Days Spent: 7
Best of: The humanitarianism involved with the Tui Tai visiting different islands around Fiji to provide help and support to those in need
Worst of: Not enough sunshine (of course I still managed to get burned!)
Most Memorable: The welcoming dance from the polynesian tribe from the island of Kioa
Our trip around the world started from Perth and headed first to Auckland, New Zealand for a 7 hour layover, and then on to Nadi, Fiji. Auckland was breathtaking and we climbed the Harbour Bridge Climb in the lapse between our next flight. It was amazing to see the Harbour and have a 360 degree view of the city.
Next, we countinued our journey to Nadi to spend the night before our early 7 am flight to Savu Savu, Fiji where the group from Tui Tai would pick us up to begin our adventure cruise.
Day 1: Fly into Savu Savu airport and picked up by Tui Tai host Liga to take us to the boat. We had a welcome drink and met the others on board and then a delicious lunch before we headed out for our first dive at Natewa Bay at Vanua Levu.
Day 2: We set out to ride mountain bikes from the village settlement of Tabiang to a beautiful view of the Tunuloa Peninsula at the mouth of Natewa Bay. We also saw one of the most beautiful waterfalls where some of the local children were jumping off into the pool below. The afternoon was a snorkeling trip right off of the beach.
Day 3: Time for more diving! We dove the beautiful Rainbow Reef and saw colorful fish, blue-spotted rays and swam thru tunnels to see more creatures hiding between the rocks. Below is a picture of a blue eel, which we have never seen on any other dive before. In the afternoon, we visited the Polynesian inhabited island of Kioa to the Somosomo Village. Hugo, the Dutch doctor on board, provided services and medicine to some of the ill in the village and the Kioans performed a traditional song and dance for us.
Our trip was wonderful overall and definitely relaxing. The islands of Fiji are beautiful and the people so welcoming and friendly. Now on to our next destination, the USA!!!
Day 4: We woke up and spent most of the day near the stunning island of Cobia, a sunken volcanic crater, the inside of which has filled with sea water, forming a mystic lagoon. In the morning we hiked to the summit of the crater. The trail had an interesting terrain of natural steps formed by large tree roots. The island was home to a handful of wild goats and a dense population of fruit bats. Along the way, we came across Fijian children gathering fruit and plants to bring back to the family for dinner.
Day 5: After breakfast, we set off to the waterfalls a short 10-minute walk along a nice trail. There was a huge pool for swimming, which made it an ideal place to relax right in front of the pounding waterfalls! In the afternoon, we sailed to the island of Qamea. We visited a tiny and remote Togo Village for a tour and Melanesian cultural performance. Dinner was made the traditional Fijian method by an underground oven created by the chefs.
The last morning we woke up and had breakfast then got ready to fly out of Taveuni. The crew of Tui Tai sang the farewell Fijian song "Isa Lei" and wished us safe and happy travels as we left.
Our trip was wonderful overall and definitely relaxing. The islands of Fiji are beautiful and the people so welcoming and friendly. Now on to our next destination, the USA!!!
