Bula from Fiji!
That means hello, and several other things (like Aloha in Hawaii). We arrived on the main island (Viti Levu) on Friday afternoon, checked into the hotel and immediately hit the pool. The heat here is heavy and wet. In Nadi (pronunciation rhymes with candy), it rained often and was quite muggy.
On Saturday, we booked a full day trip to Namuamua Village, which involved 2.5 hours on a bus, 1.5 hours on a motorized long boat, about 2 hours in the village for a kava ceremony, dancing, singing, lunch and a tour through the village to the schoolhouse, then back again via boat, swimming in a waterfall-filled natural pool, and bus ride. On the way back, we were soaked in the boat with afternoon heavy rain. The village's main income is via exportation of the kava root.
The next day, we did some shopping and met a local guy, Siti, who took us to his favorite nearby beach, where the kids rode a horse, whose one month old foal and the daddy horse followed behind.
On Valentines Day, we packed up and headed out to Mana Island Resort and Spa, which is actually a synonym for paradise. We've snorkelled every day, eaten buffet breakfasts and dinners and played bingo by the pool sipping cocktails. I also had my first ever professional massage... aaaah.
Blake caught a lizard today and the tail came off. Yes, just like we've all been taught it would, but most have never actually witnessed. The tail wiggled for a while afterwards by itself. I hope it didn't hurt.
Tried to upload some pictures, but the internet here is taking forever, so I'll have to follow up with some once we get back to Seattle on Friday. So soon, I can't believe it!
