Farewell Fiji

It's now been one month since our Fijian holiday and all I'd like to say is "take me back".

Take me back to the blue skies, hot days and palm trees.

Take me back to the sunsets.

Take me back to the family time making memories.

Take me back to the food.

Mud crab

Tequila and Lime Prawn Fajitas

The Beach Shack restaurant

Take me back to the cocktails and mocktails.

But this holiday wouldn't have been possible without the generosity of my Dad and Tracey, who invited us to holiday with them.  Big thank you.

Our last hours were spent staring out to sea and wishing we weren't heading home to reality.  But isn't that the sign of a good holiday, not wanting to leave.  Especially the paradise we had spent a week in.  The wonderful thing to come from the holiday was it sparked an interest in travel in the kids, who are all now keen for another holiday adventure overseas.  Now we just need to win Lotto.

Fiji - braids

The one thing Milly wanted from her trip to Fiji was to come home with a head full of braids.  Numerous kids at school who had holidayed in Bali, Fiji or other islands would return to class with braided hair and Milly wanted the same.

Rather than stand around outside in the heat and have her hair done, Nana Trace organised for a hair braider to come to our apartment at the resort.  What a brilliant idea that turned out to be, because it was a steaming hot day outside and the airconditioning of the apartment was bliss.

It took just over an hour for the braids to be completed.  The speed at which the Fijian lady plaited Milly's hair was extraordinary.  I'd never seen such nimble fingers.  The other great news was they would last approximately a month, so that's one month I don't have to worry about styling her hair for school.  Winning.

Fiji - cruise

One of the things we wanted to do and have the kids experience in Fiji was snorkelling.  So we hopped on a boat and went cruising to a small island.  Unfortunately for us, the day we booked happened to be the only day it rained.  It's not that it doesn't rain in Fiji, but up until that point the rain was usually in the late afternoon and didn't last long.  Plus even when it rains the temperature is still warm.

The kids loved the boat ride, even though it was a bit choppy and the rain drizzled.  Thirty minutes from port later and land ahoy!  Our beautiful island could be sited, with rain clouds surrounding it.  Boo hoo!  Fingers were crossed the rain would hold off.

Once on island Michael, Henry and Milly stripped down to their swimmers and put on their snorkelling gear.  Buster and I were trying to find ourselves a small hut or shelter where we could stay dry and watch the snorkelers.  The water surrounding the island was lovely and warm.  Michael said the visibility for snorkelling was poor but he had a great time anyway.  Some fellow snorkelers even spotted a small shark.

Henry and Milly didn't last long in the ocean and headed up the beach to me and Buster and spent the rest of the time on the island in the pool or in hammocks.

It rained and drizzled on and off while we were there, which can't be helped but did spoil the day a little.  The island would have been the perfect paradise to spend a day lazying about.  The cruise company put on a big buffet lunch and entertainment before it was time to get back on the boat and head home for some hot showers.

Fiji - part 2

You can't help but feel relaxed in Fiji.  Time just seems to slow down and the days feel longer.  There's no need to rush.  I'll admit I spent a lot of time just lying around and staring off into the distance.  My mind was at peace.

One of the fun things to do on Denarau Island where the resorts are lined up along the beach is catch the Bula Bus.  It picks up from each resort and takes you to the marina for shopping, eating or boat trips.  It's not a traditional bus, but the openness allows for a nice breeze on those hot Fiji days.

Back at our resort Milly and I took in a weaving demonstration.  They made me this hat and I loved it.  Unfortunately, when it was time to leave Fiji, it was still too green to pass Australian customs.  They chucked it in the bin.

It's fair to say we ate well in Fiji.  Our resort had two restaurants.  One of them was called the Beach Shack and it had beautiful views across the water.  Breakfast there was a highlight for the kids because they had waffles.  I opted for a granola with coconut yoghurt.

 The Radisson Blu resort next door to ours had the most spectacular Thai restaurant.  It was al fresco and overlooked their tropical gardens.  The food was sensational.  The best yellow curry I've ever tasted.