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    • TravelerHalf around the world and back
      Day 99

      Snorkeling

      February 13, 2020 in Fiji ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

      Early in the morning the air wasn't too bad. We shortly enjoyed the non-sweat moment before the sun got strong again. The breakfast buffet was pretty good: toast, fruit, and pancakes. We relaxed a bit in the hammocks, then tried out the water with our borrowed snorkeling gear. It wasn't hard to find some fish, some were practically already visible from the shore. Further into the water we found some great coral, fish of all kinds, and even a pretty big blue sea star. There were swarms with thousands of maybe 2cm small very blue fish. We saw lots of different 10cm big fishes, some were striped like zebras, others blue with a bit of yellow or white and some where simply incredibly blue. There were also bigger fish, like trumpet fish which were maybe half a meter long but only what looked like 3cm thick. Another type was combining purple with blue, yellow and a bit of red. And our favorite, called pennant coralfish. And lots of others. But the most amazing thing was probably the coral and its intensive blue color. We hadn't seen this before in Langkawi or Lombok.

      After lunch it became low tide, and we went in again for some more exploration. It felt even better as the low tide meant we were so close to the coral right from the beach. The low tide also meant that getting ashore was trickier, which we found out the hard way when we tried to reach another beach but didn't find a way between the coral to safely get there. So our last snorkeling of the day was stretched out a bit further than we would have liked. It was still amazing to see the underwater life but we were exhausted when we got back. Perfect time to try the hammocks for a bit more.

      In the evening we again had dinner with live music. This time not a buffet but a nice three course meal, including ice cream :)      Read more

    • TravelerHalf around the world and back
      Day 100

      Plastic soup

      February 14, 2020 in Fiji ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C

      The day started with the simple thought of going snorkeling in the awesome coral reef on the sunrise beach where we had such a great time the previous day. But it was a bit windy from the east, so that didn't look ideal. We borrowed rental gear again and first tried the sunset beach on the other side. Unfortunately it turned out there wasnt much going on there, few fishes and no coral. Worst of all, there was basically just sand so the visibility was poor. We tried the north beach, and despite the eastern wind making it also wavy and tougher to swim, we did see some coral and a few fishes. But it wasn't all that, especially after yesterday's experience. So we went back to sunrise beach. Another snorkeler just got out of the water. We asked him about his experience but he didn't sound too positive and the waves looked even tougher than on the north beach. So we decided to skip snorkeling for the morning.

      Instead we thought we'd make ourselves useful and do a beach walk. This was announced to us at breakfast as a 9am activity in which we'd collect plastic trash from the beaches. Now it was already 10:30 though. The guy organising it seemed very disappointed that no one had shown up at 9am but he seemed very thankful and happy when we volunteered to do it now. With a pair of plastic gloves and a trash bag each, we made our way to sunrise beach. Within an hour we had collected a significant amount. Plastic straws, tooth brushes, lighters, clothes pegs, shavers, cookie bags, flip-flops and countless of plastic bags in all sizes and huge pieces of hard plastic whose origin we couldn't figure out. While knowing about the plastic soup in the oceans, it was still shocking. We went snorkeling at this same beach the day earlier and you generally didn't even notice it much, even at the shoreline. But walking by it now specifically looking for trash, you keep finding more and more of it and it never ends. When lunch time arrived, our bags were heavy and we handed them in. After lunch we wanted to try more snorkeling, but the wind was only gaining in power. Susanne still bravely gave it a go. Still the same fishes and coral as the day before just a bit more tiring as you had to fight the wind, waves and resulting current.

      The wind kept increasing, to the extent of everyone leaving the sunrise beach and finding somewhere to chill on the other side of the main resort building. We did as well, and it wasn't bad at all there because the clouds and strong breeze made it a little cooler. We asked employee Sam for a coconut and even though it wasn't on any menu, he got us two fresh ones. Later in the afternoon we went for a little walk along sunset beach. At the very end we discovered some small sharks that were hunting small fishes near the shore. Sometimes they were as close as a meter from the rocks we were standing on. Around the corner would have been the perfect wind shaded private spot for a valentines day sunset. Just the clouds weren't playing along. So we headed back to the resort to have dinner with a pasta buffet. Our table was joined by one of our new roommates and another girl and we kept talking until it was time for bed.

