USA - Recouping in Fiji

Our last stop was Fiji for a well earned rest, this travelling business is quite exhausting.  Because of the flight schedule in and out of Tonga we could stay in Fiji for either 2 days or 7days.  Of course we choose the 7 day option, which is just as well because, the first 2 days poured with rain and we were so jet lagged we slept most of it.  The kids spent 2 days in the kids club which was more than enough, as they were the oldest and got bored quickly with all the under 3's. The hotel was great and we had beautiful meals everyday. Plenty of cocktails by the pool, a few little trips on the coconut bus around to check out the other resorts on Denerau Island, and a spot of shopping at the marina kept us busy for the rest of the time.
Most important of all (if you ask the boys) was that they got in a days' fishing on one of the local charter fishing boats. As usual, Dylan was in everyones face, telling them all how much fishing he does in Tonga, and that he is a better fisherman than his dad. Lyndon and Dylan were the only ones who caught fish that day, that were of a respectable size. Unfortunately, like in Tonga, the locals keep everything, no matter how small. Emily and I spent the day wondering through the other 5 resorts and just taking it easy.


Dylan with his first Fijian monster fish

 


Dylan in the hot seat, apparently he was telling everyone how to fish - all day

 


Finally dad catches one too



The sun was setting so it was time to come home

  


The spoils of the day, we took the fish to the chef who prepared it for us to eat in the restaurant





Soon as dinner was finished so were the kids, they didn't even wait for dessert

 

We stayed at the Sofitiel Resort which was lovely and had a cultural night during the week.  This started with the Fijian version of an umu, (I forget the exact word), then came the dancing and singing. It was a great show and at dusk the performers called out some kids to help with the candle lighting ceremony. Dylan decided he was too shy to participate but Emily was up for it.

Umu Fijian style, the kids were all over this one nothing escaped their eye.

Possibly a little more traditional than at the 5 Fine's.

Chicken, pork, vegies - the taste was all the same though.

A combined traditional song.

The ladies turn.

The mens spear throwing dance.

Emily ready to light some torches.


The next day we did a quick boat ride over to the nearest little island called South Seas (very similar to our beloved Pangai). With all you can drink during the day, we made the most of the cold beers and juice and just hung out on the beach, trying not to over do it.

This cat was a tad bigger than our regular ferry ride.

 

Pulling up to South Sea Island

Kayak time for Emily and dad, Dylan had a go later in the day. Jodie supervised from the safety of the beach chair - as usual.

Forgot to mention the beach chair was under a comfortably shaded fale.

A little walk around the island to burn off lunch.

Waiting to get onto the semi sub for a trip under the sea to check out the coral.

Rest time again, this time a beach view back and shoulder massage for Jodie and Lyndon.

The lunch time entertainment, again Dylan supervising the action from up close, he really wanted to take home one of those spears.

We found this little fella in a shallow pool after the tide had gone out.

Emily and a star fish - as usual.

Finally, a family shot, taken by a stranger who didn't cut one of us out.

Last minute swim for Em and beers for dad, before the boat ride home.

Dylan spent his last few minutes playing volleyball with the big boys.

A beautiful sunset for the 30 minute ride back to the marina.

The next day back we took Emily to get her hair braided and beaded at the Radisson Hotel, she stopped at two but thought it was cool anyway.

A Hair saloon with a great view.

All done.

Then it was off to the slides for the rest of the day.

Dylan wasn't far behind her.

Just taking a little break.

Of course Lyndon had to have a go.

Excerise time in the pool.

The kids spent a lot of time here at the pond outside of the restaurant feeding the fish and admiring the water lillies

The Wedding Chapel at the Sofitiel

The view from our balcony, not exactly the sea view they promised on the website, but it will do.

It was a great spot for a lunch time picnic though.

The centre piece at reception looked absolutely beautiful after the candle lighting ceremony, unfortunately this camera shot does not do it justice.

When in Fiji, one must kava!!!!

More family kayaking fun, yes mum was there this time,  taking the photo

Looking back to the resort from the beach

Both kids had their own little wooden carving made, Dylan got a marlin and Emily a little parrot

Just checking she could still spell her name after 6 weeks off school.

