January 30 we boarded our plane in Nadi, Fiji, bound for Los Angeles, Oakland, and finally Portland. We knew Maureen and Rod would be there to pick us up so we could catch up in the few hours until they caught their Sydney plane home!
Amazingly, after 24 traveling hours, we arrived on January 30! Funny how that happens!
Touching down in L.A. was surreal, and we all shared a smile and for me, a little tear, of course. Once inside the gates, it felt crazy! The first sign, "Welcome to the United States," was new. The next thing that hit us was a set of large televisions broadcasting football, like the American grid-iron kind.
We made our way customs, etc., and finally sat at our departing gate. Pat said,
"I'm off to Starbucks. What would you like?"
"Just a cappuccino."
"You could have that, or a latte, or a soy chai, or . . ." AHHHH! So many choices!!
Everyone around us talked like us. The announcer on the speaker sounded like us! Weird!
Two more planes later, we touched down on Oregon soil. Can you tell I'm drawing out this story? Each part meant we were closer to home after a whole year away. We had butterflies and we were also very very ready!
Rod and Maureen were waiting for us with open arms. We cried and hugged! Then we collected the millions of bags, including one year of school work from Ross to show his Corvallis teachers that he really did work last year!
We drove as far as the closest hotel where Dean and Shawnee were waiting to go for dinner. It was 10:30 p.m.! Shari's here we come!! Shari's is our Pacific Northwest's version of Denny's. These simply do not exist in Australia. We were happy!
Pat inhaled his bisquits and gravy egg breakfast and chocolate milkshake! We shared stories and laughter until after 1:30 a.m. Time to go to bed so the Birds could catch their early morning flight home to Sydney!!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Fiji Time
Our five days in Fiji were lovely. We spent them reading and relaxing, playing ping pong or pool volleyball. We could snorkel right from the beach there, so we explored in the warm, warm, warm, shallow coral reef. We saw blue starfish and lots of fish.
One day we walked to the next village to meet the chief with a small group from our resort. Pat and I expected to shop and meet locals, so we changed money before walking over. Instead, it was just a walk to the chief's hut, a stroll amongst the other huts, and a walk back. Very simple. Nothing touristic or flash about it. How great! Each group needs it's own chief and spokesperson, since we were replicating another tribe coming to the village for the first time. They picked the tall guy. Yup. Pat was Chief!
We entered the chief's home, first taking off our shoes, sunglasses, and hats. He spoke to us in Fijian, then English, thank heavens! As he spoke, his young assistant made Kava. Kava is made from a powder from local plants mixed with water in a large bowl. He squeezes the bag and stirs the mixture somewhat like mixing tea might be. The concoction is cloudy and grey in color. We were taught the words and clapping before each one of us took a drink from the cup, Pat first, of course, being Chief!
He spoke about the government, the traditions, the customs, schools, celebrations, etc. of the village and of Fiji. Then we had another round of Kava. He asked us each to introduce ourselves and tell what we do, where we come from. More Kava. It tasted really like nothing but water. It did leave a numbing sensation on the lips and tongue. We had read it will cause drowsiness. Hmmm. I didn't bother wondering what the drinking age was in Tagaqa! Well, after three rounds we still were fine, but our swigs (for lack of a better term!) were small. Our guide helped himself to 6 oz. drinks each time, and he was spinning by the time we got up to leave!
I was hoping to peek inside the school room or place where the children learn. So I asked the guide, "Is there a school room here or . . . do the children learn . . . out here?" He tried to focus on my face, made the attempt to speak and then said, "The children . . . are . . . everywhere . . ." That was as good as it was going to get! I did get photos of the children who posed for us when we showed our cameras.
Beautiful people. Beautiful place.
One day we walked to the next village to meet the chief with a small group from our resort. Pat and I expected to shop and meet locals, so we changed money before walking over. Instead, it was just a walk to the chief's hut, a stroll amongst the other huts, and a walk back. Very simple. Nothing touristic or flash about it. How great! Each group needs it's own chief and spokesperson, since we were replicating another tribe coming to the village for the first time. They picked the tall guy. Yup. Pat was Chief!
We entered the chief's home, first taking off our shoes, sunglasses, and hats. He spoke to us in Fijian, then English, thank heavens! As he spoke, his young assistant made Kava. Kava is made from a powder from local plants mixed with water in a large bowl. He squeezes the bag and stirs the mixture somewhat like mixing tea might be. The concoction is cloudy and grey in color. We were taught the words and clapping before each one of us took a drink from the cup, Pat first, of course, being Chief!
He spoke about the government, the traditions, the customs, schools, celebrations, etc. of the village and of Fiji. Then we had another round of Kava. He asked us each to introduce ourselves and tell what we do, where we come from. More Kava. It tasted really like nothing but water. It did leave a numbing sensation on the lips and tongue. We had read it will cause drowsiness. Hmmm. I didn't bother wondering what the drinking age was in Tagaqa! Well, after three rounds we still were fine, but our swigs (for lack of a better term!) were small. Our guide helped himself to 6 oz. drinks each time, and he was spinning by the time we got up to leave!
