A HUGE thanks to everyone that made New Zealand & Fiji 2023 such a grand, awesome, and amazing adventure!
From all the support we received at Willison, to Fourwinds pulling major weight behind the scenes, to our family supports, to our local guides and drivers, to everyone we connected with on the trip, to so many others… bravo!
Most of all, thanks to all the incredible trip participants! You all did something incredible to make the trip so fun. You dove into activities, asked great questions, danced up a storm, sang with joy, joined in many conversations, explored peaks, valleys, fjords… and so many other topologies, above the ground and far below the surface of the ocean, Wow.
Also, Freddie says hi! He just texted me earlier today to say that some pop music came on the radio this afternoon and he immediately thought of us and how he’d like to visit Massachusetts! He says that he and his whole family is well! (He did not say if he started singing along, but I’m pretty sure he did!)
I look forward to see y’all at the post-trip dinner and social! The event will take place on Sunday, April 16th from 5 to 6:30pm in the backyard here at 9 Payson Ave in Easthampton. We’ll eat dinner (Antonio’s pizza!), talk about the trip, view trip highlights, as well as award trip superlatives and name the winner of the Trip Olympics!
We started our journey home with another gloriously warm and sunny Fiji morning. We had all packed up the night before, so we could really focus on relaxing during breakfast and enjoying the warm breeze. I’m certainly going to miss the lush walk from my Yatule bungalow to the outdoor dining area. Dreamy.
We all gathered in the reception area with all bags, and of course I had to bring everyone out on the beach for one last group photo. We got one last dose of walking in the sand, said our goodbyes — Wilson had to get MANY in! — and loaded back onto a smaller bus for the ride up the hill to meet our coach bus and head north to the Fiji Cultural Village.
After another scenic 45-minute drive we arrived at the village and were greeted by a set of three warriors who escorted our bus down the last stretch of the driveway. We were then greeted and given an intro to the village in an amphitheater-style stage before bring split into two groups for a tour. We then got to learn all about how the village functioned in the 18th and 19th centuries while walking a loop around the area. We heard about how village items were made as well as how the governing structures worked. The history was fascinating as well as the demonstrations.
Back at the main amphitheater we were treated to a fantastic presentation that included a Cava Ceremony (Go chief Aster!), dancing, and singing. The kids got involved and had a blast! A big shout out to “spokesperson” Sako who tagged into one of the warrior dances! We then moved over to the dining area where we got to enjoy our last local Fijian meal. Bread fruit rules!
Next up we made a short drive to a spa + cafe that we got to call home for the next 3 hours. While there everyone got a back or foot massage, another filling meal, and time to relax in a very comfy air conditioned room. It was the perfect way to charge up before all of our flights!
Before arriving at the airport we made one last souvenir stop which proved to be quick productive. With all of our prior experience, we were able to move effectively through the airport and had ample time to rest at the departure gate. The flight to LAX was smooth and we managed to pull down many hours of sleep. At LAX we made the very long way through the massive airport and cleared customs in what had to be an all-time record time. Once again our bags popped up immediately and not long after our driver (Juan) showed up with our coach.
On the drive into Santa Monica was got to see another part of LA. We unloaded into the refreshing winter LA air about a block from the Pier and walked as a group out across the bridge. The kids were then given 3 hours to explore and get food. Mrs. Seamon-Ingalls, Wilson, and I walked all the way around the pier before looping back and meeting an old friend, Cindy, who lives in the area. Cindy was on my first every student international trip back in 2005 when we romped around Eastern Europe!
By 6:45pm we were back on the road to LAX. This time around — our last through security! — this time around the process was a bit more… annoying.. but we are all pros and made it through smoothly. At our gate was claimed an area to ourselves and the kids had some time to explore, write and sign thank you cards, and come up with trip superlatives.
I have my end of trip speech where I talked about all the things and people that got us to where we were just then — heading home from a great, grand, impossible adventure.
A bit before 11pm we boarded and viola, we were in the air on our last flight! A short 5 hours later we landed in a sunny Hartford, grabbed our bags, connected with our Williston busses, and got on the road home.
At 8:20am we pulled into the loop and were greeted by a fleet of parents. After lots of hugs and smiles, the team melted away.
