FOR 22-year-old Kimi Nui, it was only her love of the sea that could draw her from her Pacific Island paradise home of Tahiti.
So when the super yacht Alchemy came calling for crew at Papeete, the French Polynesian lady did not hesitate.
Run by an American couple, the 132 foot Alchemy employed Ms Nui as a stewardess on board — bearing her to the shores of Port Denarau.
Speaking to The Fiji Times, Ms Nui said she was enjoying her first taste of Fiji.
The native Tahitian and French speaker said the people of the country were making a big impression on her.
"The people here are so welcoming and I feel like I'm home again — I was educated in Tahiti and have only been out of the country once to France but I was little then so this is really a new experience for me," she said.
In times when true identity and culture are such big issues for the country — it was fitting that a foreign visitor like Ms Nui observed that the many cultures in Fiji had provided a diversity that was to be appreciated and not questioned.
"Fiji is a lot like Tahiti but bigger — you have so many religions and so many different races compared to Tahiti and I'm really enjoying seeing them all," she said.
"I also love how you cook using local vegetables and adding curry spices — it adds so much flavour," she said.
And the renowned local sense of humour and easy going lifestyle has not been lost on our Pacific visitor.
"Since I've arrived here, I've seen the Fijian people are always laughing and joking and I'm very excited to see more of Fiji."
Ms Nui said she had met people she affectionately referred to as family since arriving in Suva, and she has made new friends in the famous suburb of Raiwaqa.
A true water baby — Ms Nui's passion had been shaped since childhood.
She had even worked on boats in Tahiti for two years before being given the opportunity to join the crew on Alchemy.
"I love the ocean and I love sailing and diving and the owners of the boat as well as the crew love it too," she said.
"I'm excited to be on board the Alchemy — it's a good way to see the world and my parents were so proud of me when I managed to get on board."
Ms Nui said since berthing she was given one week off and was looking forward to exploring Suva.
She said the Alchemy travelled around the world specifically to diving spots and added the boat would be visiting spots in the Yasawa and the Lau groups during its three-month stay.
She said the boat would sail to New Zealand after their time in Fiji.
"We'll spend five months in New Zealand and then off to Florida."
At first glance, you can't really tell that she's a sailor or that she's in her early 20s for that matter.
But she's chosen a career that puts her in the company of like-minded individuals.
The experience itself is one Kimi will definitely cherish.