I was hoping to peek inside the school room or place where the children learn. So I asked the guide, "Is there a school room here or . . . do the children learn . . . out here?" He tried to focus on my face, made the attempt to speak and then said, "The children . . . are . . . everywhere . . ." That was as good as it was going to get! I did get photos of the children who posed for us when we showed our cameras.
Beautiful people. Beautiful place.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Nice Digs!
We've been traveling on a shoestring this past year. That is, we have stayed in Youth Hostels (dorm-like bunkrooms with shared bathrooms, sometimes co-ed, sometimes not), or one room cabins in campgrounds with communal kitchens and other facilities. We've grown to prefer this not only for the lower cost (remember how I said Australia prices are double those in the U.S.?), but for the interesting people we've met, variety of languages and cultures we see/meet, and comfortable living and computer areas. The staff are always very friendly, and many times the grounds are lovely with a pool, laundry facilities, tour pick-ups, etc.
Our accomodation in Fiji was a resort. We felt like the Beverly Hillbillies arriving in Los Angeles for the first time. "Wow, our own bathroom, right here off the room!" "Hey, they even have the sheets already on the bed!" "Look! They provide the soap and some shampoo!" We felt so spoiled. The maid even came the very next day to clean the room and make the beds! We actually told her she didn't need to come in, that we didn't really need new towels and then realized this is how hotel living goes! We've grown to love the simple life, I guess!
Since it was Christmas night, we went down to the lovely dining room and had a delicious dinner while listening to the local village children's choir serenade us in Fijian. The weather was warm enough for short sleeves and shorts. The candles were lit, the tree lights were blinking, and we were set for the next 5 nights in Paradise.
Our accomodation in Fiji was a resort. We felt like the Beverly Hillbillies arriving in Los Angeles for the first time. "Wow, our own bathroom, right here off the room!" "Hey, they even have the sheets already on the bed!" "Look! They provide the soap and some shampoo!" We felt so spoiled. The maid even came the very next day to clean the room and make the beds! We actually told her she didn't need to come in, that we didn't really need new towels and then realized this is how hotel living goes! We've grown to love the simple life, I guess!
Since it was Christmas night, we went down to the lovely dining room and had a delicious dinner while listening to the local village children's choir serenade us in Fijian. The weather was warm enough for short sleeves and shorts. The candles were lit, the tree lights were blinking, and we were set for the next 5 nights in Paradise.
Hahei, New Zealand
Pat found this perfect little sleepy fishing beach town in a tour book, and it's well worth checking out some day. I've never seen a beach with such a beautiful surrounding bay. Gorgeous rocks dotting the surf, arches, blow holes, headlands, it has it all right there.
We hiked, read, swam, napped (the story of these two vacation weeks, really. That and going through a lot of customs-s-s-s) and hung out in our caravan park.
We had a little bunkhouse, one room with minimal (but fine) cooking facilities. We ate outside on the picnic table, and used the communal bathroom facilities. The beach was a 2 minute walk on the other side of the tent sites. How great is that.
It was a full moon, so we spent each evening watching it rise and then looking for shooting stars. And that ain't all!!!!!
We'd heard it was jelly fish season with the waters warming, and also shark time as well. So when we went for a swim, we stayed in close and watched the water for floating objects! So when Pat gasped and shouted and wiggled his foot away in a crazy, unprofessional (particularly for a tough cop) kinda way, all three of us BEE-LINED out of the water up onto the sand, looking behind us and shouting ourselves. Once on the sand, we inspected Pat's foot. He had two large pincer marks from a very unhappy crab that Pat had been standing on. He told us he'd felt something hard he was standing on, but didn't think much of it. Hmmm. Sandy shoreline. Hard something. My instincts say move off of it and away, how 'bout yours?? :) We were very glad it was not something with many rows of teeth or swirling tenticles. But it did draw a little blood and made us a little wary to venture out again. We did anyway, but this time kept treading water!!
We stayed until Christmas Day, so our Christmas Eve started with Ross' Christmas stocking appearing on the camp table in the bunk room. Amazing how Santa makes due with no chimney and not a lot of floor space. It is Ross's first year to get Kangaroo chocolate coins and boomerang key chains. Santa helped out the local economy on this one. The afternoon was spent at the general store's Sausage Sizzle. Santa was hanging out in his red coat, but open at the chest with no tee shirt under - it's hot everyone! Someone was playing Christmas carols on a saxaphone with a synthesizer for fun. That was about it! The next morning we were off to Fiji, so it was an early night for us. Merry Christmas!
We hiked, read, swam, napped (the story of these two vacation weeks, really. That and going through a lot of customs-s-s-s) and hung out in our caravan park.