I am so thoroughly proud of what we were able to create on our great, grand, impossible adventure.
We got to sleep in all the way to 7:15, something the kids were excited about, especially the divers who had to slog through a 5am wake up the day before. After loading up on breakfast we were out by 8:15 and on the road to zip lining. I brought along a blue tooth speaker which proved to be the perfect catalyst for some amazing singing by the whole bus. We even were on key for most of it. The hour-long drive flew by!
At the zip lining center we stored our bags, for a healthy amount of sunscreen on, and were suited up with helmets and harnesses. We then off to zip among the trees! The first 6 lines was combined with a healthy amount of steps, so we got in come cardio with the adrenaline of flying long on a cable! At the top of the course we had a side journey through a large limestone cave which long ago housed cannibals. The next 10 legs were fast and all the steps were downhill. The day was warm but not too hot and we were pretty high up so we had some great air, especially when we were moving on the lines!
Back at the base station we were served a yummy dish of potatoes and chicken before getting back on our bus to Yatule. We had some guests on our bus and we *think* they enjoyed all the singing that commenced. Once we got back to the resort the kids had some free time which they used to kayak, snorkel, or just rest.
At 3pm we were all treated to an awesome toffee making class! It was coconut toffee so we got to learn how coconuts are shucked and the meat shaved out. Lots of people to to try each process and we soon had lots of grated coconut! Our teacher, Luka, then showed us how the shaved coconut is combined with brown sugar over a flame to make the final yummy product. Again, we were given the chance to help out. We then all got to try some of the very yummy final toffee, with many of us planning to make it at home!
Next the kids were given free time, and some chose to play with and against Yatule staff in a game of volleyball. The game was quite fun and we had a super awesome time out on the grass. Some of the other guests even joined in!
At 6pm we all gathered up in the common area in our fancy clothes to go out onto the beach for a photo shoot before our beach side dinner! We took lots of great photos and then dug into a huge seafood-based buffet made up of lots of local dishes. It was quite lovely and very filling. The evening meal wrapped up with lots of lively conversation before the kids were off to pack!
At 9pm Mrs. Mish and I made the rounds and found everyone all set with the packing and heading to bed. Woohoo!
The day was that perfect mix of full tilt fun and relaxation. We’re all excited, happy, and fully charged up for the long journey home which starts tomorrow night!
After an early night and and evening of rest, it wasn’t quite as challenging as the day before getting up at 4:45am to check on the diver rooms at 5. Once again we loaded up on pancakes, french toast, and coffee and by 5:30am we were on the road heading back to Pacific Coast. In a call-back to my secondary school days of daily early bus rides, we were all back to sleep only a few minutes into the bus ride.
The ride out was faster than two days ago and the sun was just as bright as we unloaded at Coral Coast Divers. The whole dive crew went into action loading up the boat with all of our equipment, a process that was easier since they already knew all our sizes. We picked up our fins and wet suits and by a little after 8 we were heading out into the Pacific Harbour.
This time around the dive shope owner (Axel) as well as a dive instructor trainer (Tom) came out with us in addition to the other three Dive Masters (DMs). Our first dive put us directly into a pretty solid current and we got to pull ourselves down to depth on a line attached to the anchor. We then got to swim around the egde of huge coral walls, and after battling a strong current, we turned and got to swim through a very large underwater coral/stone tunnel. So much fun! We then got to meander around with the group and see more fish and really cool coral formations.
Back on the boat we chatted about what we saw and the new experience of diving in current, a really important skill to have! We jetted back into the port, unloaded, and relaxed in the sun for about 15 minutes while all the tanks were swapped. Axel then gave us the choice for our second dive — Either do a shallow reef dive with no current at the reef we went to on the 16th, or go to a new dive site and do a drift dive at the edge of a huge drop off. The kids chose the drift dive!
Out on the water we made a slightly further journey out to the new dive site. The sun was shining and the ride was smooth since there was little wind and the waves were small. This time there was no line for our decent, so immediately upon entry we gathered up as a group and did a free descent. The current pulled us along the top of the big reef and the leader DM guided us along, eventually bringing us to the edge. We got to a depth of about 55 feet as we traveled along the wall and then back up to the top of the coral. We continued along the top of the formation, between an awesome topology of fish, coral, and vibrant sea life.
