Fiji - Yasawa Islands

We both knew we wanted to go to Fiji but didn't think it would actually happen. Paul spent hours on the phone while in Haast, NZ rearranging our flight schedule to create a 9 day layover in Fiji. We didn't really plan for this leg of the trip until the day before. Stopped and got a Lonely Planet of Fiji - that was the extent of the planning. Our Air Pacific flight dropped us off in Nadi (sounds like "Nandy"), the mainland. From Nadi our trip would begin.

Fiji consists of 333 different islands all encased by amazing soft corral reef. When you think of a tropical paradise - Fiji is it! Lush green color flowing over dramatic volcanic mountains then emphasized with 360 degrees of turquoise water - absolute heaven. Not only is the landscape beautiful and amazing but so are the people. Probably the friendliest people you'll ever meet. Everywhere you go you're greeted with "BULA" (hello)!!

Thank heavens we were on Fiji time (slow, slow, & even slower). Their wonderful laid back attitude aided in our unplanned trip. We were able to make hotel arrangements while in Auckland for our late arrival into Nadi. We knew we were staying at the Nadi Bay Resort Hotel. Just get there and we'll deal with the rest was our philosophy. Our goal would be to get out of Nadi ASAP. Nadi is sort of like Tiajuana - the downtown marketplace was run by pushy Hindi's trying to swindle you out of a buck or two (or two hundred!). After comparing feedback from friends and the Lonely Planet we decided to take the Yasawa Flyer, a large catamaran, out to the Yasawa Islands. Islands are categorized into groups throughout Fiji - we decided to island hop the Yasawa Group. The Mamanuca and Yasawa Group are well known for their more affordable resorts. Affordable means dorm room with all meals included...anywhere from $80 Fijian to $160+ Fijian (each). The resorts are very basic with some being more lavish than others. Camping is an option but we decided to opt out and keep things simple. Now that we look back on it we should've camped. Camp sites were typically covered with thatched bures. There is something on every island for every budget. We ended up island hopping to two different islands to stay at Oarsman Bay Resort and Octopus Bay Resort. Oarsman had superior beaches and fabulous snorkeling while Octopus was a bit more comfy...the food was excellent!

Resorts are typically owned and operated by villages located on the island. Another benefit to keeping things local. The resorts all ran their own activities throughout the day to generate more money. For example, they offered boat trips to the Blue Lagoon, sunrise hikes, village trips, reef hopping, or afternoon volleyball. The villages are exactly that...villages. Beautiful, amazing, friendly people working the earth and supporting their neighbors. Their day consisted of fishing, gardening, singing, talking, dancing, drinking kava, etc.

Paul and I noted how physical they were with each other...especially the men. It was very common for men to sit together, arm in arm. They would greet each other with a big embrace and would never let any passing go by without a short conversation.

You know, Paul and I could go on and on about Fiji. We could talk about the people, the snorkeling, the kava, the islands, the sunsets, the hermit crabs, etc. We absolutely loved it and would go back again...and again. It's great to take yourself and your family. Extremely kid friendly and convenient. Fijians love kids. We'd both recommend visiting Fiji at least once in this lifetime. Worth every penny spent...