fiji

The Holidays

That time of year again. I spent Christmas Day watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Seems to be my new holiday ritual. I always see new things in it. This year I paid particular attention to the landscape since I have just been to New Zealand. I did recognize some of it. That was fun. Of course it always ends well which is another plus.

This year was pretty eventful. I went to Mexico in January. Enjoyed the good food in Oaxaca. I was surprised by how hot it was, though. Oaxaca is at 5000 feet and I would have thought it would have been cooler in January but not so. Did some traveling around the countryside and saw some ruins and some textiles and some art. All good.

I was called for Jury duty. One boring day of sitting around and then nothing more. Big disappointment. I was hoping for a juicy trial.

May took me to Miami and Key West. Another hot one. Nice to see the ocean and old friends.

In August I went to see Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin. This was where Frank Lloyd Write lived and worked. He was quite the eccentric. It is a beautiful setting.

At the end of August my book came out but I had to postpone my launch until December. The launch went really well and I am pleased with the book. You should read it!

In October I went to Fiji and New Zealand. Wonderful trip. I had to go to Fiji because my father always said it was his most favorite place to visit. I would concur, it was pretty great. And New Zealand was beautiful plus I got the bonus of seeing a couple of old friends.

November was my son’s wedding. It was a lot of fun and I am happy for him.

I have three book ideas I am working on. Actually I think I have narrowed it down to two. It is kind of slow going but as the days get lighter so do I. The brain is churning away.

Looking forward to Florida, Spain, and Belgium in the new year. And who knows what else. Anything can happen!

I hope you and yours have a wonderful New Year!!

Nadi, Fiji

I arrived on time in Los Angeles. Picked up my bag. It was 2 pm. My flight to Fiji left at midnight. I couldn’t check in until 8 pm. No place to sit in the Departure area. Why are airports like that? Masses of people sitting on the floor waiting for check in to start. Couldn’t they just put in a bench of seats? Is that asking too much? I went downstairs to Arrivals. Lots of seats down there. Go figure.

After waiting in long lines, got to check in. Found the gate. My traveling companion’s flight was delayed. No sign of her. Final boarding call. I’m in line to board the plane. She showed up at the last minute. Whew!

We were flying Fiji Air. Flight was 9.5 hours. For some reason it was brutal. The food was not good. The service was great. Nice staff. Arrived in Fiji at 6 am. We time traveled. It was all of a sudden two days later. Or something like that. It took a while to figure out what day it was. Checked into the hotel, napped, watched the sunset, ate dinner, crashed.

The next day was Fiji Day. Who knew? Activities all day long. Dancers in the morning. More dancing and singing in the evening. Along with fireworks.

Signed up for a tour. First stop was the Hindu Temple. The largest one in the southern hemisphere. Women cannot go in with pants or shorts on so we all had to wrap cloth around us. They had a big pile at the entrance so you could take your pick. The temple was beautifully decorated.

We spent some time in the downtown shopping area. Mostly tourist shops.

Next stop was a village on the coast. We learned that cannibalism was common on the island and the European sailors originally called Fiji the Cannibal Isles. The sailors avoided disembarking there. Thomas Baker, a missionary, was killed and eaten in 1867. The soles of his leather sandals, which were also cooked by the cannibal tribe, are preserved at the Fiji Museum in Suva. The story goes that later missionaries arrived laden with all kinds of food in order to avoid being eaten. The small village was lovely and very well kept. There was a church at one end of a small square. Several women were selling trinkets on the way back to the car.

From there we went to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant at the bottom of the tallest mountain on the island. The garden was originally set up by Raymond Burr of Perry Mason fame. He apparently had a home on the island and loved orchids. It is famous for its extensive collection of orchids. 

A lot of time in Fiji was spent by the pool. Totally awesome.

Postcards from Fiji

February 1970

Dear K

We are having a great time here in Fiji. the beach and everything are just great. No waves for surfing but the water is just right. Why don’t you phone us some evening soon after we get home – or Va will call you.

Love, Bill

Elizabeth. Dressed in her Sunday best, Elizabeth finds pleasure in picking and displaying Hibiscus flowers.

July 1982

Dear Kathy

This is my fourth trip to Fiji and I expect to be back here one more time this year. So I must like it, which I do. On this trip I’ll visit the main parts I haven’t visited before.

See you soon.

Love, Bill

Vani – Portrait of an old Fijian lady from Moturiki Island, Fiji

July 1982

All goes well, some of us are off to Vanuatu and Taveuni tomorrow for a week. We have had rain every day so no tennis. We are hopeful that when we come together again o the 27th that the sun will appear.

Love, Bill

The Ratu – A Fijian chief in full traditional ceremonial dress made of masa (tapa cloth)

Treasure Island, Fiji

April, 1981

I did not get a chance to visit this island this trip but it is the one I visited by sailing ship in 1970.
Fiji is very nice! I would like to come back and spend a holiday here.

Love, Bill

16 km south west of Lautoka, Treasure Island is casual elegance in lush, tropical surroundings. Ultra-modern Fijian accommodation with private beach and lagoon view.