We had a little bunkhouse, one room with minimal (but fine) cooking facilities. We ate outside on the picnic table, and used the communal bathroom facilities. The beach was a 2 minute walk on the other side of the tent sites. How great is that.
It was a full moon, so we spent each evening watching it rise and then looking for shooting stars. And that ain't all!!!!!
We'd heard it was jelly fish season with the waters warming, and also shark time as well. So when we went for a swim, we stayed in close and watched the water for floating objects! So when Pat gasped and shouted and wiggled his foot away in a crazy, unprofessional (particularly for a tough cop) kinda way, all three of us BEE-LINED out of the water up onto the sand, looking behind us and shouting ourselves. Once on the sand, we inspected Pat's foot. He had two large pincer marks from a very unhappy crab that Pat had been standing on. He told us he'd felt something hard he was standing on, but didn't think much of it. Hmmm. Sandy shoreline. Hard something. My instincts say move off of it and away, how 'bout yours?? :) We were very glad it was not something with many rows of teeth or swirling tenticles. But it did draw a little blood and made us a little wary to venture out again. We did anyway, but this time kept treading water!!
We stayed until Christmas Day, so our Christmas Eve started with Ross' Christmas stocking appearing on the camp table in the bunk room. Amazing how Santa makes due with no chimney and not a lot of floor space. It is Ross's first year to get Kangaroo chocolate coins and boomerang key chains. Santa helped out the local economy on this one. The afternoon was spent at the general store's Sausage Sizzle. Santa was hanging out in his red coat, but open at the chest with no tee shirt under - it's hot everyone! Someone was playing Christmas carols on a saxaphone with a synthesizer for fun. That was about it! The next morning we were off to Fiji, so it was an early night for us. Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Rotorua, New Zealand
I'm catching up this blog now that I am back to happy quick internet. It's been a long spell of travelling to places where internet was scarce or very $$, so we went off the cyber map for awhile, and good or bad, we're back on! (we're home!! -more on that later!! It's sooo nice!)
Rotorua is known for it's steamy bubbling mud pools and hot spots of sulphur smelling Mother Nature! The city is literally steaming here and there in the hillsides and in the park downtown. The city park is spotted here and there with hot pools, bubbling puddles, and full on public spas, free for the asking - if one dares! We spent as much time as we could stand with our noses plugged, checked into a medical clinic for Ross' ear troubles (nothing a few drops and antibiotics couldn't handle), and we were off for the ocean up in the Coramandel.
If you have a bucket list, I'd add the Coramandel Coast to it. Right now.
Rotorua is known for it's steamy bubbling mud pools and hot spots of sulphur smelling Mother Nature! The city is literally steaming here and there in the hillsides and in the park downtown. The city park is spotted here and there with hot pools, bubbling puddles, and full on public spas, free for the asking - if one dares! We spent as much time as we could stand with our noses plugged, checked into a medical clinic for Ross' ear troubles (nothing a few drops and antibiotics couldn't handle), and we were off for the ocean up in the Coramandel.
If you have a bucket list, I'd add the Coramandel Coast to it. Right now.
Glow Worms R Gr8
Who knew?? We toured in a pitch-black cave down many stairs and there on the ceiling were little twinkle lights. They could have been artificially set there, says the Hollywood American in me. It felt very Disneyland without the smiling 12 year old taking my ticket at the door.
In fact, it was the real deal. The tour bloke talked for awhile about these worms spinning a web that hangs below like a chain. The worm then lights itself up which attracts the insects. The insect is caught in the web, the worm pulls the "chain" up and feasts then makes a new web and waits for its next meal. Ingenious. He then turned on an actual light that showed the many "chains" hanging from the low cave ceilings. Unreal!! This was no Indiana Jones ride afterall!
I have a whole new respect for Glow Worms. Thank you, Pat!
In fact, it was the real deal. The tour bloke talked for awhile about these worms spinning a web that hangs below like a chain. The worm then lights itself up which attracts the insects. The insect is caught in the web, the worm pulls the "chain" up and feasts then makes a new web and waits for its next meal. Ingenious. He then turned on an actual light that showed the many "chains" hanging from the low cave ceilings. Unreal!! This was no Indiana Jones ride afterall!
I have a whole new respect for Glow Worms. Thank you, Pat!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
New Zealand or Bust
We are now traveling in New Zealand until Christmas day, seeing the north island a little slower than we saw the south island back in April. We flew into Auckland Friday night. Saturday we visited the Auckland Museum and watched the Maori cultural performance. I have always loved their history and lore and this did not disappoint. The carvings are fantastic, as is their music, I think.
We got out of the big city as fast as we could after that and drove south to the Waitamo Caves - Glow Worms! This is Pat's wish, and I have to say, I'm not a big fan of the Glow Worm.
More when I can get internet all!
We got out of the big city as fast as we could after that and drove south to the Waitamo Caves - Glow Worms! This is Pat's wish, and I have to say, I'm not a big fan of the Glow Worm.
More when I can get internet all!
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