Day 12 & 13 The Real Fiji

We had a leisurely breakfast buffet that was not exciting but good and the friendly staff who greet you by first name make you feel a part of this incredible place. It is a wedding destination and we got in between two weddings. The first had booked the whole resort and that's why we had to stay in Denarau. Bob and Mary had the same issue and that's why we happened to drive out with them - lucky for us.

We were in relax-mode the 12th day (as evidenced by photo below of Bill, Crabby, and Crabette).

Chris did snorkel on the reef off the marina while Bill just took a plunge in the Pacific. If this place was not half way around the world it would be ideal for a destination winter holiday to get away from everything, including phones, TV, dependable Internet, and night life. It has lots of water activities, especially diving, and local excursions.  Here are some photos of the resort lodge & pool, our cottage, and the view from our shower:

Our trip to church Sunday was an unexpected adventure. The resort arranged for a cab to take us round trip so we brought no money. Mass was in Fijian; we were welcomed as "our guest couple" and surprised that several parts were in English. The leaders talked with us afterwards and supported us when our cab was 40 minutes late. We were getting anxious but didn't feel abandoned. We were relieved to see it finally come.

Back at Wananavu after lunch we learned about coconuts from a wise old Fijian. The 5 stages of development are important if you live off of this tree of life but we need to remember that the brown coconuts fall off trees and can hurt you if you are beneath them. Chris had another massage, also therapeutic! It did wonders for her.

Our last dinner was fantastic starting with a magnificent sunset, all pink and yellow and gray. Next we talked with 4 guys from NZ who we had seen earlier and we joined our tables for dinner. They are on a diving, fishing, snorkeling 10 day vacation while the "girls" are shopping in Sydney. They each live in NZ but not born there- Mike from South Africa arrived 50 years ago and owns the dairy farm he began working on and is now retired. 2 others are US and also retired from local jobs. Paul a Dutch Polynesian retired as well works with refugees from Myanmar. Dinner ended with another birthday celebration for Chris, candle, cake and singing; she loved it. Then we were treated to the traditional farewell song by the entire staff -very warm and beautiful.  Here are the singers on the dining deck: