Happy (late) Birthday to Charles

When we were planning the trip to New Zealand we realized we could stop over for free in Fiji for a few nights since we were flying Air Pacific, the Fijian airline.  So, we decided to spend Charles’ 40th birthday in Fiji.  

We arrived in Fiji on Monday the 24^th of September.  When we began planning this birthday stop over we decided we would stay at the Westin on Denarau Island.  We arrived at the hotel just in time for sunset and the evening crab races – quite an event at the hotel.  We sat in the bar by the pool overlooking the water and watched the sky turn pink and orange.  Then just as dark set in the nightly fire dance began.  

Here are a few photos from our first night in Fiji: 

Sunset Westin Denarau Island

Crab Races

Fire Dance

Tuesday morning after breakfast we decided to look into activities around the islands.  There was a jet ski safari that was about to depart, and we made a split second decision to go.  Charles and I were given some brief and somewhat confusing instructions about following the guide either in a straight line or flanking on either side, then we got on our jet ski and away we went.  The water was ROUGH.  I am not exaggerating when I say that we caught air several times while jetting across the open ocean between Denarau Island and Beachcomber Island, but it was really fun!  Once we got to Beachcomber Island we went snorkeling and hung out on the beautiful beach.  Charles and I both thought it was funny that it wasn’t until we were safely on land on Beachcomber Island (after we had crossed about 10 miles of open ocean) that the guide asked if anyone did not know how to swim.  He suggested that those who didn’t know how to swim not try and snorkel without a life jacket, good advice, although you think they would have wanted to know that before we set out on a small watercraft to cross the ocean.  Anyway, it seems that’s the way it goes in Fiji.  After our snorkel break on Beachcomber Island we set off to see a couple more islands but it was really really rough.  The wind had picked up and the guides thought it best that we just head back to Denarau Island.  We made our very bumpy way back across the water and only almost sank our jet ski once.  It was definitely a little scary, I think Charles has permanent marks on his ribs from my grip around his waist.  That afternoon we hung out by the pool and enjoyed being lazy.  For dinner we decided to go into Denarau Port Marina for dinner.  We chose a restaurant that served locan Fijian cuisine.  It was delicious.  We also had some really good Fijian beer called Vonu.  

Beachcomber Island

Snorkeling

Jet Ski

Relaxing

Fijian dinner and Vonu beer

Wednesday was Charles’ 40^th Birthday.  He really wanted to go surfing for his birthday, so the previous day we booked a half day surf trip.  We were picked up early in the morning from our hotel and were taken to a boat that would take us out to the surf breaks.  There were a few other American’s on our surf trip, two members of the U.S. Snow Boarding Team, and a couple from Washington D.C. on their honeymoon, that we really enjoyed getting to know while we were out on the water.  We arrived at the surf break known as Cloudbreak and the surfer’s all took their boards and paddled over to the break.  I am not a surfer (despite my surfing experience in Costa Rica) and decided to stay on the boat and hang out.  Luckily the woman from D.C. was also not a surfer so we spent some time chatting and enjoying the view from the boat.  After the surfers came back to the boat we were given some wraps made by the boat captains wife, they were delicious, and we rode back to the dock.  We spent the rest of the day relaxing by the pool - Charles painted and I read my book, it was a good day.  

About to board the surf boat

Cloudbreak

Charles paddling out

Birthday afternoon painting

I wanted to do something special for dinner for Charles’ birthday.  I read several really good reviews for the restaurant at the Sofitel, V, which was just down the beach, so I made a reservation.  The meal was excellent, the service was excellent, and they even brought Charles his very own birthday cake.  The best part of the birthday cake was that it said Happy Birthday Darling on it, which we loved!  

Thursday was our last day in Fiji and after hanging out at the hotel for a few hours we decided to walk to the Port for a late lunch.  When we got back to the hotel our plan was to use the hospitality suite and then have a drink and watch the sunset before taking a cab to the airport for our 10 p.m. flight.  Unfortunately, our evening did not go as planned due to some confusion among the hotel staff, but we ended up showered and at the airport in time for our evening flight.  

Walking back to the Westin from the Denerau Island Marina

 All in all, Fiji was a great place to spend Charles’ 40^th Birthday.