Our flight over to Fiji involved leaving behind a rainy Sydney and boarding our Air Pacific flight with a mural painted on it bringing the first sign of sunshine. Upon arrival in Nadi International Airport we encountered our first example of the classic “Fiji Time” awaiting our luggage but we soon became accustomed to this great way of life.
Our BMW transfer to the resort was great as it was the first time we had been referred to as Mr and Mrs Dean! The apology that followed was symbolic of the kind nature of these beautiful people. Anja and I arrived in our room and immediately started taking photos as these two budget travelers were indeed living it up. A first sample of Fiji Bitter that evening whilst on our balcony was the ideal start to our adventure.
A beautiful day arrived and Jason eagerly made his way to the full buffet breakfast being reminded to not overdo it J Whilst Anja enjoyed the fresh fruit Jason couldn’t eat enough bacon and soon enough we both had had our fill. After exploring the resort Jason booked himself a massage and we made our way to the activities desk to see what we could do.
As we sailed out we could see our resort from a distance and we coast along the mainland through the beautiful clear blue waters. The hospitality was unbelievable and I had to knock back the rum on offer as I wanted to snorkel later! We were even treated to crewman playing a few tunes on their guitars as we soaked in the beauty of our surrounds. After only an hour we could see on the horizon an amazing small secluded island which to our astonishment we were told was also “ours” for the day.
Upon disembarking a kava ceremony took place where Anja and I sampled a “tourist” mix but you could feel a slight numbness in the face all the same.
Soon we hit the water to snorkel through the shallows near our island and get up close and personal with some of the life underwater. Both of us had worked up an appetitite from this activity and after drying off a scrumptious smorgasbord awaited us as well Jason sampling another local brew of “Fiji Gold”.
The rest of the group played some beach volleyball but we walked hand in hand around our island exploring the uniqueness of the South pacific and this little bit of private paradise. Although some more snorkeling was up afterwards the less than safe gear made us more up for a ride in the glass floored boat under the impression of trying some hand fishing!
Luckily for us nothing was caught and I couldn’t really say there was even one that got away but still this was another interesting perspective. Our cruise back was even more relaxing as more tunes were played and afternoon tea enjoyed and finally one glass of a very strong rum and coke. The nature of the crew and their genuine warmth made the day our most memorable part of our Fiji trip and if anyone can go on one of those tours we highly recommend it!
Whale's Tale
To be able to go back to our resort and lay back on the recliners watching another beautiful sunset was the icing on the cake of a perfect day. Even being in our room was luxurious and a very relaxing experience. Another great adventure we had was taking a Highland tour in a 4wd where again there normally is six people but we were fortunate enough to be on it by ourselves.
This was a stark contrast to our sailing cruise as we drove up into the nearby highlands passing locals working the sugar cane fields as our guide told us of the area. Our guide had lived for a while in Australia but again the sincerity of his nature was very welcoming to us both. As we moved higher and higher above sea level above the clouds the view was breathtaking and unlike anything we had seen before. Near the summit we visited a small rural village and saw the small bare footed children playing with broad smiles. Walking through it was a sharp contrast to all of the ease of the western world and it was an eye opener to say the least.
A schoolteacher was in need of a lift to Nadi and we were able to ask him questions whilst we drove to the summit to stop for morning tea and soak in the tranquility of this special spot. To see these two very different perspectives of Fiji Life was great and made you appreciate even more what we all take for granted. During our time in Fiji we also visited the nearest town being Nadi and walked around amazed of how crazy the drivers and shopkeepers were. Every second car seemed to be a taxi and the cars were old and rusty.
These two white faces were very welcome in every shop we walked past but we maintained a civil approach to which ones we entered into. Our resort was located on Denarau Island separate to the normal Fiji area so it was still very important for us to see the true Fiji. Our last afternoon was greeted by torrential rain but these two crazy travelers actually enjoyed kayaking and swimming in the rain as all the other guests made for cover!
Breakfast Point
Overall we are both very happy and grateful our travel agent made us able to get to Fiji and we both take away memories for the rest of our lives. The smiling welcoming gentle nature of all the Fijian people was I think the most amazing thing we found and that alone made the trip unforgettable.
So just remember if you are feeling down look into the mirror and say Bula!
I promise it will put a smile on your face!
For more photos simply click here: http://www.flickr.com/gp/80037206@N00/8Lf1bp
Jason
