Today was my favorite day in Fiji. I started the day off with a hike/walk into town with Colin and Austin. We walked to a supermarket, bakery, and a few markets. It took us about an hour to get there walking, we left around 7:30 AM. There were quite a few people out and about and lots of traffic---tons of buses and cars all going into town which meant tons of fumes which made me feel sick. We found more Pb & J and bread for lunches and more banana bread-----mmm the banana bread was delicious and I ate so much of while I was here. Bread seems to be everywhere in the morning, however, it goes very fast and there is only so much in each store. We went a couple nights out to get bread and everywhere was sold out so in the morning is when everyone goes out to get it for the day. After getting the groceries, we head back.
I felt the three of us were stared at in town a lot. Everyone is obviously darker than we are so we stick out, but I felt the Fijians were very untrustworthy staring and got really close/invasive to me. Each person tried to sell me something at a better deal or just get me into their store to buy something. But they would also look at us like we were going to steal something---I think it was just their nature and them protecting themselves because this is a third world country and I am sure shoplifting happens. I know they don't have a lot to being with--actually they make only 80 fijian dollars/week and just have enough to get by so they have to hang on to everything.
We made it back within 35 minutes or so, had some banana bread for breakfast and I made the pb&j's again. Then we were off with Ali again. This time to Sigatoka. It was about an hour drive--again very rocky roads with large potholes and horses and cows randomly in the streets.
The first stop was Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park. It cost 5 Fijian dollars to take a 2 hour hike. The hike started uphill, went through a beautifully shades foresty area and then reached a large sand dune. Luckily we were all wearing tennis shoes because the sand was blazing and we had to book it up the sand dune without our feet slipping. It wasn't as hard as you would think, I just ran up the dune and just had to keep digging my feet and pushing until I reached the top. The sand at the top was a little harder and easier to walk on. The sand was very dark, black in places and surely my shoes and socks were covered and full of it.
We stopped along the hike to take tons of pictures and climb random trees, smaller dunes, and even a picnic shelter--we had alot of fun! Once we made it to the highest dune, we could see the ocean from the beautiful view and also a village off the backside--we could hear children but couldn't see them.
We started retreating down the dunes, making it to the ocean shoreline which we walked all the way back until a sign pointed us back to a grassy trail. We were getting low on water by this time and the water we did have was really hot, so I was hoping we were close. We walked the grassy trail and came across the carpark finally! We all ran for the Pb&J's at this point and got some cold drinks. What a great adventure.
We shook out our shoes and toweled off and then were off to Natadola (said like $19) Beach. Ali shared with us that this was the only white beach in Figi beside the Islands and he was right, wow this place was gorgeous. Beautiful resort, horseback riding, a pool right off the ocean which waterfalled into the ocean. There were tiki huts with cushion to lay under and palm trees everywhere. Abby, Colin, and I relaxed under a tiki hut and ended up taking a quick nap--felt like heaven! Then I got a little toasty, so I decided to jump into the ocean--it was so warm and I could always see my feet in the water no matter how deep I got because it was crystal clear. We decided to walk to the resort pool and hopped in for a little while. The pool had a waterfall as I mentioned before which spilled over the edge and peered right into the ocean. It felt like a hot tub and felt amazing.
I decided to go with Misha, Austin, and Colin to a cave area which they discovered before so I had to cross a small straight of ocean and fight the current to get to the other sand island. After we crossed, then we walked around the edge of rocks, climbed into a few caves, watched the sunset, saw 2 water snakes, what a beautiful day and evening!! The snake I saw was stripped black and white with a yellow head and had a fin on its tail. While walking along the rocks we had to be careful because there is a lot of coral and rocks in the water.
We headed back before it got too dark and had to swim the straight back. We walked through another pool with cool fountains which was a great way to clean off the salt water---got a few mouthfuls while crossing the ocean----yuk!
We reunited with Ali and headed back home. It took about 45-50 minutes to get home. This drive back was a little scary though. This truck was playing games with Ali---getting really close then slowing up. Ali knew this guy because he closed him in parking one day in town and now was just causing trouble. We were all really hungry and Ali had the number to a pizza place called Mamas. We ordered a pizza on the way and picked it up---it was gone within 10 minutes of leaving the restaurant. It was the biggest pizza I have ever seen overseas (pizzas tend to be really small--larges are 14 inches)---this one was 18 inches I believe and it was delicious! We just couldn't stop eating it.
Once we got back to the hotel, we all showered and sat around talking. We were all exhausted so it was movie night and bed time soon after.
I really enjoyed this day---didn't spend too much money and got a lot of culture experience. I did get a little burned today but it should be relieved by tomorrow!
No comments:
Post a Comment