Everyone reported feeling really comfortable and confident on the dive which was fantastic to hear. Liz, Lucy, and Zoe even saw a sting ray! Back at the dive shop we unloaded gear, showered a bit, and then had another great lunch. We relaxed in the sun, chatted with the staff, took a group photo, then had a little more time to relax before our bus picked us up at 1.
Back at Yatule we re-connected with the whole group who had spent the day on a tour. More on that from Mrs. Mish later. We spend the afternoon enjoying the perfect weather, floating int he ocean, reading, and playing with Wilson. At 5 we had a group meeting to chat about the rest of the day and outline the next. Everyone was then given more free time. A group of kids stayed in the lobby area to take in the view and chat with Mrs. Seamon-Ingalls. I took the chance to plant myself at a shaded beach table, watch the sunset, and write this entry.
We gathered at 6:45 for another very filling and lively dinner. Lots of energetic conversations floated through the area and spirits were high. Wilson was passed around and then he passed out in his little travel cradle.
Everyone else soon followed. Tomorrow we’re up a little later for a day of zip lining, cooking, breach games… and more!
Mrs. Mish:
After a breakfast at the hotel the non-diving group headed off to our first stop at the Sigatoka Sand Dunes. These sand dunes are Fiji’s only national park and include over 600 hectares where ancient Fijian pottery has been found dating back 2600 years! The group did a 40-minute walk through the dunes and along the ocean before heading back to the bus.
Our next stop was the Nakabuta Pottery village where the women of the village welcomed us with a traditional Kava welcome ceremony and a pottery making demonstration. All of the pottery is made from clay that members of the village gather from the local river and is made by hand then air and sun dried before further dried with fire. Once dry it is glazed with gum from trees that they purchase from other villages. We were able to find some souvenirs for home and then were sent on our way with a traditional goodbye song.
Finally, we made our way to the Tavuni Hill Fort was built in the 18th century and sits atop a limestone ridge. Its location was ideal in times of war to protect the people of the village. While much of this village was destroyed by fire, you can still see evidence of house foundations, grave sites, and even their ceremonial sacrificial stone from when cannibalism was still practiced.
A combination of several long days plus a few kids with upset stomachs meant that half the kids stayed at the resort for the day relaxing, sleeping, and taking in the amazing day. The other half headed out with me and Mrs. Seamon-Ingalls on a river journey! After a drive out east to Navua, we were greeted at the village in their launch house with juice, coffee, and snacks. We changed into our bathing suits and loaded into two longboats.
The 45 minute ride upriver was scenic and peaceful. We saw the edges of several other villages, lush greenery, and lots of small waterfalls cascading out of the jungle growth. We docked at a small area and then had a cool and refreshing walk up on the edge of a tributary to a massive waterfall! We then spent the next hour frolicking, swimming, and jumping into the large pool at the base of the waterfall. The water was perfectly refreshing and everyone had a blast in the water, except Wilson, who thought it was a bit too cold. We watched in wonder as our guides jumped from far up the falls. We were quite content with climbing10 feet up to a rock ledge and jumping from there! After a blissful hour, we walked back to the boats, with a small pause to jump from another perch into the river!
A few minutes into our boat ride downriver, we docked with a set of bamboo rafts and moved over to our new mode of travel! Each raft was piloted by one local and lone piece of bamboo. We gently floated downriver, with just the sound of the water and the jungle in the background. After 15 minutes on the boat we got back on the motorboats for a 30 minute ride back to the village. Next, we got fully dressed and walked the short distance over the meeting hall where we were met by the village spokesman, Nemani who was quite the orator!
We experienced another Cava ceremony, saw some epic dancing, and got in on the dancing ourselves. We then had a very, very tasty lunch and socialized with members of the village. Once again, no one could really compete with Wilson’s popularity! Next, Nemani led the group to another area where he demonstrated how they cut open a coconut, weave a basket, make ink-based art, and weave a mat. He continued amazing us with his stories and passionate energy for his culture. It was all very engaging.
