In May 2000, rabble-rouser George Speight and assorted thugs seized Parliament building in Suva, turning Fiji on its head. Speight's pro-indigenous rhetoric struck a chord in Yasawas. Villagers from Nacula Island staged a mini-coup on Turtle Island, locking Evanson in one of his 14 luxurious bungalows as village youths rode wildly around Nanuya Levu on Evanson's golf carts.

When excitement died down, plaited mats were spread and kava roots were pounded, and over many bowls of grog, Evanson and villagers came to an understanding.

Rather than killing golden goose, Evanson convinced Nacula people that they'd be better off opening resorts of their own and allowing him to continue running his business in peace.

Evanson offered interest-free construction loans and promotional support, and Nacula Tikina Tourism Association was born. The association's Web site (www.fijibudget.com) currently describes a dozen locally-operated resorts around Blue Lagoon in central Yasawas, including three existing properties on Tavewa. All resort operators must conform to a strict code of conduct intended to preserve environment and guarantee acceptable levels of service. Though primitive compared to luxurious Mamanuca resorts off Nadi, Yasawa backpacker camps provide basic food and accommodations at a relatively low price.

The mass influx of backpackers only began in 2002 when Awesome Adventures (www.awesomefiji.com), a subsidiary of New Zealand-owned South Sea Cruises, launched a fast catamaran service up and down chain. You can now depart Nadi's Denarau Marina on Yasawa Flyer any morning at 9:15 a.m. and be at resort of your choice in time for lunch. As many as 150 backpackers do this every day and village-operated resorts on Kuata, Wayasewa, Waya, Naviti, Tavewa, Nacula, Nanuya Lailai, and Matacawa Levu are booming.

Reservations can be made upon arrival at Nadi Airport through any one of a dozen 24-hour travel agencies right in airport terminal itself. All of these offices sell catamaran tickets with a bus transfer to harbor included. Deluxe lodgings and gourmet food should not be expected at any of Yasawa resorts—yet friendly people, spectacular natural beauty, and low prices make most travelers overlook these inconveniences.

David Stanley is the author of Moon Handbooks Fiji http://www.southpacific.org/fiji.html and his online guide to Fiji may be perused at http://www.southpacific.org/text/finding_fiji.html

3. Sleep As Much As You Can On Plane. This is a key factor in reducing jet lag.

4. Wear Comfortable clothing. Comfortable clothes, warm socks and a sweater will enable you to sleep better.

5. Drink Plenty of Water. Not soda, not alcohol, not caffeine, but water.

6. Get Up and Stretch Frequently.

7. Use a Footrest. The first and business class seats have these, but even in coach, you can benefit from using a footrest. Use a carry-on bag or travel foot rest.

8. Loosen Your Shoes.

9. Pills and Supplements. In a word...

Don't.

My complete jet lag article at http://www.pilot-pauls-travel-accessories.com/jet-lag.html has a detailed discussion about dangers of pills and supplements for jet lag.

C. Adjusting At Your Destination

1. Try To Eat On The New Schedule. This helps your body clock adjust to minimize your jet lag symptoms.

2. Try To Sleep On The New Schedule. This is often easier said than done. There is a full discussion about sleep adjustment and napping at www.pilot-pauls-travel-accessories.com/jet-lag

I have also written extensively about how to sleep better in any hotel room.You can learn all those sleep tips by visiting: www.pilot-pauls-travel-accessories.com/sleep-tips

3.Exercise. This is also among important jet lag remedies. If you have a regular exercise routine, you'll want to continue it now.

4. Get out in Sunlight. This is simple to accomplish as long as you have a sunny day.

Studies have shown that exposure to bright light helps shift circadian rhythms (body clock), and therefore reduce jet lag symptoms.

That's just a brief overview. I highly recommend that you read my complete jet lag article before you go on your next long trip. You can find it at:

http://www.pilot-pauls-travel-accessories.com/jet-lag

Pilot Paul is a captain at a major U.S. airline. He also hosts http://www.Pilot-Pauls-Travel-Accessories.com where an airline captain helps you with your travel needs.

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