Glenn's Trip to Fiji by Glenn
The Fijian term “Sega la neqa” pronounced “Senga la nenga” means “No Worries”. Well, I must have truly adopted the Fijian lifestyle because I promised Mike and Shelby that I’d write this blog post promptly when I returned home from my time aboard the SV Calla Lily. Alas! I am finally writing. Sega la neqa, I guess? 🙂
Giving Mike and Shelby some extra downtime between guests, I spent my first week at the wonderful Likuri Island Resort; A private island accommodating only 27 guests. There I met wonderful people, learned about the Fijian culture, yelled “Bula” at least 10,000 times and became intimately acquainted with Kava, the Fijian National Drink. I’m not 100% sure of its properties, but I will confess that I had the deepest sleep and the most vivid dreams I have ever experienced. Days relaxing with new friends and sipping Fiji Bitters together while viewing dark night skies that made the Milky Way pop. Maybe it was a dream after all.
After fully acclimating to Fijian life, I met Shelby and Mike in Savusavu and we made our way to the SV Calla Lily docked at the Copra Shed Marina. Last time I saw these sailors was when I sailed with them in Mexico before they transited the Pacific. We caught up while feasting on the best fried fish nuggets I’ve ever eaten and met some other yachties for a guitar / ukulele jam and sing-a-long. What a great first night.
The next morning we had to do a bit of shopping, pickup the dinghy cover and, unfortunately, make a doctor visit for me. Picking up the dinghy cover was quite fun. We had to admire the cover with the lady who made it, drink coffee, eat ginger cookies, and have a bouncy truck ride to the bay.
I was falling in love with the people of Fiji. It was a short sail to the anchorage near the boujee Jean Michael Cousteau resort for some Scuba diving. Day 1 was Barracuda Reef and Mystery Reef filled with a plethora of embarrassing rookie dive mistakes by me. Day 2 was the Namena Marine Reserve. Breathtaking! From the surface the water is such a deep, impenetrable blue that I can’t even describe the color. Underwater, visibility was easily 100 feet or more. We dove 4 different reefs observing soft coral, hard coral and marine life. The highlight for me was seeing the white tipped reef sharks and an octopus. I was fascinated with how the octopus could shape shift and change color so quickly.
The next day we sailed to Dakuniba, a small village where Mike and Shelby had some business. The sail with SV Danika was uneventful until the moment we had to pass through the reef when a squall hit us with so much rain we couldn’t see the reef entry. Waiting until the rain settled, we finally were able to see and get in safely. After the welcome ceremony in the village, we spent time with Anna, Lala, Drex and their families and friends. I was so struck by the friendliness and hospitality of everyone. Together we talked, sipped on herbal tea and ate fresh coconut, papaya and breadfruit. The next afternoon, the “boys” had the opportunity to hike to several farms enjoying the local archaeology, wonderful scenery and abundant fresh fruit along the way while the “girls” did crafts and enjoyed a dip in the local stream. To cap it off, the families spent the final evening with us on SV Calla Lily which was, apparently, their first time on a sailing yacht. I think we had 10 souls aboard that night, snacking and enjoying Kava.
The next few days we spent anchored at the Viani Bay Resort for 2 more days of extraordinary diving. We dove the famous Cabbage Patch Reef but failed on the first attempt due to strong current. We surfaced and dropped in a new location on the reef which was much better. Tea and pastries between dives and Happy Hour to wrap up the days at the resort bar sipping craft cocktails. Life doesn’t get any better.
Sadly, after 2 lovely weeks it was time to start towards home. After another beautiful sailing day with the Spinnaker flying, we were back in Savusavu for those amazing fish nuggets, ice cream and a final supper with the crew of SV Danika. Before I could sing Isa Lei I was back home very tired and missing Fiji.
Fiji is a beautiful country filled with beautiful and friendly people. I can certainly understand why Mike and Shelby loved it so much that they returned for a 2nd season. From the bottom of my heart, thank you both so much for sharing your home with me for a few weeks and allowing me the opportunity to spend time with you and experience such a beautiful place. I am so grateful for you both.
