Part 4 of how Yoga One founders Amy & Michael Caldwell turned their love story into a thriving yoga community! Read Part 3 here.
The weather was perfect, sunny and warm, a slight ocean breeze. Our stay on the island of Viti Levi, Fiji had been serenely stimulating (like the kava ceremony in which we had participated). Pretty perfect.
But we wanted more. More perfection.
What we hadn’t yet done was to explore another island. So we gathered up our things and the food we had: a bag of rice, some water, a submarine sandwich and a packet of Twizzlers. Our conversation went something like this:
“Let’s go down to the dock and see if one of the boat crews will take us to a deserted island.”
Cool, like the blue lagoon?”
“Sure, yeah, why not?”
So we did. And to our surprise, almost immediately, we’re bumping along in a small boat, stunned and a little nauseous from the gas fumes. What had we done?
Some time later, we cleared the open water and drew near to an idyllic island. We could almost see all the way around. There were about 15 people of a variety of ages milling about collecting shell fish and sea creatures. As we approached, some of the small boys took an interest in us. After some short socializing, everyone began to depart, including our boat crew.
“How long do you want to stay?” They asked.
Amy and I looked at each other, amazed. We could read each other’s minds. Wait, what? Everyone is leaving!? This island is uninhabited and you are actually going to leave us?
Awesome! We take a quick accounting of our supplies.
“How about four days?” We said.
“Ok, see you in four days.”
Then they motored off.
And just like that… Amy and I are alone. On an uninhabited island. In Fiji.
For sleeping gear, I think we had a sheet, toiletries, um, a toothbrush, I think… Phones or other communication devices? Nope. We did have a small camping stove. When we cooked the rice, we used too much water and it got soggy. There was no refrigeration and it was hot during the day and yeah, so…
It was glorious.
We literally slept in a cave. It was expansive and dry, not at all dark, damp and dingy. We bathed in the deep azure ocean. We didn’t need a change of clothes because we didn’t need clothes. Except for the time the little boys paddled their canoe over from the adjacent island. But we could see them coming from literally a mile away. Jamme, Eli, and Joe taught us how to create sand suits and face masks.
At another time, we traversed the slim trail through the jungle to the other side of the island and were enjoying the secluded beach when a sailboat of French travelers arrived. Needless to say, they were as shocked to see us as we were to encounter them.
During the days, we climbed rocks, swam, explored, stretched, did absolutely nothing for hours and had some amazing adventures. At night, we listened to the lapping of the waves, counted the stars and our blessings. Then on the fourth day, we heard the sound of the boat’s engine and it was over. It had been more than perfect.
(The photos are us after we relocated to an adjacent island.)
Tropical Location is an absolute must. Trying to pack enough layers for variable weather without overpacking is annoying. I want to be able to step outside my villa directly onto a beach and feel 100% comfortable in just my skin – clothing for decoration only. Okay, maybe a pair of yoga pants for evening when I want to get “dressed up.” 🙂