      In the meantime the wind got so strong that we were seriously a bit worried about all the coconuts above our heads. Luckily they didn't fall when we passed but we still heard the wind the whole night and for the very first time here we slept with the door and windows facing the ocean closed.      Read more

    • TravelerHalf around the world and back
      Day 101

      Blue Lagoon

      February 15, 2020 in Fiji ⋅ 🌬 29 °C

      After 3 nights we were going to leave the Barefoot Manta resort on Drawaqa Island. Despite the worsening weather we've grown to like it here, mainly because of the sincere kindness of the staff. We had a relaxed morning and one employee told us the story of Fiji, as a thank you for the beach cleaning the previous day. Then part of the staff performed a farewell song for us. They are really good here in putting lots of emotions in songs. We were taken to the Yasawa Flyer and then we went up north to Nacula Island.

      On arrival we were given a short briefing about the resort by the Australian owner and were taken to our dorm. No beach hut this time, but a simple airconditioned room. It was quite different here compared to the last resort. Airconditioning, a pool, proper huts with real walls, a beach bar with (loud) music etc. In a lot of way it's fancier here, including the food. But we grew to like the simplicity, quietness and especially the caring employees of the Barefoot Manta. To phrase it with the words of an Israeli we met: 'Here they told their employees to serve the guests. Back there they told them to host the guests.'

      After lunch we wanted to try snorkeling. Machiel realised at this point that his water shoes were still at Barefoot Manta. After a few visits to the reception, they managed to contact them and request them to be sent over with the next shipment of tourists the following day. The only thing we were missing was a confirmation that they were found, so we were far from sure this was going to work.

      Anyway, we borrowed an extra set of fins and went snorkeling. It was very much low tide which meant it was difficult to swim over the coral. Despite the limited options, we still saw quite some fishes. The coral however wasn't as nice as on the previous island. Less colorful and, if our limited knowledge is correct, also quite some dead or unhealthy coral. After a shower, we were tipped to walk up the hill behind the resort for sunset. We quickly put on our shoes and left, but unfortunately we were just a few minutes late. We enjoyed dinner talking to a US-Ukrainian couple, and further enjoyed the nice view.      Read more

    • TravelerHalf around the world and back
      2
      2
      Day 102

      Going to church

      February 16, 2020 in Fiji ⋅ 🌬 30 °C

      Today was Sunday so we went to church. A boat took us to a beach near Nacula village, the largest on the island. Because it was Sunday, our boat was apparently not allowed to go to the beach at the village itself. Which was nice as it meant that after a small walk through the forest, we also walked through part of the village. Most houses were in poor condition, but everyone seemed to be happy. The church was quite big for how small the village was. And it was one out of three churches in this village. The service itself was a sweaty version of the church services we know except that we didn't understand much because of the language. We had secretly hoped the happy spirit of the Fijian volk would show through a bit more, but as it turns out that's more the case at one of the other two churches in the village.

      In the afternoon we went snorkeling once again. At one point we saw two rays on the ocean floor. Very cool. And again we saw plenty of colorful fish. It just seems like every time we spot some more cool fishes. We are still in the process of learning their names. So far we identified the Bluebanded Surgeonfish, Moorish Idol, several kinds of Butterflyfish, Bicolor Parrotfish and Bullethead Parrotfish. Susanne also spotted a lion fish, which we later found out can be venomous. Only when touching it though.

      Before dinner the staff performed some Fijian songs in a choir. Dinner was a la carte, and after that it was movie night. The people voted for Ford vs Ferrari, which Machiel was very happy about. It was an interesting experience to watch it on a canvas sheet hung up between palm trees, with the waves crashing right behind it. Susanne wasn't too interested and instead enjoyed the company of an Israelian couple who are on a similar trip as us.      Read more

    • TravelerHalf around the world and back
      Day 103

      Making a beach basket

      February 17, 2020 in Fiji ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

      The day started with our favorite breakfast - crepes with maple sirup. Yummy! After some digesting time it was time to try out our handcraft skills. We joined the free activity of basket weaving. We all got part of a coconut tree leaf, some very brief explanation - 'take every second one' - and there we went. We figured out the weaving part, but it was still a miracle on how to transform this flat part into a basket. Turns out it 'just' takes some braiding and a knife and there you go. Ready is your new beach basket. It wasn't all that simple though but with some help we got there. It was quite a lot of fun.

      With our new baskets we then made out way to two shaded sunbeds and went for some snorkeling again. We just don't get tired of it. This time we spotted some weird plants that looked like underwater versions of the land based meat eating plants. Sometimes it moved a bit as if it was breathing. We also spotted some interesting fish that looked like a mix of fish and jellyfish or so. We stayed in the water for quite long so when getting out we were really tired and ready for a nap. The night also gave us a great sunset sky.      Read more

    • TravelerHalf around the world and back
      3
      2
      Day 105

      Preparing for Australia

      February 19, 2020 in Fiji ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

      We stayed in bed long this morning. Our stomachs were not too happy for already a while. So we decided to take it slow with food now that we actually could decide the eating times ourselves and had to pay for it by choice of meal rather than for a daily package. After a late breakfast and Susanne being addicted to a book, it was time to face reality. In less than 24 hours we were gonna be in Melbourne and apart from the first 4 nights, we had nothing booked and no real plan on what to do and how. Panic set in, especially when we realised that no matter how we looked at it, it was gonna be more expensive than our daily budget.

