Bye, bye Fiji
Trip Start
Feb 03, 2008
1
2
76
Trip End
Ongoing
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Where I stayed
Funky Fish - Malolo Island
Sereanas - Mana Island
Nadi,
Fiji
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Day 1 - My first snorkeling experience was just off the beach and I could swim to it. My reaction to the drop-off area surprised me - I was scared even though I'd remained right near the top of the water the entire time previous to the drop-off. I slowly got my courage up and sneaked out over it a couple of times. The second day snorkeling was about a mile off-shore and a guide from the Funky Fish resort took us out. My fear that time came from the shallowness of the water compared to the height of the coral. I'd start to panic if I was over the coral for awhile, so sure that I was going to drop right on it and tear myself all up. That never happened. And I saw amazing fish - 100s of tiny ones, bright blue ones, barracudas, clownfish and oh so many more that I wish I knew the names of! There was a beautiful bright yellow and purple one that I kept seeing and christened the Seymour Owl fish. :) I even got to touch a blue star fish - I didn't even know they could be a foot long from point to point, let alone that I could touch one! Great early lesson in my travels that what may start with intrepidation and some fear can become some of my best experiences.
Another hard lesson was that it started to rain while we were snorkeling and I couldn't see the boat. I did not panic too much as I tryed to stay put but realized I should start carrying my whistle at all times!
Day 2 ended with Kava with the locals that worked at the resort.
Malolo Island
Interesting pepper root drink that I guess you appreciate over time. :)Day 3 - I lost my camera AND ipod. I was crushed. I'm sitting aboard the Seaspray, a day cruise that I splurged for, and realized I'd left them on the beach as I waited for the boat. I kept trying to perk myself back up and finally just resigned to the fact that everything is replaceable and maybe the loss of the ipod was for more silent moments. Losing the last photos from home was tough as I've been looking at them to make me smile when things get lonely and I get a little down. And you know what's amazing and what I was thanking God for so quickly after, just as I decided I was ok about my losses, the captain came and told me that they'd been found and were waiting for me back at the pier. You can imagine my excitement. The bigger lesson, though, was to keep the right perspective no matter what happens. Like losing my 2 most expensive traveling items or being covered with so many squito bites that people continually comment b/c they haven't seen anything like it! (oh, they aren't itching, though, so that's my blessing on that front!)
People have been great, lots of friendliness and openness! Seaspray crew took me in under their wings as I was the lone traveler and kept asking if I was ok and having a good time. :)
Yay for Auckland tomorrow!!
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Comments
Sounds like fun!
Hey Andrea. I had fun reading about what you did in Fiji! Sounds like so much fun!! I'm praying that God continues to protect you and that you have even more fun in New Zealand. Miss you!
Ellen
Whew!
I'm so glad your goodies were returned to you! And no doubt that followed your acceptance of having lost them. Know that we're walking along with you every step of the way! Luv ya!
Red Dots
I'm glad you got your camera and IPOD back...now that you do you totally have to take a picture of you and all the mosquito bites. Travel on :)