Yasawa, Republic of Tahiti
We are told that the Yasawa Group of islands is most archetypical of the South Pacific. ?? The islands are volcanic in origin and are located in a chain off the northwest coast of Viti Levu (Suva). Fred and I are now as far west as we have ever been traveling in this direction.
More later...
Later - Actually it's much later, November 26 to be exact. We never did go ashore at the island. The winds were 25 knots; The seas were 4m; The Wilsons passed.
Some folks did go ashore and told us of a village of some 400 people living an almost, but not quite, subsistent existence. Until 1987, Yasawa was closed to land-based tourism. There has been limited cruise operations since the 1950's, but passengers had to stay aboard their ships. Local residents did not benefit from the passengers presence. In the early 1980's, a freehold real-estate status emerged and resort locations have been popping up on the larger islands.
Lautoka, Republic of Fiji
Today is a transition day-and-a-half but not for the Paynes from Vancouver Island or us. The four of us booked passage for both segments of the Tahiti-Fiji trip. Imagine us on a gigantic luxury sailing ship with an attentive staff of 270 for the four of us. Of course I am exaggerating, but the experience was super friendly and very relaxing and fun. Alas, by 5 pm the return passengers had boarded, and we had to share.
Bula!
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Malolo Island and Lautoka, Republic of Fiji
I can’t tell you much about Malolo other than what the brochure says. We arrived in sheeting rain and were socked in by rain and fog all day. Picture the “mysterious South Pacific with its sultry climate and warm seas, friendly faces and scrumptious fare, waving palms and lush rainforest.” “It speaks of sugar and spices, of thriving commerce of brooding mountains, enchanted islands and coral reefs and of endless magical days in the tropical sun.”
Now for reality.
Malolo is a pretty island what little glimpses we had between the torrential rain. The islands, really islets in this part of Fiji, are small destination tourist resorts – places that make Fred and me feel trapped. That may sound strange since we don’t get that feeling on a small ship even for longer trips. The changing location is important to us especially if we don’t have to pack.
Lautoka, capital of Fiji’s Western Division, is the second largest city in Fiji with a population of around 50,000. A pine chip plant, sugar mill and rum distillery stand at the port spewing forth soot, particulates and the sickening sweet aroma of molasses. The mountains and valleys may be beautiful, but we chose not to run the gauntlet to get there. A couple we met (from Vancouver Island) took a cab to a major orchid farm. They were disappointed with this farm as compared to the orchid farms in Hilo on the Island of Hawai’i.
I did take a picture of a beautiful vertical rainbow. I hope it turns out well. I’m a terrible photographer.
Nevertheless, Bula!