Monday, August 29, 2011

Day 14 Depart Wananavu and travel to Auckland

The day began with news that both Jane Hoveland and Shelly survived the wrath of Hurricane Irene for which we are thankful . Our departure was sweet sorrow - the staff truly makes you feel you are family leaving to return soon, quite a special place.

We were picked up by a driver who was very talkative about Fiji. He is of mixed feelings about the military government- corruption rampant before so the military is an improvement; that is good but foreign development has come to a halt and that eliminates jobs. Most Fijians work hard but barely get by so there is little realistic hope of significant betterment. Education for their children is a way for them to improve and his 3 boys are all in school.


Once at the airport Chris realized that she left her purse in the cab! We went to security and were taken to the police office where they called Wananavu who called the driver who came back with the purse, all in about 30 minutes. After security and a snack we boarded the flight to NZ.

We were met at Auckland as scheduled and taken to our hotel, which is beautiful. We unpacked and walked around finding an ATM and an Indian restaurant where we had a delightful Tandoori combination platter then back to hotel and sleep. Tomorrow we get our car and begin to drive north on this island.

3 comments:

  1. Wow, how did you find that place in Fiji? Sounds like a jewel in the rough, based on your description of getting there. How far away was the mass?
    The photos are beautiful and we continue to live vicariously through them. Well, those of us who have power after Irene.
    The Svobodas are still without power and Shelly has graciously let them keep her company. (Thanks Shelly, for taking my parents in!)

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  2. Happy Birthday, Chris! I hope you are having as much fun as it sounds...keep celebrating.

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  3. Sounds like Fiji would be the place to go! I really like the picture of Dad snoozing in the hammock!!!

    Keep on celebrating your birthday for as long as you can Mom :)

    Betsy (aka Erica), your folks are welcome for as long as they like. I know they would do the same if the situation was reversed! Gotta love good friends and neighbors.

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