Dinner for 2, shame it wasn't for Lyndon and I

We got to see the sunset though

Our last night in Fiji, before a 4.30am start to get back home to Tonga.

January Misc events!

It's been a busy start to the year and a few events have slipped through the blog that we (Lyndon) thought we might join together and share as a single entry.

 With Blah Blah being his priority Lyndon has spent toooo much time working on the boat and trailer. This is version one which he has already modified. Thanks heaps to all that assisted in it's manufacture.

 Due to some major leakage damage in our main bathroom, through the slab and into the garage below, we are now in the process of having our main bathroom renovated, in Tongan time, 2weeks down and a few to go. By the way, Jodie is over sharing our bathroom with two little monkies. One bloke that struggles to leave the seat down is usually hard enough.

 High school prep's for Em which included Jodie covering all the books, then Em drawing all over them. Dyl wasn't as picky with his books. Thanks mum, can you throw them in my bag too?

 Jodie has finally embraced technology and even uses the "White elephant" AKA IPAD to download recipes. This one was an apricot cake, which was promptly sent to all the neighbours - still warm - for their afternoon tea.

 The newest Defence Attache - Nuku'alofa, has finally arrived in Tonga, CMDR Peter Steel and family. The TDS Brigadier Uta'atu held a welcoming function for him and the family at the TDS Headquarters (due to poor weather and rain as  these are usually held at the Navy base). They live separately to us and Peter is based inside the Australian High Commission Office. No doubt we will see a lot more of them around town (and in the Blog) over the next 12 months.

 It doesn't get much more Tongan casual for Lyndon than wearing his Tupanu and Ikale Tahi jersey.

 Lola and Naomi's final lunch before departing Tonga. Best of wishes and we look forward to keeping in touch.

A night of laughter was supplied by the Wilko's in the form of a beautiful BBQ including a million Banga's and an awesome lightning display out over the harbour. What will we do next? Notice the stunned mullet look on all the girls faces - only Steve was ready for the camera.

Australia Day Activities

Australia Day this year started the evening before with a function at the Australian High Commissioner's residence. The guest of honor was the Queen mother. Due to all the recent low pressure systems, we have been coping a fair bit of rain so awnings were erected on the front lawn in an attempt to scare away the clouds. Not so successful. The usual crowd gathered, along with a sprinkling of our Kiwi mates in attendance. What else do you need to celebrate Australia day - friends for a catch up, nibbles, wine (Ozzy) and a choice of VB or Fosters. Sorry can't forget the Brass band!

 We began spreading across the front lawn in our best Tongan formal attire. The ladies looked spectacular as always. You too Sal in your skirt.

 The Queen mother was front and centre with the support of a Princess.

 Dave out for his first official function, Top Gun rig was the order of the day.

 The Prime Minister and Thomas, our High Commissioner toasting to the King.

 The TDS brass band belted out tunes for the evenings entertainment.

 Ben and Jodie enjoying more wine toward the end of the evening..

 The next day we had a compound BBQ, of course! But being in another country for Australia DAy comes with it's own challenges, especially when it falls mid week. Not many Tongan's get the day off, unless they work for, or with, Australians. Lyndon spent the morning and some of the arvo with some Kiwi friends trying to get their 4WD up and running. Eventually, he and Sione gave up and organised a tow truck, must have killed them to give up after so long. Lyndon eventually turned up at the BBQ, just in time to mow the pitch for a few overs. Em and Hunter were great Ozzy supporters. Green and gold was the colour choice of the day.

 The usual back yard rules applied. Six and out but Aaron saw this as a challenge to smack it into the street on every slow ball. Lyndon called them spinners.

 This shot says it all. Wife basher singlet, VB, pluggers, wheelie bin wickets - Check! Bring on the bowler.

Some people managed to rotate between the shelter and the pool but in all it was a great day, until we realised it wasn't over!

We remembered it was Thursday and we still had Hash to run. Numbers were down (possibly due to rain or Ozzy day celebrations?) but it is always a great run when it's set  by "Swiss Cheese" out behind the Kings' palace. It turned out to be an exciting puddle jumping mud run. Also Lola and Naomi's enjoyed their last run before they depart for Tokyo. Mal will surely miss the company out the front of the pack.