Blogs from Fiji, Oceania

More than four months into this crazy journey and it is almost at its end. On any given day I go back and forth between just wanting to get the hell out of dodge, and not wanting to ever leave this weird, not so perfect, paradise. In less than a month and a half I will have my feet planted firmly back on US soil, I will have my dog constantly at my side again, I will have consistent wifi, a Starbucks down the street, Chick-fil-a within walking distance, my momma back on speed dial, and my beautiful Jeep sitting in the driveway just begging me to load up the dogs and go for a drive. Maybe it is a little bit too early for me to start getting nostalgic, but regardless, I am. Before I ... read more

It's over two months since we arrived in Fiji so this is a rather rose tinted view of our time there; Torrential rain; compulsory meals of corned beef and cold smelly showers are all but forgotten. We arrived in Fiji on the 15th of February into Nadi airport where we were greeted by tradition Fiji music played by men wearing Hawaiian shirts and Leis with big smiles and I remembered why I wanted to go come back to Fiji. By the time we had got off the plane to leaving the airport we had probably heard the phrase 'BULA' about 20 times; Andy decided he hated it which wasn't a good omen for the coming weeks as it seems to be used for hello/welcome/thankyou and all through Kava ceremonies at random time - more of this ... read more

First blog entry! Internet is limited here on Fiji, but wanted to just put something out. Went out on a 2 dive trip to South Sea Island. Really nice! Diving in 82 degree water sure is the best... First time in warm water diving. No wet suit needed! Great experience. Jim and I were going to do another 2 dives this morning, but when we got to the place in Moni, the boat wouldn't start. Boo! So unfortunately no more diving for me in Fiji, as my flight to Melbourne leaves tomorrow at 5:30pm. So today is probably gonna be hitting some inland stuff. A hike would be nice... Well, off to some adventures!... read more

Bula y'all! It has been quite a while since my last blog entry, my momma likes to remind me of this every time I talk to her. All is well here in Fiji, my days have been filled with the occasional class, a little bit of work, and this week in particular, lots of rugby at the yacht club, which is fondly referred to as the "yachty". Yesterday was a big day for the island nation of Fiji as our Flying Fijian's, the rugby team, beat New Zealand in the most important game of the season. When Fiji wins rugby there are fireworks, tables and chairs being thrown over and lots of Fiji Gold and Fiji Bitter beer. It is quite the event and one day soon we will have a public holiday because of the ... read more

Arrived at Fiji airport to a wave of tropical heat and a cheery welcoming band. Quickly adjusted to relaxed "Fiji-time" by lazing and swimming at the resort pool with a brief trip to Nadi to see the colourful Hindu temple, stopping for a freshly-cut coconut en-route. Next day hopped on a 5 to-a-row local bus across Viti-Levu to Suva the chaotic capital, staying at the aptly named Raintree lodge on the edge of the jungle. Took a very hot and muggy guided trek through the Colo-i-Suva forest park, slipping and sliding over rocks and muddy paths to waterfalls before visiting the national museum with its giant ocean-going canoes and tales of cannibalism (and dodging the heavy tropical thunderstorms that started to flood the museum !). Travelled up to the Navua valley in the highlands for a ... read more

We managed to recruit lots of the newcomers at Nabua for the cave trip so we were able to go before our departure. Plus, it had stopped raining and blue skies had appeared. The boat ride up to the caves was about 40mins through some pretty exposed bits of sea up past Yasawa Island. A small group of tour guides greeted us and took us inside the caves. The water was cool and the limestone formation was pretty spectacular. To get to the second cave (the spitting cave) you have to swim underwater for a couple of metres and enter the pitch black cave. These caves were also used in the film Blue Lagoon with Brooke Shields. After our lunch we boarded the long boat which took us over to the catamaran. Five and a half ... read more

So here's the thing about Fiji: it's weird. And I mean really weird. So much so that I am dedicating an entire blog to all things odd and Fijian. Starting with coffee. Back home in the states I survive off coffee, my blood is about 40% leukocyte and Erythrocytes and 60% caffeine. So needless to say I was shocked when I found out that all coffee here is instant, yes instant. I feel a bit like a crack addict going through withdrawals, hopefully this will pass. Thank God for a little place called the Republic of Cappucino which offers a pretty decent espresso served in an air conditioned environment with free Wifi (coincidentally that's where I am sitting now). Now let's talk buses. The transportation system in Suva is pretty decent all in all. There is ... read more