February 26, 2003
Bula! from Fiji
There was much more than turquoise water and sandy beaches to Fiji than we had expected. It has much more of an interesting culture than other tropical destinations I have been, like cannibalism (thank goodness it's no longer practiced) and a chieftain system in the villages. Other than getting a chance to experience the cruising lifestyle and listening to Captain Joe's crazy stories, we also visited some small villages and towns where we met the the nicest people. Fijians are probably the friendliest people we have met yet!!
Apparently 40% of the population are Indians, brought over by the Brits a few generations ago as slaves on the plantations. Walking around in the bigger cities in Fiji makes you think you might be in India. And then of course there are the Chinese. In fact, fried rice and chow mein are as popular as their curry dishes.
No more tropical sun tans (or sun burns...) as we are now in Auckland, crashing with some local kiwis thanks to my friend Karen. Looking forward to doing some trekking and other crazy kiwi activities.
Mundaca
We had a fantastic time sailing in Fiji on the Mundaca.
Our trip included doing some crew work for a discounted price on the 72 foot yacht Mundaca, which was lots of fun, swabbing the decks, raising the sails, eating great food, fishing (caught a Mahi Mahi and a Baracuda), a Moon-bow - which is one of the most incredible things I have ever seen, unbelievable sunsets, drinking Kava, snorkeling, scuba diving, making beach fires, Sunday methodist church - whole sermon in Fiji couldn't understand it but the singing was great, Fiji style feasts, a salty dog of a captain, good friends, and a one month yacht club membership in Savusavu Fiji. We've just landed in New Zealand and are planning the next leg of the journey.
February 15, 2003
shipping out
Well, it's been a wild couple of weeks in North America. After arriving from Central America we had the week long ski trip to Whistler and Vancouver. I loved Vancouver and would like to move there. I had bizzare series of sales meetings, for certain clients, and found my self doing business travel in the midst of a backpacking trip. Pretty odd, but it looks like a sale is possible in the next few months, which could completely curtail my travel plans.
We relized that San Francisco is the most beautiful city we've been to since we left, and quite possibly in the world. Had tons of great re-unioin, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and drinks with friends, and it was great to see everybody.
So we're heading to Fiji, quite glad to be heading out of the country in its current war like and ugly climate. Doing some sailing, so we might not have a posting for a little while.