Everywhere you look, tropical flowers, more beautiful than the last.
So yup, here I am. Fiji. Arrived at 5:15 am on the 24th (lost 21 hours or something going over the dateline). It is amazing how many people are up at 5:30 am. The air is still moderately cool relatively speaking – it’s 27 degrees celsius. What a change from Gabriola and Toronto. I hear it is snowing in Gabriola. Sorry guys, I guess I’m gloating. Can’t say I miss the snow, but I am not quite aclimatized for this heat just yet.
Balabala - Indigenous giant jungle fern whose stalks are used for these carvings. They are beautiful and very Fijian.
Balabala closeup detail
So I arrive at my hostel, Bamboo. I am met by Peter, the owner. A young New Zealander with blond dreadlocks. It’s a family business. He is really an island guy. Relaxed, easy going, quiet, helpful and thoughtful. $12 CAD or $20 FJD a night for a room in a four person female dorm. My two roomates are two younger British girls. They are quite nice but I have observed them go to great trouble every night to dress up and make up just to go out for dinner. Heck, I can barely bother to shower – well not quite. Spent the first day just hanging at the hostel and walking the nearby beach. I was exhausted. The next day, now today as of my writing, I went to Beachcombe Island, snorkelled in the coral and was amazed at the incredibly beautiful fish. I must have counted over 20 different types – or at least types and colourings. I should have bought an underwater camera. The colours and iridescence. One fish was so colourful and flourescent – pink, orange, green, blue – it reminded me of a icicle pop and I just wanted to grab it and start licking. Okay, that sounds a little weird, but that’s what it reminded me of.
Paradise for the day at Beachcombe Island
I walked the circumference of the island and then snorkelled for a good couple of hours. Hint: if snorkelling for an extended period of time, either where protective clothing or lots of water resistant sunscreen. Given that it was cloudy, I did not and now I have a lovely red back, bum and back of legs. The water is deceiving in its protection. I knew better but I thought I could get away with it due to the clouds.
After a lovely island lunch, island band, happy hour, turtle feeding and just more R&R. really this should be criminal it is so good.
Unfortunately, just prior to leaving Canada, I had had a small surgery on my foot and a couple of stitches. Well eager to play in the sea and sand, I thought it would be o.k. after 7 days. Well no. So today, now my third day, I am taking it easy. Just hanging out. I don’t want to have an infection in Fiji. A little bummed out though as I wanted to go for a run. Well really, what a better place for a little feet up and updates.
Lounging inside the Beachcombe Resort looking out to the ocean
Take care of that foot – you certainly don’t want an infection in Fiji. Love Mum
Have been doing just that Mum and it has healed well. I avoided the worst possible. Looking good now.
I cannot think of anything better than putting your feet up and enjoying that view! WOW
Love your blog and following your journey Sara – thanks for sharing!
So glad you are following Allana. My counter goes up so much everyday, I am so flattered by everyone checking on it. I am driven to keep it fun and interesting – well of course that goes through my mind and filter.
In my mind……I am out there with you. Keep me posted on any kite alerts.
Shall do on the kite alerts. Sadly my initial intention of getting my first taste in Christchurch had to be changed due to their earthquake. So it now will likely wait until I hit Australia. I have a house sit there from August 7 – 18 or 19 in an area near Byron Bay, so that may be ideal. But of course I have from the 24th of March until then to wander about. Hey remember talking about counters, well mine has been going up exponentially – I get at least 100 hits a day – it is so flattering – so I am driven to keep it interesting.
Oh yeh, say hi to Gladys Brocklehurst for me
O.K. you must be away because why would I say hi to Mum when I am halfway across the world and you live about 20 minutes from her.
I just was laughing about her user name
Ah well – just a newbie. Mum – you can just use a moniker. How about Happy Bottom?