Sorry everyone for the GREAT delays is
posting the second blog, Ez has been a bit
busy while I've been held up by work (the
day job!)
Nevertheless, I was quiet encouraged by a
feedback note I received, I'm glad that
there are other ladies who enjoy reading my
travel posts and find it useful - that was a
real kick for my to quickly update my blog
hehe!!
So where should I talk about? I've decided
to talk about Fiji!
It’s my favorite place in the world, not
because of the fancy hotels and resorts, but
because of the culture!
My first trip to Fiji was more so for work
purposes, I use to work for a company called
Captain Cook Cruises and every year in my
department we had the chance to travel on a
Captain Cook voyage, I chose Fiji because it
was the only one that was outside of
Australia and because I've never been there
before what did I do there??
Well, the beginning of the journey was the 7
night's ultimate cruise that takes you all
the way up to the Yasawa Islands
absolutely gorgeous! You went through small
islands and villages, visited schools and
met the locals; it was a real taste of what
the real Fiji was!
Although I felt a little out of place
because the other passengers were all
retired couples or families, I took a friend
with me and throughout the trip everyone
seemed to have thought she was my "partner"
I was really allowed to tell the other
passengers who I worked for, so my friend
who works in a bank was seen as the person
who supported the relationship and myself
(yes very funny!!)
For the second part of the trip it was a
Sailing Safari - once again by Captain Cook
Cruises, the sailing safari is a little more
adventurous and I would recommended it teens
and above (not very suitable if you have
children with you!). There's an option of 3
days and 2 nights or 4 days and 3 nights, I
would suggest the longer one as during the
trip you get to visit a village and enjoy a
Lovo Feast. However one thing to note, the
island you stay on (Drawaqa Islands in the
Yasawa Islands) is a back to basics concept
(not hot water or electricity) - initially
it was a culture shock for me, never really
backpacked before I was suddenly finding
myself showering in the middle of a bush
with a very basic tap (there a proper
toilets.. PHEW!) but during the process, I
got to compliment one thing about the idea
is when you leave that Island you'll be
surprised at how much we could live with and
without!
Crew at Drawaqa Island (Sailing Safari)
For more information on either of the
cruises visit our cruise section or feel
free to drop me a line.
Getting there: the main airport is Nadi,
subject to how long you have, I'd
recommended to stay a night before and after
to connect with cruises. Nadi isn't the most
happening place, if you're just looking for
a nice resort then sure, maybe 3 or 4 days
max in Nadi, but if you prefer to be in Fiji
for some REAL party, I would suggest the
Coral Coast which is an hour and a half
drive away form Nadi (usually you can get a
transfer from the airport for $15 FJD).
Weather: Good throughout the year, I've been
twice October and April, it does rain
randomly however usually one for a short
period of time.
Places to eat: Well, not a specific place,
but a must try is the lovo feast (earth
oven) which can be found at several places.
Places to Shop: It's not a shopping paradise
like Hawaii, however if it's just shopping
for some gifts Jacks is good for the
souvenir shopping there's a huge one down in
downtown Nadi centre and also a Prouds, if
you don't have time, the airport is only
slightly more expensive (or sometimes the
same), one place to stay away from is the
shops in the hotels usually 3 times the
price higher then good old Jacks!
What to buy? Wood work, shells and for the
girls one thing I LOVE is my frangipani
scented coconut oil moisturizer it smells
absolutely divine and very cost effective
(only $8 FJD a bottle or $19USD online), if
it's the office present you're looking for,
go for the coconut cookies only 99cents FJD
for a large packet (make sure it's made in
Fiji though!)
Budget:
For a luxury trip: (a 7 night cruise on
Captain Cook and probably 2 or 3 nights in a
5 star resort in Nadi) expect land only to
cost about $2000 - $3000 AUD per person - based on twin share
For a budget trip: Sailing Safari and maybe
a few nights down town in a 3 star
hotel/resort it's possible to do under $1000
AUD per person based on Twin Share
Staying in the island? If you're not
planning to cruise out and stay in the Coral
Coast, the price can vary on activities and
where you're staying expect under $1000 per
person though…
