Basking in Fiji

Finishing Up New Zealand

The last few days of my trip, I rented a car and drove up the east coast to Kaikoura which is known for whale watching, seal and dolphin swimming and other maritime activities. All the backpackers were full, so I ended up at a campground with my own little camper for 3 nights. Very amusing. It was in the mid-80s and sunny every day. I hiked around, lay by the pool and went wine tasting up in the Marlborough Sounds region one day. I met this Swiss traveler, Pascal (yes I know, but he pronounces it differently than my cat) at my hostel in Christchurch, so there was someone to hang out with for a few days as we were both in Kaikoura. He's the first Romanche speaker I've ever met -- there are only a 100,000 or so. Kaikoura is about 3800 pop. and sweet little seaside village that is turning rapidly into a popular tourist hangout. They have their own radio station (the only one I could get for 100 km) that broadcasts everything from jazz, to betting lines, to rock, to adverts, and my favorite -- found cat ads -- come pick up your grey striped cat at 24 Hawthorne Street!

I rented this hatch-back that had as much get up and go as a tired old horse, so I nicknamed it 'The Little Engine That Could' and patiently down-shifted to 2nd or 3rd and willed it to get up any incline I encountered. I flew from Christchurch to Auckland, overnighted and then on to Fiji.

Things I learned in NZ

Favorite Expressions: Good on ya, no worries, cheers. Transportation Issues: Driving curvy, two lane roads (these are national highways!) with a preponderance of one lane bridges where you must give way. Best Thing: Lots of small towns with character where everyone knows each other and it still feels like the 50s with some 21st century improvements. Friendly People: Who are always willing to chat, give advice or just wish you well on your journeys. Most Obvious Observation: There really are a lot of sheep. Wierdest Sights: Deer hanging out in large groups in fields like cattle, waiting to become venison.

Basking in Fiji

Bula -- If I hadn't spent so much time at the beaches in Thailand, I may have booked more time here in Fiji. It sure is tempting as 4 1/2 days is probably not enough to do it justice. Beautiful sand beaches, blue-green waters, awesome diving -- what's not to love? After a month in not-so-warm New Zealand, it is nice to be wearing a bathing suit again and soaking up the rays -- had to get a new bikini in NZ (burned to a crisp the first day!) Doing nothing is the name of the game and just what the doctor ordered.

I just so happened to run into someone I had traveled in NZ with, Clare - a Brit. So we've had a good time hanging out and finding ways to while away the hours on the beach --thick shakes, beers, books, snorkeling, lunch now or in a 1/2 hour? Ah the worries. I did go diving with sharks which was a long awaited highlight (don't worry Mom, no great whites, just white- and black-tipped reef sharks). All good things must come to an end. so I'm now truly ready to go home.

I arrive the 13th at noon, before -- time-wise -- I leave Fiji (obviously the longest day of my life).

Vinaka (thanks), Eliz