Ahhh Fiji! There is no better place to stay than in a 5 star resort on a Southern Pacific Island! Everyone greets you with a big smile as they say "Bula", this means hello in Fijian. Palm trees are in every direction you look, the vegetation is very lush and the water is crystal clear. It is still hard for us to comprehend the fact that we are in Fiji!
Our first full day in Fiji was spent in complete relaxation. We started our morning with a fantastic breakfast buffet and then a stroll on the beach looking for shells with the Cooper and Brady. The beach was just as I pictured with an endless horizon of clear blue water and the occasional sun umbrella with the thatch roof. After some time on the beach we made our way over to the main pool surrounded by palm trees and a very tropical atmosphere. After lunch we ventured back to the beach where Natalie and Cooper went on a reef walk to explore some of the tropical fish and coral native to Fiji. They saw many fish amongst the coral, a starfish which they held and a small crab as well. After some more swimming and relaxing in the sun we went dinner where we were treated to Fijian Native Dance performers. Of course we also bought some Fiji crafted items to bring home with us as well.
The second day in Fiji started with a horse back ride on the beach, this is something that Brady was really looking forward to as soon as he saw the horses. The remainder of the morning and afternoon was spent relaxing by the pool, swimming or strolling the beach. Natalie took sometime to make some jewelry with a Fijian instructor, Cooper helped with this as well. This evening was special as it was New Years Eve, accordingly we went to a special celebration dinner. After dinner was completed we were treated to some native Fijian dancing. Once the show was over it was nearing midnight and all the resort guest were gathered on the beach. As midnight approached fire dancing was performed and as the countdown completed they set fire to a large structure which read 2013 in flames out in the water. 2012 has been such a monumental year for our family as we embarked to China unknowing what was in store in the years to come and then traveling all over the world. An amazing year may be a better characterization as we worked hard to adjust to the new culture and treated ourselves with some wonderful vacations. We are excited for what is ahead in the new year!
The third day Natalie and Cooper did a Sarong painting in the morning and of course we spent the afternoon swimming. Prior to dinner we watched a fire walking performance which explained the origins of the ritual. Following our dinner we watched a Meke performance. All of the singing, dancing and traditions of the Fijian people is such a great experience.
On the next day Natalie and Cooper took a Fijian class to learn how to do Tapa Painting, we plan to frame their pieces of art for our next home. This was a good opportunity to take Brady for a second horse back ride on the beach seeing how much fun he had the first time. The rest of our day was spent poolside soaking up the sun and the fun. After a dinner beach side we strolled down to the water to take some pictures and search for more seashells adding to Cooper's collection.
Our last full day was upon on, oh how we are going to miss Fiji. Another day on the beach and in the pool, pure bliss. In the afternoon we all went snorkeling off the beach as our resort is on what they call the Coral Coast. We saw some fish, coral and some starfish. Afterwards Natalie went into the town for a shopping trip. There is not much of a town as she quickly realized, just a few tourist shops that are also found in the resort.
We really loved Fiji and the kindness of the people from the island. After completing our morning breakfast three Fijian guitar players showed up at our table and sang a traditional goodbye song as they wish for our safe travels and a return visit. We thanked everyone we encountered along the way in the native language, "Vinaka"!
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