverse cultures by trying their food, among other things. This has made me realize that while people around the world are fundamentally alike, their cultures differ significantly in aspects such as communication, music, dance, writing, architecture, clothing, and business practices. My travels have broadened my understanding of the global community we inhabit.
Self-confidence is a trait I have cultivated through my travels. Whenever I embark on a journey, I must take charge of my luggage, tickets, and important documents. I need to be cautious when booking flights and hailing cabs. Back in my home country, I often felt too shy to engage with new people. However, during my travels, I learned how to approach strangers and seek assistance when necessary. This experience instilled in me the belief that I can forge new friendships. Additionally, exploring different places often requires me to adapt to unfamiliar customs.
Traveling serves as an opportunity for me to read and listen to music. It also allows me ample time to reflect on my life goals and my current state. It presents the perfect chance to escape from my everyday routine. I find great relaxation while traveling and take pleasure in witnessing new sights and landscapes. It enables me to learn more about myself. Fiji offers a wide range of adventurous activities. Scuba diving ranks among the most popular pursuits in Fiji, where the clear waters host some of the best diving spots globally. Visitors have the chance to swim with sharks, explore lively coral reefs, and observe various fish, rays, and sea turtles.
Snorkeling is another favored activity in Fiji, with numerous dive sites accessible to both snorkelers and divers. The Yasawa Islands and the Somosomo Strait near Taveuni Island are among Fiji’s premier snorkeling destinations. For those who prefer to stay on land, Fiji offers a plethora of adventure activities like surfing, kayaking, and white-water rafting. Cloudbreak, a renowned reef break off Tavarua Island, is famous for its massive swells and challenging waves, making it one of the top surfing spots in the world. Kayaking is also popular in Fiji, providing travelers with the opportunity to explore the stunning coastline and hidden bays.
For those seeking excitement, white-water rafting on the Navua River offers an unforgettable experience. This picturesque river features class II to class IV rapids, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned rafters. Traveling also fosters a feeling of freedom and independence within me. It keeps me open to new experiences constantly. Even while flying, I have the opportunity to savor different cuisines, hear new languages, observe diverse clothing styles, and listen to various types of music. This variety is thrilling, and I genuinely enjoy life during these opportunities.
Through my travels, I have formed numerous new friendships. Interacting with these individuals has deepened my understanding of Fijian culture and has provided me with chances to enhance my English as well as my basic knowledge of the Fijian language, which is crucial for traveling in Fiji. Furthermore, since I plan to study in Fiji, refining my language skills beforehand is advantageous. My trips to Fiji have allowed me to immerse myself in the local culture and recognize the significance of hard work.
Ultimately, I can confidently say that traveling has significantly enhanced my appreciation for my home country. I value Fijian culture and the warm relationships among its people. I find it even more commendable when I travel abroad. Thus, my enthusiasm for travel, while offering fun, dreams, and confidence, has also educated me, enabled me to embrace new cultures and communication skills, develop a broader global outlook, enhance my English, and afforded me numerous good friends and remarkable experiences.
By: Akash Devneel Narayan
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