Homeward bound

Checking out at Vomo was sad. We’d gotten to know a lot of the people and a lot of the guests. We had lunch on the beach and saw some sharks right on the edge of the water sunning themselves. After lunch we had to finish packing and check out. Our boat ride to the main island was an adventure in itself. Our driver gunned it the whole way and with the choppy water it was kinda painful. I laughed most of it off, but mom and dad were not pleased. He even hit a wave so hard that the water poured over the bow and we all got wet. I couldn’t stop laughing. Papa dukes asked the driver to slow down but he always sped right back up. By the time we got to the marina (45 minutes later) dad was fuming. Right when we got to the dock, the manager of the marina was there to ask for our drivers name because the police were waiting for him in the office. Evidently he also sped through the marina and was being issued a ticket. Karma much? Finally we arrived at the Sofitel Hotel in Denaru, Fiji.

The entire trip we’ve stayed at 4 and 5 star hotels and they have all been fabulous. Our favorite has been the Sofitel in Brisbane. It had lush beds and everything you would need at a hotel and more. We assumed this Sofitel would be the same, but we were wrong. It is a 5 star hotel, but by Fijian standards. Our beds were practically roll-aways and one of the most uncomfortable beds I’ve ever slept on. We had a delicious dinner on the waterfront and watched a movie in the room before trying to get some sleep on those beds. Dad couldn’t take it and dreamed about airplane seats because they’d be more comfortable than these beds.

Somehow, mom and I must have been tired because we slept until 9:30am when dad finally woke us up. We had to check out of our hotel by noon, but we weren’t getting picked up for our flight until 7pm. That’s a lot of hours to kill. We checked out, had breakfast and then headed to Nadi Town for some shopping. Nadi Town is like a little India (according to my mom who has actually spent some time in India). The people at the shops are in your face trying to sell you things, not to mention all of the people in the streets as well. It is also quite dirty. But, we made the best of it and did some shopping for Christmas. One shop we went into took us towards the back for a traditional welcome. I knew what was going to happen, but I figured the parent’s reaction would be worth it. He had us sit down and told us we were going to have traditional Kava. He showed us the powdered Kava, which he poured into a sack. He then poured water into a big bowl. He placed the sack in the bowl and then mashed it with his hands, which turned the water a milky brown. Mom’s face was priceless. It is rude to refuse Kava, but my parents would have none of it. I, of course, decided to give it a go. I had to clap, say “Bula,” drink the whole cup and then clap three times. It was revolting stuff and my tongue went numb instantly. I like being open to new things, but maybe I shouldn’t be open to ALL new things. Dad’s response was that I better not complain about wherever we had lunch because I just drank a finger bowl. What was I thinking?

A few more shops and then we headed to Curry House for lunch. The owner was very nice and showed us the fresh catches of the day. We ordered two large lobsters with fixins and big ice teas. The lobsters were delicious and the tea was such a relief from the heat. The owner also brought us some homemade curry to try. He said it wasn’t hot. He lied. My mouth was on fire and I had to finish my tea and some of my mom’s. We were polite though and spread it around so it looked like we ate some. After finishing up shopping we headed back to the hotel. Mom and I changed into our swimsuits and sat by the pool. We saw the ground oven where they cook the meat for dinner on hot stones under the earth. They wrap the food in tinfoil so it doesn’t get dirt on it, but back in the day they just used palm leaves to wrap the food.

We watched the Fijian dancers, swam in the pool and had some ice cream before it was time to get ready to head to the airport. We loaded up our 6 ginormous bags for almost the last time, checked in and went through security. They confiscated my Sean John perfume because it wasn’t in a plastic bag, but the security guy gave me a squirt so I’d smell pretty on the plane. We just had a fabulous cheese pizza and are now waiting to board. Around 1pm on December 3rd we will land in LA. That night we’re having dinner with the Tomalas’ and then the next morning we will finally be home. Soooo much traveling but it’s been worth it.