BULA Fiji

Oh my gosh we have found paradise!!!! We took the 10:30 flight out of Tongatapu and arrived back in Nadi, Fiji at 11:05 (lost another hour going west again). We had to move quickly through immigration and customs to make the noon ferry to Likuliku Lagoon Resort in the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji. We couldn't wait to get to the resort and we have not been disappointed!!!!!!!!!! If anyone is reading this and looking for the trip of a lifetime, this place should be on your short list. From the moment we left Nadi on the high speed ferry we felt we had entered a whole new world. It took an hour and a half to get here, but that is because we stopped at multiple island resorts to drop off and pick up others who were spending days or weeks at the numerous Fijian resorts. Of course we were the last stop, but the scenery was so magnificent we didn't care if we had to ride the ferry all day. The trip from ferry to resort was pretty exciting as we had to get off of the ferry and onto a little power boat that took us into the lagoon. The driver was having fun, and just when I thought I had wiped the last of the salt spray from my glasses, he made sure to hit a couple of big waves that reminded me that being on a boat means getting wet regardless.

We stepped onto this magical property to be greeted with music, welcome necklaces (which have been set aside as presents for my grandgirls) and a yummy cold passionfruit tea. Bula, bula, bula (the Fijian hello) from each new person we encountered. Even our bed spelled out the welcome home message! We were ushered into the open air dining room so we wouldn't miss lunch and then had a golf cart chauffeur us to our over-water bure (room) where bags, air conditioning, cool drinks, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and anything else we could want awaited us. This place is heaven!

Now don't get me wrong, I love sailing. The opportunity to experience the world from a vantage point that few will ever see, but it is a lot like camping - cold showers (under something akin to a water pik), what is essentially a port-a-pot (with accompanying smells), a bed that is a couple inches of foam over fiberglass (ouch!) and rain in your face in the middle of the night - I wouldn't trade this for anything. BUT . . . how grand to have a real hot shower under a rain shower head (I have already told the captain I need one of these at home), use a hair dryer and dress in fresh clean, non-salty, dry clothing and even have a mirror to apply the much needed make-up - now this is living. Again I confess that I am a spoiled American girl, but I am digging the pampering, and we just got here. Can't wait to post again - this is only going to get better. Oh, and did I mention that I have been sitting on the floor looking through the windows that are cut into the floors and watching the fish swim by - tonight I have seen 2 blue starfish and a ray along with the fish - how kewl!

And best of all - the staff welcomed us with a "Bula Bob and Liz, we already know all about you!" Hmm - what in the world???? Seems my darling daughter and her family arranged for a special Mom & Dad's Day treat - we are having a couples massage. Well, if we never come back you know where to find us :-)