Fast forward to today. Although Fiji has palm-lined beaches and coral reefs like many other parts of the South Pacific, it's often the people of the islands, rather than the scenery, that make it memorable. Their friendliness to visitors is well-known, expressed with a pleasant Bula (welcome) and with an invitation to join them for a bowl of lip-numbing kava. Although we did have any Kava today we did get our fill of the "Bula Bula" greeting. Now we did purchase a few Cannibal forks harking back to time gone by, we bought two size types, to not turn anyones stomach I will say one is small and one is much larger.
For us today was a day that I could not call a few days ago when someone on board told me that someone else (happened to be our stateroom neighbours) was planning a boating excursion in Fiji and was looking for a few people - I indicated our interest. After a little back and forth on the plans with the latest big change last night cutting the numbers in half (the thought was that we were going to be part of a ship excursion boat - not an interest from this group), so we headed out this morning to see exactly what this tour was going to be and to just let the day happen.
Our tour was with Gotta-Go Fiji on board the Mamanucca Cruiser going to Bounty Island. The ship accommodates up to 150 guests over three decks - the lower deck is used for kayak and snorkeling equipment, a main saloon deck and a cover outdoor deck. We were greeted by the very friendly tour operator with a nice large bus to take us through Nadi to Port Denarau. Here is the best part, there were only 12 in our group and a local family of four on board, ah yah, that's it - this was amazing... We had the best time, great food, great entertainment and great snorkeling - never long enough but we very much enjoyed the time we had. Bob had his underwater camera with him so there are a few underwater pictures taken in this incredible crystal clear water - thank you Bob (Separate posting when I get the pics from Bob). The very friendly crew on board allowed us on the bridge where we had a chance to steer the ship for some pictures. Also, as we walked out of the main saloon we noticed a plaque on the wall. HRH Princess Diana had commissioned this ship for three days here in Lautoka during Australian Day in 1988, pretty cool. Jan wanted me to let you know that she showered in the same shower used by Princess Di. We had the most excellent day with special thanks to Sandy and Bruce...
Quote of the day - When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us. - Helen Keller
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