It ended up being cheaper to go through Fiji on our way home, so you didn't need to twist our arms to stop a week there and break up the almost-24-hr trek. My mom had always wanted to visit that island too, so she agreed to meet us there. However, our transfer in Sydney held some complications as we tried to connect to our Fiji flight. There was some mix up with Desmond's passport and I had to leave customs and book it through the airport with a couple kids busting their pants, then Kenna's water bottle was full which caused a ruckus at the xray machines. We were frazzled but barely made our flight and touched down finally at 9pm in the most hot and humid island air. And GramB! It was rad. The dark 3 hour van ride to our hotel over serious bumpy roads without seatbelts or air-conditioning will not be soon forgotten, either. Our local friends (one of my mom's temple square missionaries from the area) lined it up for us, to which we were very grateful.
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| grass surfing with some cute local boys in the rain |
We stayed at a beautiful, old resort next to a
less-private, bigger fancier resort to which our resort had access, so
it was the best of both worlds. The first few days were a tad rainy, but
didn't deter us from playing (or resting, depending on the person.)
We
got our hair done by some of the lovely dancers who performed at the
resort at night, partook of lots of kava (ceremonial root drink that
looks/tastes like dirt and makes your tongue feel fuzzy), enjoyed the
pools/hot tubs, fed fish in the surf at our feet in the mornings,
frequented the local village for goods, caught frogs galore, tried
hulling a coconut, held snakes, and made some new little friends.
The feasts and performances were pretty riveting, although poor Des was traumatized after all the Hakas he saw (scary tough warrior dance by the men.)
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| hanging at The Pearl |
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| hot tub central |
I seriously love walking through new towns early in the morning, especially abroad. Discovering the shops and people and neighborhoods and wildlife as the daily buzz begins. Getting essentials at the corner store, icecream vendors, and eating take away at random places. Isn't it one of the best parts of traveling?
The flora and fauna was spectacular. Seriously.
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| morning fish feed, practically nibbling our toes |
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| simple, pretty new way we learned to hull a pineapple |
Our excursion into Suva was awesome. The bus rides alone were so much fun. We delivered some things to the temple for some sister missionaries back in SLC, then bussed through the city and enjoyed the markets and museums. Ironically, the pics from this portion of the trip are nowhere to be found in our computer. I'm sort of baffled...
Another day we spent going up a river by boat to a gorgeous waterfall for some invigorating swimming and cliff-jumping. Then we toured a functioning village to observe many of the local customs and culture. Summer and Des had some serious fans and the kids were thrilled about their treasures to take home. (Again, dying that these pics have disappeared into thin air.)
The R&R was a treat and we were so glad to have enjoyed such a beautiful island. But the best part was getting to catch up with sweet (Sister) Elenoa and her beautiful family. Three families shared this cool house and they were so welcoming. With limited electricity, there was a big bonfire in back with family gatherings taking up the front porch. They shared a yummy, crunchy stew (it's customary to chop the bones up with the meat) and plenty of kava and the kids became fast friends in a matter of minutes, exchanging trinkets, romping on the roof and laughing through language barriers. They even sang us a traditional goodbye song and sent us off with a gorgeous handmade mat and many hugs, kisses and cheers.
Honestly, a happier people I have never met. Fijians are famous for their happy personalities but man, it was all totally real too. I challenge anyone to not fall in love with the Fijian people - their happiness is truly contagious. And their traditional culture is amazing - it was like living at the PCC all week!
And I'm willing to bet there's never been a more wonderful welcome party. Our family totally outdid themselves with banners and posters and lifesize pics of our faces (what?!). We were completely surprised and overwhelmed by the outpouring of love they embraced us with at our arrival. The night was spent hugging and laughing and catching up - a reunion I can't adequately capture with words. Man, it had been a long time! The kids were walking on air with their cousins everywhere and all shuttled off to each others' houses for sleepovers. Des and Summer were oohed and ahhhed over and immediately accepted their "new" extended family with all that love in the air.
Darren had worked long distance with a designer and contractors for months to get our kitchen/main level remodeled and ready for arrival (which it was and is glorious!) but our shipment was delayed due to some paperwork mishandling. We were hotel living for longer than was truly comfortable (over a month in total) but we made the best of it and enjoyed the pool and the adventures. Usually D would spend most of the day getting the house set up and ready
for us to inhabit again while I'd entertain the kids around town. We'd
get together for dinner and work at the house until 11pm or so then I'd scoot back to
the hotel with the sleepy ones and tuck them in bed and he'd roll in
with some food around 1am. He was a champ - there's just so much to
organize and connect and sign up when you're trying to get
house/finances/life up and running again. Tiring, but we did it.
