Fiji.....

The Fiji Islands were the first part of our South Pacific

vacation. Words or photos can not even

begin to describe the beauty that we witnessed. This

is the private island that we visited and how it

looked as we approached it from the boat that we

had been sailing in for 2 hours. We were deep in the

middle of the South Pacific Ocean.....and could see only this

and the deep blue sea.

As we walked carrying our bags high above our head.....

we were able to look onto the ocean floor and pick up

sand dollars from the bottom of the ocean.

I can't begin to tell you how exceptionally beautiful it was

to see fish and coral. Lindsey, Jeff, & Lincoln scuba dived and saw

even more than I did. Lindsey said scuba diving was

the best part of the trip. Certification.....not needed!!! The

Fijian Islander said as long as they could breathe....they were

fine. When you are deep in the South Pacific simple rules

need not apply.

When you hear the word coconut.....refreshing doesn't really

come to mind.....but it is really refreshing. The Fijian Islanders

climbed up the palm trees and picked and cut coconuts

for Lindsey & Lincoln. We all thought it was delicious.

Placed strategically around the island were these little

'love huts' as I like to call them. They had little

fabric mattresses and thatched roofs. You could

just lounge on one all day and read

or relax. Here, Lindsey & I pose for a photo!

I knew that we were in for the 'foliage' adventure of

our lives.....but this photo just doesn't do it

justice. It was winter in the South Pacific.....

but Bird of Paradise bloomed prolifically as well as many

other gorgeous tropical plants. Fiji was our first stop....and the

next excursion of the tour will be a little glimpse into

New Zealand. More on that next time. I hope you have an

artfully creative day....I will be working on my bird tags

for Karla Nathan's bird tag swap!