Nadi to Brisbane Feb 15

Well, well, well.. The week is over. Phew. This relaxing stuff is really hard work. 

After working to tight schedules for so long, early starts, gym sessions, FIFO work, a week of no schedule was a little harder to become accustomed to than I thought.

Flight with Air Fiji was uneventful, the flight attendants were helpful, food was tasty and a window seat to watch the scenery on landing. A band of local Fijians singing to welcome us to their country, Bula Vinaka echoing along the corridor towards the terminal.

Customs and immigration were a breeze, Bula, Bula, Bula... Hugo didn't even get his bag searched, even though his was the one chock full of bras for the village women. 

Our driver was waiting for us, into the van and off we went, weaving our way through roadworks and pot holes and pedestrians.

The veiws between Nadi Airport and The Warwick were incredible. Scenes of shanty towns and raging creeks, dotted  with the odd 4 star resort and lush gardens. People waving everywhere to our taxi, Bula Vinaka, as we drove along Queens Highway.

Arrived at Resort approx 2 hours after arrival, in time for a light Italian dinner, before watching the Polynesian Dance Show and Fire Show. Amazing backdrop, twirling fire sticks and acrobatics against a dark ocean, twinkling with reflections. Gorgeous. 

It's true what they say about Fiji Time, it just seems to stop. I'm not sure if that's because there's not much to do aside from relaxing, if it's the effects of the cocktails, or the lifestyle.. But there's rarely a clock to be found, and if the question is asked, the answer will always be " it's fiji time".

We spent our days drifting between restaurant, to pool, to beach, to bar, to cocktail lounge... With a few walks and a trip to town interspersed. The people are beautiful, so attentive and helpful, their smiles light up their faces when they greet you, and their singing voices are amazing.. But I couldn't help but feel the poverty gap. The shop keepers, well trained in sales, are inclined to look upon a white face as a source of unlimited income, and it made me feel almost taken advantage of. I understand that any tourist area in the world has higher prices, so I'm not sure why I felt like this, almost like a lamb to slaughter.

The resort operates on a cashless basis, feeding the feeling of not being in control of monies spent. Upon departure you are handed an account of purchases, drinks, food etc, and it's not always easy to follow. We did pick up a couple of anomalies, which were difficult to rectify (on Fiji Time ) at 3-30am upon checkout.

The resort is beautiful, with daily activities organised, and plenty of free water sports if required. The most commonly used phrase was 'no pressure'.. Especially around the swim up cocktail bar. Even in the rain, here you would find people swimming, laughing, chatting with a cocktail in hand. We snorkelled, kayaked, walked, swam and finally after a day or two, slowed down. It was a quiet, relaxing time. There was minimal WIFI, so even that virtual connection with the world was greatly reduced.. It was bliss.

Our driver was also on Fiji Time and forgot to collect us from Resort for our return to Airport. LOL, both Hugo and I had a feeling that this may happen, we ended up sourcing another local taxi and off we headed 45 mins behind time, thankfully for all concerned, the airport also operates on Fiji Time and we arrived to check in without any dramas what so ever. 

Hugo now works a 2:1 roster, and with it being cheaper for us to fly OS for the week than to spend the time in Dubbo or Orange, you will see more of these quick trips pop up in my blog this year.  I enjoyed Fiji, I'm not sure Ill go back, but it was an interesting time, sad to see so much poverty and unemployment amongst the locals, but hopefully the new government will put plans in place to counteract this. With the Bali Executions imminent, and the expected backlash by Australians opposed to it, Tourism Fiji should be jumping on this opportunity to cash in.. Whether they do or not remains to be seen...

So, here I sit, in the Qantas lounge, after seeing Hugo off to his new swing, and me heading into the Emerald City for the next two weeks. I'm looking forward to returning to the gym, the routine, the schedule, the kids. This relaxing stuff is way too hard.. 

Brisbane to Fiji Feb 2015

Down time at last. 

Hugo and I are going to Fiji. For no other purpose than to relax, swim, chill. Happy hour with a long lost friend. 

As always, I like to find the authentic life in the countries we visit and share our good fortune. Over the past fortnight I've collected over 100 bras and a suitcase full of pencils and crayons for the women n children in the Fijian Villages. I can't wait to share these and I thank the Emerald City locals for their generosity. 

Hugo has been working remotely and is in dire need of the coast. The soothing water, the quiet, the sun n sand n salt. He's tired from work, from travelling, from the over thinking and planning of business. He's a good man. He needs down time. To stop, relax, recharge. 

Relaxing in the Qantas lounge, drinking champers and dreaming of the warm sea air. Ahhhhh. Can't wait. 

Brisbane - Jan 2015

With Hugo working away in the outback heat of South Australia, I've spent the past week in The Emerald City, catching up.

We are undertaking a Shutdown, with the Qld boys flying back into Brisbane in Saturday evening. I'll be there to meet them, thank them for their efforts and collect payroll information.

They finally make it off the plane, tired, and pleased to be home, after a successful and super safe shutdown at Prominent Hill Mine.  

I flew down on Friday, catching up with the big fellow in the evening. Saturday morning, we were up early and walked down to the local Farmers Market for breakfast. The food at this market is fantastic, fresh fruit n veges, seafood, breads and pastries, organic yoghurt juices just to mention a fraction.

We happily have breakfast, juice n coffee before undertaking the walk home. It's a beautiful day, voting day in Qld, the streets are busy with families, out walking in the sunshine. It's another one of those 'great to be alive' days.

Spent the Afternoon in wild and frantic West End. There's always such a vibe happening in this suburb of Brisbane, there are buskers and music on each street corner, I always find myself loosing a number of hours, people watching and embracing the diversity here.

Sunday saw another beautiful day dawn. Off to a Market at Ascot for some breakfast, before heading to Brighton to catch up with friends and make some new ones. Lunch by the Marina at Sandgate Yacht Club, under the trees and savouring a cool drink or three watching the passing parade of yacht and fishing boats. On my way home, I pinch myself at how wonderful my life has become in the last few days... I am a very lucky girl.

Monday brings a full day of work, with a quick break in the middle to watch the last quarter of the Super Bowl, watched it for 30 minutes and still no closer to understanding the rules of this American Institution.. 

Back to the Emerald City Tuesday morning for the week, preparing for a trip to Fiji very soon.. I'm getting excited. 

New Zealand Coast to Coast Jan 15

So, with a week off, business associates to chase up, we pack our bags and head to Auckland, NZ for a day or two. 

Accidentally, I stumbled across a link for the Coast to Coast Walk that leaves from Auckland Viaduct and travels to Onehunga, a distance of about 22 kilometres. as the weather looks like it is perfect hiking weather, Hugo and I pack our walking gear, in case we get the opportunity to complete this track whilst in NZ.

Having never travelled to NZ before I wasn't expecting it to be so beautiful, I wasn't prepared for Auckland to be so hip, so cool and so laid back. There were beautiful parks and play areas for the kids, the harbour area is laid out for visitors and makes for a great place to visit.

Although only having three days in the country, we made the most of it. From watching a UFC fight in a local bar surrounded by Irishmen cheering for their countryman, to a beautiful seafood dinner in a converted warehouse, to a ferry trip across to Waiheke Island.. The whole time we were there, NZ continually surprised me, the people are exceptionally friendly, there are backpackers galore, and there are shops, and bars and restaurants to rival any major city in the world. They take great pride in the Maori Heritage, and all the souvenir type stores all source their goods from NZ. 

I loved the landscape. The weather, Waiheke Island, the people, the beers, the food. 

We will be back... For much longer visit.. Soon.