      We researched anyways and got a global idea of what we wanted to see in the coming 7 weeks. Currently that means 3 weeks for the route Melbourne - Great Ocean Road - Adelaide - Ayers Rock - Alice Springs, then a magic transfer to Broome or Perth and then another 3 weeks for the route Perth - Broome or Broome - Perth. We haven't decided yet nor booked anything. So we'll see in the next days what we end up with. We had a late small dinner at the hostel restaurant, packed our big backpacks again and got ready for our early flight tomorrow.      Read more

    • TravelerWe Go Up - around the world
      11
      Day 828

      Ab ins Paradies - it's Fiji Time

      February 26, 2020 in Fiji ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

      Nach 3 Stunden Flug, schlägt die Uhr für uns die kommenden 19 Tage 'Fiji Time'.

      Tobis Kindheitstraum geht endlich in Erfüllung und wir sind super gespannt, was uns erwartet.

      Mit dem ersten Schritt aus dem Flugzeug rannten wir gegen eine von 90% Luftfeuchtigkeit geschwängerte Wand, die uns kurz den Atmen nahm - was für Klimawandel 😉. In der Früh trug Andrea noch eine lange Hose und Pulli, weil es in Christchurch kalt war und nun haben wir 32 Grad, Sonne pur und leben dauerhaft in einer Sauna.

      Begrüßt wurden wir mit einem musikalischen Empfangskomitee Einheimischer. Sie spielten mit Okulele, Gitarre, klatschten in die Hände, sangen und haben mit einem lauten 'Bula' uns willkommen geheißen. Was für ein toller Startschuss. Die Passkontrolle war sehr aufregend für uns - nach einer Stunde langen Wartens und Registrierung der Drohne durften wir den Flughafen verlassen.

      Sava, ein Fidschianer, mit dem wir über Facebook in Kontakt getreten sind, holte uns ab, fuhr mit uns zu seinem Haus und organisierte für uns eine 11 Tage Insel Tour, an der Westküste der 'Yasawa Groups'. Wir lernten seine Familie kennen, schliefen und aßen dort für $30. Er führt ein sehr einfaches, jedoch glückliches Leben und lehrte uns einiges aus seiner Kultur.

      Die ersten 3 Nächte sind auf der Insel Mana geplant, wo wir in dem Ratu Kini Backpackers and Dive Resort übernachten.

      Auch hier wurden wir nach einer 50 minütigen Bootsüberfahrt mit einer tollen Gesangseinlage und einem lauten 'Bula' in Empfang genommen. Die Insel ist traumhaft schön und das Wasser hat Badewannenniveau, unvorstellbar nach 9 Monate kaltem Meereswasser in Neuseeland.

      Pünktlich zum Abendessen ging die Sonne um 18.30Uhr unter und tauchte den Himmel in wunderschöne Farben. Es gab ein traditionelles Essen: Fisch, Hähnchen, Spinat in 🥥-milch, Taro, Süßkartoffel, Salat und Melone - das war super lecker.

      Im Anschluss stand 'Kava' an, ebenfalls eine Tradition auf Fidschi.
      Aus Pflanzenbestandteilen (meist getrocknet und pulverisiert) wird ein traditionelles Getränk hergestellt, das vor allem als Zeremonialgetränk bei religiösen und kulturellen Anlässen konsumiert wird. Es schmeckte gewöhnungsbedürftig, so wie es aussah, nach Schlammbrühe. Es soll eine nakotisierende Wirkung und ein Taubheitsgefühl im Mund hervorrufen. Im Koma lagen wir nicht, allerdings fühlten wir eine kurzweilige Taubheit. 😁 Wir unterhielten uns währenddessen mit anderen Reisenden und gingen anschließend ins Bett.

      Wir sind gespannt, was uns die nächsten Tage erwartet, ob wir uns an den Wetterumschwung und das Schwitzen gewöhnen werden. ☺      Read more

      See translation
    • Ali and Jeff CarithersWorld Cruise 2020
      Day 46

      Suva, Fiji

      March 9, 2020 in Fiji ⋅ 🌧 81 °F

      After crossing the International Date Line, we lost Saturday, so that means we had an alcohol-free, fasting day!! Woohoo!!

