Many months ago, we planned a February trip to Fiji, not knowing if it would all work out in COVID times, but spending endless hours on location planning and COVID testing research (they have stringent rules). After two years of isolation and pandemic weirdness, and knowing we (I, especially) might be a little stir crazy after months and months of rainy, gray Orcas weather, we’ve been leaning on travel as a friend.
We just returned this morning, after missing our ferry last night by 20 minutes and having to stay overnight in an Anacortes motel. (It was unexpectedly awesome – The Marina Inn.)
It’s been over three weeks since I’ve opened my computer and typed on the keyboard, and I only have a few minutes before the kids come home from school, but I wanted to post a little taste of what it’s like out there in the South Pacific right now. Later, I will elaborate. I still have many posts to go about our Italy trip in August, but have been steadily working on a book since September so those posts will come in the near future as well.
For now, here’s a photographic look at some of our experiences in Fiji’s somewhat remote Yasawa Islands…
Arriving at Malakati Village on Nacula Island (no roads or cars on or between islands)The Blue House – our first Airbnb “home stay” in Malakati VillageOur daily view from the houseTea time on Sunday with cousins Luisa and Jo, and Jo is the chief’s grandsonKava ceremony on Sunday with the village menVillagers took turns cooking our meals and serving them in their homes – this is Varani’s homeVarani served us fresh-caught fish, fried coconut, fresh breadfruit, pineapple, papaya, and greens from the village farmHiking with Sai up to see a view of the Yasawa island chainBreadfruitA morning walk through the village – the men and women are so welcomingSera’s view while doing dishesThe school boat (to the next village over)Just your average day in the YasawasView from The Blue HouseView of The Blue House from the warm waterThe daily catch by Jo (a different Jo)Morning dishes after breakfastRosa preparing dough for roti (like tortillas) in MatacawalevuRosa’s son Toki and his daughter Bula cracking coconutsSnorkeling near a heart-shaped island used during the filming of The Blue Lagoon movieLearning how to make coconut cream at Navutu Stars on Yaqeta IslandSemi, our snorkeling guideJesoni, Semi, and Dan at Navutu sharing kava with usLooking for crabs and creatures“Bula!” says Samu (it can mean hello, welcome, to life and happiness, etc.) – look at that water!!!After a visit to Serenity Island (also called Bounty Island)Dex and Philip, crewmates on the Pelorus Jack sailboatThe Blue Lagoon beach
WOW!!!! You all take such gorgeous pics and I love the warm water vacations you take. You are lucky to be able to do that right now. We want to go to Ireland but with the Ukraine situation who knows right now. So just loving life and picnicking!
Bula! I love Fiji! What a great experience for your family! I’m glad your family was able to experience the beauty, the people, the lifestyle, and the food. When you see how the Fijians live, it really puts into perspective that you absolutely don’t need much to live and be happy. I was there in 1983, on Mana Island. Fijians are the friendliest people in the world! Oh, how I wish I could have one of their fresh papayas every day! Picked off the tree after being warmed by the morning sun, then eaten right away for breakfast. I have never had papaya that tasted so good. No wonder Fijian’s smile so much.😃 What did you think of the Kava? I have stories to share with you about my trip to Fiji.
Yes!!! Fijians are the most loving people I’ve EVER met! They treat everyone like family. It was amazing after those quiet COVID years when we couldn’t be around anyone!! Thanks Diane!! I’d love to hear your stories!
WOW!!!! You all take such gorgeous pics and I love the warm water vacations you take. You are lucky to be able to do that right now. We want to go to Ireland but with the Ukraine situation who knows right now. So just loving life and picnicking!
I love your picnics!! You always make your life so meaningful from the music to the picnics. Thanks for reading, and enjoy that sunshine for me!!
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful …. people, places, and food.
Yes – It was pure eye candy all around!! That clear water, those loving people, etc.
Sounds like an amazing trip. I love your pictures. You have an amazing eye! We are going in November. I’m even more excited after seeing your post.
Going in November! Wow!! Where are you going? I’ve gotta Facebook you……
Bula! I love Fiji! What a great experience for your family! I’m glad your family was able to experience the beauty, the people, the lifestyle, and the food. When you see how the Fijians live, it really puts into perspective that you absolutely don’t need much to live and be happy. I was there in 1983, on Mana Island. Fijians are the friendliest people in the world! Oh, how I wish I could have one of their fresh papayas every day! Picked off the tree after being warmed by the morning sun, then eaten right away for breakfast. I have never had papaya that tasted so good. No wonder Fijian’s smile so much.😃 What did you think of the Kava? I have stories to share with you about my trip to Fiji.
Yes!!! Fijians are the most loving people I’ve EVER met! They treat everyone like family. It was amazing after those quiet COVID years when we couldn’t be around anyone!! Thanks Diane!! I’d love to hear your stories!