Last Days in Fiji; Journey Home

[Sat 12/10 - Tue 12/13] 

Saturday we relaxed around the resort until 2:30 when we headed out for one of the scheduled adventure trips. We took a 35-minute boat ride to Sawa-i-Lau island to explore two caves of the same name. The staff had explained that in order to reach the 2nd cave we would have to swim through a 6-foot-long underwater opening - into a pitch-black cave(!). We all had some anxiety about it but were glad we overcame it.

Boat ride to the caves - there's a mountain goat peering over the edge of the lower cliff

Arriving at the caves

First cave

Entrance to the second cave is an opening in that wall - a foot below the water surface

We all made it through - easier than everyone expected. It definitely helped that our amazing guides, Masi and Joe, brought flashlights to guide us through the darkest spots. We swam deeper into the 2nd cave, eventually coming to an overhead opening where we could see trees and sunlight, then into a small, dark dome where Masi told us about the cave's only 2 inhabitants - a freshwater eel and a red snapper. 

Overhead opening in 2nd cave

The swim back out through the opening was even easier, although Karri had the thrill of nearly running directly into the eel! After climbing out of the 1st cave, we picked up a few gifts/souvenirs from the locals who had set up tables on the beach. Headed back to the resort, arriving around 5. 

Honeymoon Island - passed it on the ride back

Happy hour, music and another amazing dinner. We've spent a few happy hours and evenings playing games - Catan or Hearts.

Teaching Keenan to play Catan

Sunday is a day of rest for the locals - most businesses are closed, except for hospitality. The resort still offered scheduled activities but we opted out in the hope (some of) the staff could enjoy a day off. It was also a nice excuse to enjoy the resort a bit more. It rained hard in the morning so we relaxed in our rooms or the lodge. It cleared up by noon and turned into a gorgeous day, so we swam, snorkeled, kayaked and/or paddle boarded. Victoria and Keenan saw a reef shark and a turtle while snorkeling just before sunset.

The reef from a kayak - the water is so clear

Tavewa Island and Coconut Beach on a beautiful day

In the afternoon, the staff got into the Christmas spirit - playing Christmas music and setting up a tree. We had another delicious dinner - Indian food with dal soup followed by curry & rice. The food here has really been excellent. We finished the night with a game of Hearts, then headed to bed.

Dinner in the main lodge (dive instructors Anne & Richard at the table next to us, with Anne's sister)

Delicious curry

Christmas tree made with roots collected from the beach

Another gorgeous moonrise

Monday - our last full day on the island - we woke to another heavy rainstorm. The kids slept in while I got a massage(!) and Karri joined a class on making ceviche. After lunch, Karri snorkeled, while I kayaked along with her, then Victoria and Keenan went for a long snorkel around the reef. During happy hour, Karri and I sat at the bar and listened to Ili and Josh play guitar and sing. Then we all sat down to a delicious walu dinner. After dinner, I was treated to a birthday celebration as the staff brought me a cake, lit a sparkler, and sang a Fijian birthday song - Karri and I were invited to dance with one of the staff, Beta. Good fun.

Walu dinner

Birthday cake!

Beta and Api - two of our favorites on the amazing staff

We finished the night with a game of Catan in our room, then headed to bed - the end of our last full day in Fiji. It rained hard overnight and we all slept well.

After breakfast Tuesday, Karri and I walked the beach and relaxed, while Victoria and Keenan hung out - preparing to say their big 'goodbye'. We packed up, had lunch, then waited until 1:15 for a boat to take us to the Yasawa Flyer water taxi, our transport back to the mainland and our flight. Just before boarding time, the staff sang us a beautiful goodbye song, then walked with us to the beach to wave as we boarded our skiff. It was a tough to leave, certainly because it's so beautiful, but also because we had become attached to the staff and their warm and friendly spirit.

Last moments of R&R

Going to miss this spot

Some of the staff sending us off

It was a quick 5-minute shuttle across the bay to meet the Flyer. We were expecting to be dropped at a pier to board the boat but instead our skiff pulled up next to the Flyer and we jumped aboard as both boats bobbed in the water. We had a 4.5hr ride back to the mainland, making several stops to pick up more passengers from different islands and resorts. It was windy and the surf was significant at times, but it was a beautiful ride and a nice way to see more of Fiji.

Pulling up to the Wasawa Flyer

At the Port of Nadi we caught a shuttle to the airport, arriving 3hrs before our flight. Keenan was spending the night in Nadi (Sydney airport has an 11pm 'flight curfew', so there were no evening flights out), so we checked our bags then had dinner in an airport restaurant. After dinner, Karri and I said goodbye to Keenan and went through security, leaving Victoria and Keenan a few minutes to say their (no doubt tearful) goodbyes. He's a really nice young man - we enjoyed having him join us for the trip.

We boarded our flight to San Francisco around 9:45pm and were on our way by 10:30. It's a 10-hour flight that crosses the International Date Line, so we left Fiji at 10:30pm Tuesday night and arrived in San Francisco at 12:30pm Tuesday afternoon. Victoria slept most of the flight - Karri and me... not so much. We arrived early enough to catch an earlier connection to Seattle, arriving at 4:00pm, instead of 6:30pm. Grabbed our bags, caught a taxi and were home by 5 - Victoria's first time home since early July!

This was such an amazing trip! We were able to see so much, yet not feel rushed or over-scheduled. Karri really out-did herself putting this trip together! I'm so lucky to have married a closet travel agent!