Tales from the South Pacific, July 13-29, 2011 - Page 4 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Oh Yeah - loving the looks of the resort. I would have been tempted to skip shopping and hang at the pool.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lauriep
Oh, my..... oh, my...... Like landing in paradise! The resort looks (insert word here that means oh-so-much-more-than "beautiful"). Those views across the pool to the water and mountains. Your bungalow looks spacious, crisp and clean. I think I'd have wanted to stay forever and forget the rest of the tour.
I'm not sure I seriously contemplated skipping out on going to Nadi Town, but in retrospect I wonder why! But I was there to see things and to experience Fiji, so off I went. The room was very nice and that bed was quite comfortable. I have no problems recommending this resort. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Pretty much idyllic?
Quote:
Originally Posted by sc507
How absolutely gorgeous! I sighed at each picture....just paradise....
Quote:
Originally Posted by dutchdisneyfamily
It's relaxing just looking at the pictures.
I had the same reaction when I was sifting through the pictures to decide which ones to post. I got caught up in looking at them and remembering, and BAM! Half an hour gone.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lexiemom
Found your TR and got all caught up. Your pictures are exactly how I picture Fiji, absolutely gorgeous. If it is ever in my cards, Fiji is definitely a place I would love to visit. And I agree, the sunset looks like it was worth the trip. Can't wait for more.
Welcome! I hope you enjoy it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Oh wow, it's exactly how I pictured Fiji to be. What a stunning sunset.
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Originally Posted by my2girls
Beautiful photo's!!
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Originally Posted by honeybee723
What a beautiful setting. So relaxing and peaceful, and those sunsets...just amazing.
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Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Now THAT is PARADISE! So beautiful!
Quote:
Originally Posted by shazza
Beautiful photos! Can't wait to see more.
Quote:
Originally Posted by KMB733
OMG Now that is paradise!! And that sunset is just gorgeous!!
Thanks! The camera did the hard work, though I probably put myself out more trying to compose the sunset pictures than I generally do. I was particularly pleased with Sue's picture because the fill-in flash worked just like it's supposed to! In many ways Fiji was like I had pictured it in my mind, but in other ways it definitely exceeded my expectations.
Quote:
Originally Posted by abubbles77
Got roped in by your sig pic on another thread. Would so love to go to Fiji. The picutres are more then I could have imagined them to be.
Welcome! Enjoy!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jillybean
Well Larry, I think you went and found paradise! Just beautiful!
Jill
P.S. And your "Happy Happy" picture made me very happy, happy!
Thanks, Jill. I really look relaxed, but I had been chillaxing on the beach, just letting the breezes waft me away, so it's understandable.
WOW!! Now THAT is what you picture in your mind when you think of Paradise!!
Larry, I've seen your posts in other threads but this is the first time I've followed one of yours. I found it before you got too far along. I'm looking forward to hearing all about your trip. It looks fabulous!!
When I slept last night I slept well, but I became terribly congested in the night. Things cleared somewhat when I got up, and I irrigated my sinuses with stuff I had brought with me and that seemed to help.
I slathered on sunscreen, dressed, and met Sue for breakfast. I did notice some attenuation of my sense of taste. After we ate, I ran back to the room to brush my teeth and grab my backpack. I headed to the designated assembly point in front of the lobby building for those taking the Captain Cook Tour today. We are cruising out to a private island for snorkeling, swimming, etc. and a beach barbeque. Wine and beer included.
After boating across the lagoon, we hopped aboard the motor coach and made our way through Nadi Town to Denaru Island and the port there.
Buddhist Temple in Nadi.
We disembarked at the port and waited a bit before we were allowed to board our vessel.
Our boat for the Captain Cook Excursion.
We boarded and Sue found us a great spot with some chairs with backs. The crew came around with trays of fresh, tangy juice. At this point I could use all the vitamin C I could find.
We pull away from the dock.
We were given a safety briefing and after a short period, morning tea was served. Besides tea and coffee, this also included fresh fruit (I could not get enough in Fiji--it was all wonderful) and a taste of sugar cane, courtesy of Rony.
After morning tea, I was asked to participate in the Kava Ceremony as the Chieftain. The ceremony is an important one for Fijians. Purely honorary, of course, but now in Fiji I am known as "Ratu Larry", which translates to "Sir Larry".
I think that the strength of the Kava that was used in this particular Kava Ceremony may have been a bit on the weak side, because I my tongue did not get all that numb. Yes, they mush up the Kava root and make the muddy liquid you see in the bowl. the protocol for the ceremony was explained to me, which included clapping before and after drinking the Kava. I initially took a taste, but was told that I was expected to down the whole bowl. Hm, well, I'll let the picture speak for themselves. Little did everyone know that having a disappearing sense of taste might not be such a bad thing....
Ratu Larry and the Fijian Kava Ceremony
Let's just say that I earned the title!
Rony turned out to be quite talented musically, both with the guitar and singing. He and some of the crew sang some island songs that we did not know (and enjoyed), and others that we did know, so Sue and I sang along. The cruise to the island passed most agreeably.
Rony played and sang a wide variety of songs.
The weather was lovely.
Very friendly crew member.
This was one of those very special times that I hope I always remember. We sang everything from "Over the Rainbow", "Kumbaya", "Michael Rowed the Boat Ashore" (I sure hoped Michael would, 'cause I wasn't planning to), "Coming 'Round the Mountain", etc.
After a most pleasant cruise, we arrived at our island for the day. "The ship set sail for the shore of this uncharted desert isle..."
Rony pointed to some of the nearby islands that had been used for television shows. I believe one was used for "Survivor".
It was very shallow near the island, so we were tendered across in a glass bottom boat.
Love Me, Tender.
Coming Up: Snorkeling, Swimming, and a "Tasteless" Beach BBQ
WOW!! Now THAT is what you picture in your mind when you think of Paradise!!
Larry, I've seen your posts in other threads but this is the first time I've followed one of yours. I found it before you got too far along. I'm looking forward to hearing all about your trip. It looks fabulous!!
I'm glad you caught up with me, Kenny! I hope you enjoy the pictures and the report.
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So beautiful! 
Now that is paradise!! And that sunset is just gorgeous!!
What a stunning sunset. 
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