      Today we are in Suva, Fiji, an unscheduled stop for us since we are dodging the Coronavirus and this was an island that would let us visit. It is certainly becoming more challenging each day.
      I’m sure we will need to make some sort of a decision soon about whether or not to continue our cruise.

      We did have a nice, but rainy day here in Fiji as this is the start of their rainy season. We visited a spice farm which was quite interesting. I know I take for granted the packaged spices I buy, never thinking back to the actual plant that they came from. The Fijians did a Kava welcoming ceremony, served lunch that was cooked in an underground oven, toured us through the spice trees and bushes, and shared their traditional dance and stories. They are a warrior culture, often fighting other tribes on their own island. They were also a cannibalistic culture, sometimes killing and then eating their enemies.

      Suva is a large, bustling city with modern stores and people and vehicles everywhere! The fruit and vegetable market was one of the prettiest and cleanest we’ve ever seen. Hundreds of watermelons, peppers, taro, eggplant, tomatoes, coconuts and long beans were all on beautiful display. The vendors were full of smiles and saying “bula” as a greeting.

      Many of the men here where a type of wrap-around skirt with a formal shirt and sandals.
      It was an interesting stop and a nice contrast to a very small town we’ll visit tomorrow on a neighboring island.      Read more

    • Ali and Jeff CarithersWorld Cruise 2020
      Day 47

      Savusavu, Fiji

      March 10, 2020 in Fiji ⋅ 🌧 82 °F

      Another unscheduled stop for us, and it turned out to be one of our favorites. This is an “off the beaten path” island. Lush, green, craggy mountains surround the beautiful, calm bay.
      The flora along the quiet roadside is vibrant and colorful, the people greet us with huge smiles and cry out “bula” as a welcome. We would even hear people say it from inside their houses as we walked by.

      Jeff and I decided to be on our own today. We took a taxi a few miles to a beach and snorkeled and swam for a couple of hours. It was sunny and gorgeous out, with big, puffy clouds and crystal clear waters. We saw some nice coral and lots of colorful fish. We like to just hang in the water over a rock complex for quite a while. After a bit, the action starts to happen and all the fish come out, zipping around like people in town going about their business. Jeff and I agreed that our favorite fish are the brilliant cobalt blue fish that are about
      2” long and their gloriously turquoise counterparts
      that are just a little smaller. The colors and patterning of the fish are magnificent and it’s hard to tear yourself away from such special world.

      After soaking up the quiet beauty of, basically, our own private beach, we decided to walk back to town along the quiet road to catch the tender back to the ship. This was just great until it started to rain. One thing that we’ve learned is that rain in the tropics is like no rain we have known. You can see it coming from a distance and it comes down in buckets! We were able to wait it out in a cute bus stop shelter and got back to the ship tired and happy and just a little wet.

      One more stop in Fiji tomorrow before continuing on.      Read more

    • Ali and Jeff CarithersWorld Cruise 2020
      Day 48

      Lautoka, Fiji

      March 11, 2020 in Fiji ⋅ 🌧 82 °F

      Lautoka is our last stop in Fiji. It is the “sugar city” as that is it’s primary industry.

      It was pouring rain this morning. Jeff and I booked a tour that had several stops, but the best was the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. This was an orchid garden that simply took our breaths away.Read more

    You might also know this place by the following names:

    Republic of Fiji, Fidschi, Fiji, Fidji, Figyi, ፊጂ, Fichi, فيجي, Fici, Фіджы, Фиджи, ফিজি, ཕི་ཇི།, Fidži, Fidzi nutome, Φίτζι, Fiĝioj, Fiyi, FidĪi, فیجی, Fijji, Viti, Fidj·i, Fidsí, Fìdi, Fixi, ફીજી, פיגי, फ़िजी, Fidzsi-szigetek, Ֆիջի, Fídjieyjar, Figi, フィジー, ფიჯი, ហ្វ៉ីហ្ស៉ី, ಫಿಜಿ, 피지, फिजी, Insulae Vitienses, Fidzi, ຟິຈິ, Fidžis, Fuji, Фиџи, ഫിജി, Fiġi, ဖီဂျီ, Bidji, ଫିଜି, Fidżi, فېجي, Figgi, Fiži, Fidyïi, ෆීජී, Fixhi, ஃபிஜி, ఫిజి, ฟิจิ, Piyi, Fisi, فىجى, Фіджі, فجی, Phi-gi, Ficiyuäns, Orílẹ́ède Fiji, 斐濟, i-Fiji

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