2010 - Fiji

This was a long weekend away in the beautiful islands of Fiji.

Things were a bit stressed at work and given that Fiji is only a three hour flight away from Auckland, I thought I would head up there for a bit of relaxation and sunshine.

Friday - Late arrival at hotel due to the booked transfer not happening. The Hexagon Hotel was okay and it had a pleasant pool area and was close to bars and restaurants in that area. Beer report : Fiji Gold is better than Fiji Bitter.

Saturday - A trip to the town of Nadi. This is a about 20 minutes by taxi from the hotel and is a large town populated by both Fijians and Indians. Found a great curry shop for lunch after wandering around a few shops. Mostly local shops as tourists do not seem to get there (they stay in the resorts of Denarau Island). More pool action in the afternoon.

Sunday - This was a sailing trip out from Denarau to a number of islands on the northern coast line. The company was South Sea Cruises. We first took the ferry from Denarau to Mana Island. From there we boarded the yacht "Sea Spray" for a jaunt around more islands, Modriki, Monu, and Yanuya. We stopped a couple of times for swimming, snorkeling and a tour of a Fijian village. Not much happening in the village due to it being Sunday. The usual market was closed.

The BBQ lunch was superb as was the endless supply of cold drinks, including the aforementioned Fiji Gold.

I managed to get sunburnt even with the liberal application of sun block. Hurt a bit that night in bed.

The trip back to the mainland was very scenic, especially with the great sunset (see below).

One of the many boats heading out to the islands off Nadi and Denarau.


An idyllic tropical Fijian island.


The transport coming to collect the tourists.


The Sea Spray anchored off Mana Island.


The crew providing the entertainment before, during and after lunch.


The beach on the island where Tom Hanks filmed "Castaway".


The cook hard at work.


The Sea Spray anchored again.


More beach time.


A glorious sunset on the way back to Denarau Port.

Monday - My uncomfortable night's sleep (rather sunburnt) was rudely shattered by four drunken Irishmen coming back to the hotel at about 4:00am, swimming right outside my window and making enough noise to wake the dead. Thereafter, a lazy day in both the hotel pool and at the Denarau Port area. The late flight home on Air New Zealand was good.

In all, a nice four days away in the sunshine.

Impressions of Fiji - friendly people (everyone says "Bula" hello / welcome), bumpy roads, superb beaches and islands, island timekeeping, good beer (see above), and good food (especially the Indian food).
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