Fiji - Bula!

After camping for 60 nights, our bodies were good and ready for the 'heavenly' pillow top mattresses at the Westin Resort in Fiji. The flight from Auckland, New Zealand was a little less than 3 hours long and we enjoyed the movie "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" on the way over. The views from the plane were surprising to us as we arrived in Fiji, as the island appeared to be burning with a brown cloud above it. The airport was not air conditioned and we could immediately feel the heat. We did the normal routine of collecting our bags, exchanging money, and catching a cab to the hotel. When we arrived at the Westin and were ecstatic that we chose to go all out! The place was authentic with grass looking rooves and fire torches floating on water. We checked into our room and was very impressed with the accomodations :) Our time in Fiji was spent in complete excess of relaxation, a true vacation! The pool was awesome, the pillow tops, even better!



Garrett got to experience his first dining at a Hard Rock Cafe, where there was a live band playing old ballads. We enjoyed nachos and a brownie sundae that satisfied our longing for what we couldn't seem to find in Australia and New Zealand. YUMmmmm Brownies!!! The highlight of Fiji was our trip to South Island, a 30 minute boat ride to one of the Mamanunca Islands. We could walk the entire island in about 5 minutes, that is how small it was. It had backpacker accomodations and snorkeling and kayaking gear. They also had a underwater viewing boats like a submarine, where we were able to see the reef around without getting wet! It served for us as a good introduction to what we were going to see snorkeling. We were stoked to get in the water! While we were snorkeling, we saw lots of different varieties of fish and got to touch a sea cucumber and hold starfish! The visibility was just outstanding and was probably some of the best snorkeling that we've ever had! The day was great! A tasty BBQ lunch was served and there was local entertainment with singing and dancing :)



We had more beach time and snorkeled a little more before getting completely poured on just before catching the boat back to the resort. On the bus ride back, we talked with an older Canadian couple about their day and their trip. This couple was really cute and I have a feeling we reminded them of their son and new daughter in law in Australia. We also ran into them at the restaurant at the resort and joined them for dinner. They were full of all sorts of advice and stories that made me smile. I wanted to adopt them as another set of grandparents! Our time in Fiji was short, but it was absolutely fantastic and we enjoyed every second of it. The locals were the friendliest giving us a very warm welcome feeling and always had a smile on their faces. I loved the $2 bill with the happy kids on one side and wide smiling queen on the other.



I was almost sad to have to leave and wanted to stay longer, but all good things must come to an end and it was time to go home! :D