Just Hoppin Along These Beautiful Fiji Islands

I traveled to four islands on my trip in Fiji. The high speed ferry is great and spends the day zooming from island to island. Along the way there was only one pier and all the other stops are at sea. I was a worried they might drop my suitcase “in the drink” because the deck hands transfer the luggage at breakneck speed to the little transfer boats. The ferry is very comfortable with drinks and snacks for purchase:

I have never seen such beautiful water. All the islands are surrounded by incredible turquoise colored sea. The sandy bottoms are massive and reflect the sun and blue sky.

The tour company is very organized and even if I didn’t know where to go or what I was to do because I was on my own — the staff did. They would always be on the shore with little bangos and sing welcome and departure songs. Everyone was so nice and greeted me with a smile and “Bula” (which means greetings). The food package was compulsory at $119 Fiji–about $60 a day US. I could order off menus at some of the resorts but most had buffets. The meals were good but not gourmet.

My second island was Mantaray. I had the cutest little bungalow on my very own beach:

I could have taken a boat trip to swim with the mantarays but the water was choppy so I declined. I did go snorkeling — right off my beach……how good is that??? The fish were colorful but I didn’t see any good coral. Water was a perfect 82 degrees. There was danger here:

Relaxing was a must and the “fu fu” drinks delicious:After two nights I travel to my third island, Kuata. My accommodations at the resort was a lovely tent with my bathroom out the back door under the trees and sky:

The folks here not only sang and clapped to welcome me–they wrote me a love note:I enjoyed the outdoor areas and obeyed all signs:

I did do an excursion on this island and took a trip to snorkel and swim with sharks. The water to get to the reef where the sharks hang out during the day was 30 minutes of bumping over waves in a small boat. I’m glad I didn’t know that because I would not have gone.

We saw about 18 white tipped and 4 black tipped reef sharks who are very afraid of us. They bigger ones were about 4 feet long. They live in this area of the sea their whole life and feed on small fish at night. I never felt frightened:

The next morning I was off to my next destination–South Sea Island:

This little spit of sand was the setting for my favorite “sea shack” accommodation — a delightful cabin on the shore:I have seen some spectacular sunsets on my journey but not with a view from my bed:After breakfast I got the ferry to Mana Island to go on a sailing day trip. The sailboat is outfitted with a platform in the aft for us, tourists. The whole day was delightful with our first stop at Tom Cruise’s Castaway Island (Wilson left a long time ago) where we snorkeled and chilled on the beach:

While we were frocklicing about the crew grilled up a tasty lunch. We pulled up the anchor and headed to a small village to experience a Kava ceremony and take a tour. This little island had no electricity and depends on solar panels. Rain water is collected in cisterns.

Kava is made from a dried root and looks and taste like dirty dish water. One cupful wasn’t enough to do much mind altering and I think wine wins out with me. Our guide/crew member told us he drinks Kava every night:

Fiji is one of the most beautiful places that I have ever traveled. I probably will never get back for a second visit but cherish my memories.

I love Fiji!!

I am on to New Zealand and after a 4 hour plane ride I start my next adventure in Christchurch.