Live from Fiji and the balmy South Seas.
Flowers of every color, birds that sing you to sleep and awaken you at 6am. The detail
shown here is unbelievable. From the scented soaps to the filter pressed coffee provided
in each room. Resort living is pretty good stuff, especially here at the Jean Michel
Cousteau-Fiji Island Resort. Our days begin at sunrise and end right after dinner at
sunset. Scuba, snorkeling, or glass bottom boats allow you to explore the reef. It's like
going to live in a National Geographic TV program. You could end the day sharing a bowl of
kava-kava with the boys in the local folk band, but usually we're so tired that we are
ready to hit it. Folks, this is the South Seas where coconut palms are all over the place.
Banana trees, birds and flowers with warm, vibrant greens, purples and reds amongst the
blowing trade winds - not bad!
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We met honeymoon couples from Australia and Monterrey Mexico, and guests from
all over the world. It is so easy to talk and get to know other people at a resort like
this; everyone is happy and smiling.
It only takes 10 hours to get to
Fiji from Los Angeles. You are greeted with a tropical drink and a group of people singing
a Fijian welcome song. "Bula" means welcome and here it is used frequently.
People remembered us from our visit 2 years ago and seemed genuinely happy to see us (I'm
glad we left a good impression). Fiji is composed of 1/2 native Fijians and 1/2 East
Indians. Smiles, bulas, hellos and kava-kava flowing freely, we felt no apprehension going
into town. Of course my favorite thing to do is go to the open markets and the big one is
on Saturday (can't wait). Visiting this part of the South Pacific makes you think John
Wayne and Lee Marvin are going to pop out of a building like a Hollywood set.
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Recently,
Fijians have begun cultivating black pearls. Our friends from Taylor Shellfish Farms in
Olympia, Washington are helping the Fijians grow a better pearl oyster. They also utilize
Japanese expertise in pearl cultivation and these black pearls are incredibly beautiful.
By the way, our "bure"
(cottage) is about 800 sq ft and right on the oceanfront with royal palms, flowers and
lawn all around. Each bure has a private patio complete with hammock, deck chairs and
table. The walls are large louvers; all open and covered with fine mesh screens that are
nearly invisible. A large ceiling fan and floor fan are provided. I prefer a wind speed of
about 30 knots from the fans. I love the fans blowing on me at night, only problem is I
have to tie down Cheryl or she might get blown
away. Another great thing is you don't have to pack a whole wardrobe. Laundry is only 50
cents an item - not bad. You know, I just noticed that the birds stop singing at 7am - I
need to check the tree for loud speakers!
Well, It's 7am and time to take a walk on the beach before meeting the TV crew at 8.
Tonight there is a special feast called a "Lovo" which is like a Hawaiian luau.
Taro, cassava, chicken, pork and lamb all cooked over hot rocks for 2 hours or so, then
served buffet style. I'll let you know how it turns out. In the mean time, check out
www.fijiresort.com and
check this place out for yourself. |
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