Lautoka, Fiji - Nov 21, 2014

Lautoka is known as the "Sugar City" as it developed into Fiji's second largest city because of the local sugar mill. Lautoka has the second largest sugar mill in the Southern Hemisphere. Today, it is a friendly, colourful multicultural port town with shops and restaurants that reflect the cultures of the workers who came to work for the mill.

Fiji's nature is at its best here in Lautoka. In the distance, Sleeping Giant Mountain looms over the dozens of small islands that dot the water just off shore. White sandy beaches and coral reefs teeming with tropical fish are a short boat ride away and this is where we spent our day here in Fiji, at one of the many islands - Beachcomber Island.

First a brief note from last night at the optional Pinnacle Restaurant where they had "old time radio show". Written and directed by our cruise director, Gene Young, the many cast members entertained us throughout the night with hilarious skits - great show. The first picture is of us at the table looking up at the mirrored ceiling - thought it would be a fun picture.

Okay back to Beachcomber Island, with thanks to Sandy, who received as e-mail from a local contact here, Fili, a wonderful person with the biggest smile, who asked what we are doing with our visit here and that she wanted to put a tour together for us. We all agreed, we being, Sandy, Bruce, Larry, Carol and us, first into a taxi then to the marina about 10 kilometers away and then to a smallish boat and off to a tropical island paradise of Beachcomber Island. Google, it, you can walk around the entire island in 15 minutes, this place is incredible. People have stayed a day, a night, a week, even a month. They have a budget that fits everyone, from dormitory style bunk beds at eighty US dollars a night (includes, breakfast, lunch and dinner) to beachfront huts for about $350 a night - luxury all the way. Massages, Waver Runners, Scuba, Snorkeling, Island hopping all available at very reasonable prices.

We had a great day here, a short narrative today as we are in Suva tomorrow morning, should be another sunny and amazing day here in Fiji. Thanks again to Fili, for making our day memorable...

Two Parts today...