Fabulous Fiji Adventure
Although this will be my 4th trip to the amazing country of Fiji, I will be visiting and diving from 4 different resorts which will be my first time. There are few places in the world that I have visited that warrant repeat trips. I am not talking about once or twice repeats but rather several. Fiji is definitely one of those destinations. And, with each return visit, I have experienced something new and different. I have never tired from the scenery, the people, the diving and most of all the happiness and gratitude of the Fijian people.
I started my journey from my Greensboro, North Carolina small but International Airport. I was running a bit late and was worried that I was going to be locked out from checking bags but my friendly United Airlines agent saw me running in the door and already had printed out my bag tags and reprinted my boarding passes! Lynn is fantastic and so sorry to see that many of my friendly agents at Greensboro will be replaced by contract workers ;-(.
Because I want to keep my Platinum status on UA I chose to fly UA as far as I could so flew to Honolulu and spent the night. Fiji Airways has 1 weekly flight to Nadi from Honolulu so if you are a Star Alliance Frequent Flyer and your plans mesh with the once a week flight, I highly recommend taking this route as it breaks up the flight time and helps you adjust to time changes gradually. There is a non-stop, direct flight from Chicago O’hare to Honolulu that departs at 9:30 AM and arrives in Honolulu at 1:30 PM so it gives you plenty of day light hours to see a little bit of Honolulu and if you are a history buff, you can certainly visit Pearl Harbor after your arrival. I was able to get a great rate for the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach for the night. There are several restaurants, bars, and of course, the famous Waikiki Beach within steps of the Hyatt. I had an amazing view from my 19th floor Ocean View Room and watched the surfers as the sun set.
My flight to Fiji departed at noon, so I checked out early to make my way to the airport because of the traffic. Taxi ride from Waikiki to the airport was 50.00 with tip. And, the traffic getting out of Waikiki was horrible so if you go this route, give yourself plenty of time to get the airport. However, the Fiji Airways counter does not open until approximately 3 hours before flight departure time. But, if the flight is full, I suggest to get in line early.
While standing in line waiting for the counter to open, I heard a gentleman behind me talking about Scuba Diving and travel so being the introvert that I am, I turned and introduced myself to him. It turns out that his wife is part of REEF and she is currently in the Philippines diving at my favorite, Atlantis Dumaguete, with Paul Humman! As we continued our conversion, we have several friends in common (Guido Brink – Dewi Nusantara, Dr Richard Smith, Ned, Anna, and Paul and several more). You just never know who you are going to run into when you travel! As we continued our conversation, my new friend was worried and stressing over his luggage and carry on (which many of us do, me included) But I told him be nice, smile, and it will be ok. He checked in and came up to me and said, you were right, they didn’t even ask me about my Fly Fishing Rod case and said that I could carry that on even though I had another carry on! I just saved him 120.00 to check a second bag!
I invited him to the United Red Carpet Club with me and I think I have a new client ;-). Yes, I love my job and while I travel for my job and have amazing experiences, it is because I want to give my clients all the inside knowledge that I obtain on these trips to make their trip more enjoyable and less stressful.
For instance…..when I checked in at the Fiji Airways counter in Honolulu, I asked if there were any first class seats available. I had been told previously that if there were open seats, the charge would be 370.00. So naturally, I asked if there were seats available and there were! So, I am writing this blog enjoying first class meals, service, and beverages in my relaxing seat with my feet up at 35K feet!
By the way, this flight stops at Christmas Island to deplane some passengers so if you want an extension to Christmas Island, you can take this route as well. I am hoping to arrive during day light hours and the Captain happens to do a fly by of the monoliths! Now, how awesome would that be! Ok, just before landing, I thought, “OMG! I am an idiot!!! I thought we were landing on Easter Island!” Sorry I got my holiday islands mixed up!!! But, I did get some awesome pictures on the way to landing!
Well, that’s it for now until I land in Fiji. Stay tuned for my next entry!
Vinaka Vakalevu (Thank you very much) – learn a few Fijian phrases, it will go a long way!
On the ground in Christmas Island for about 30 minutes. Half of the people on the plane deplaned all with fly fishing gear in hand! Who would have known? Now, I am educated and anybody wishing to visit Christmas Island to go fly fishing, you now have a contact! Ok, so I thought I was landing on Easter Island…..
A few of us wanted to deplane and take pictures and were allowed to exit the plane and stand on the Tarmac and even take selfies!
Oh the joys of traveling outside of the US! Such a life experience! I get intoxicated on my life experiences and you should too!!! Get out and get drunk on life.
Just thought I would add this bit to the blog before I arrive in Fiji. It’s already a couple of pages long and I haven’t even reached Fiji yet!
I just read an email that I received…
Vinaka and Vakalevu Ms Terri, just wanted to inform you that we will be picking you up from Mana Island at 5:00 AM on Saturday to dive with the Dive Crew from Castaway Island. Really? 5 AM????? I love diving and traveling but really? 5 AM? 2 dives and back to Mana Island and you need to be ready for the Expo by 9 AM. Ok, really, again?
Can I say, I have already dove with Castaway Island crew, they were awesome and sleep in??? I guess not! It’s not all a bed roses for me, you know!