A few of the kids then go massages while others went back to the meeting house to do some shopping. We socialized some more and then Nemani and a few others sang a beautiful goodbye song. We took a few more photos, got back on the bus, and journeyed home to Yatule.
Back at Yatule we found that everyone had a very restful day. We had a couple hours of free time and then dinner that included another amazing fire-based dance performance. Unsurprisingly, it was a couple of our birthdays, so we got some special attention. Everyone then meandered off to sleep.
Tomorrow the divers are up super early with everyone else heading out for another round of local activities.
Getting up before 5am is tough, but the diving makes it worth it! The dive crew of me+9 kids were on the road in our bus at 5:30am, heading south east around the island to Pacific Harbour. We chatted for a bit and then enjoyed watching the sun rise before falling back to sleep as the bus cruised along. About two hours later we made it to Coral Coast Divers and unloaded into the bright, sunny day!
The crew at Coral Coast was super friendly and we got all of our paperwork and gear sorted out easily. The shop is located right on an inlet, so we were able to get on the boat right there and head out to our dive site. It only took about 5 minutes to get to the reef’s location and after the boat was stopped we got an overview of procedures and the plan for the dive. We all pulled on our wet suites, got on our masks, BCDs, fins… and we were off!
Our first dive was exhilarating! The kids did a GREAT job with their skills, leaning into exploring a literal whole new world! We saw lots of fish, coral, and most notably, a turtle! Our three dive masters were excellent and we felt really cared for. One was always leading, one was always following, and a third was available to help divers on on one. We did an out and back at the reef and after about 38 minutes in the water we got back on the boat, full of energy and the need to share our experience verbally. It’s so fun to talk about a dive right after a dive.
We went back to the shop where new tanks were loaded. We had about 20 minutes to relax before we got back on the boat and headed back to the same reef, but this time our dive went in the other direction. The kids were even smoother on this dive which took us along the reef. We saw lots of fish, the kids explored the sea floor, and a few even tried backwards loops! Back on the boat the kids expressed feeling much more comfortable on the second dive!
We then went back to the dive shop, took off all our geared, washed it in buckets, showered a bit, and then warmed up in the hot sun. The kids got to chat with the shop owner before lunch was served — He told them all about some of the more exotic sea life and the ebb and flow of the health of the reef. We were then served a very tasty lunch. By 1pm we were back on the bus heading back to Yatule.
Most of us slept on the ride back and only a couple minutes after we arrived at Yatule, the other group arrived as well. They went in straight to lunch and the dive group went off to rest. I got to hear all about the non-divers’ day (More on that later from Mrs. Seamon-Ingalls!) while getting in some cuddles from Wilson.
Over the next several hours the kids had time to rest, and like me, some of them took the opportunity to swim in the perfectly warm ocean. We had another very filling dinner and I told the kids the plan for the night and tomorrow. Tomorrow we get some boat, waterfall, and inland village time!
What a full day!
Mrs. Seamon-Ingalls:
The 10 students who were not diving embarked on a cultural tour of Nadi with Mr. & Mrs. Mish and Mrs. Seamon-Ingalls. Nadi is one of Viti Levu, Fiji’s main cities. We began at the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple, a Hindu temple in Nadi. The students wandered around the peaceful, intricately decorated temple, learning about the history of the Indian people coming to Fiji by way of indentured servitude to their common British colonizers. After serving their time, many Hindu chose to stay in Fiji and build a new life there. The temple itself is a riot of color and highly detailed design, reminiscent of similar temples in India. The students loved it and were wishing more pictures were allowed inside the temple!
We then made our way to Veiseisei village, a traditional Fijian village by the coast. In contrast to the village we visited yesterday, which was home to 200 people, this village is home to about 1000 people! It is the oldest settlement in Fiji and former Fijian President Iloilo came from this village. Not only was Veiseisei larger than yesterday’s village, it was more modern, had more amenities, and souvenir tables. We enjoyed a brief tour of the village, had fun beating a traditional Fijian drum, and then the students had time to purchase a few trinkets to bring home.
Our third stop was at Garden of the Sleeping Giant. The Sleeping Giant is a formation of mountains that look like a massive sleeping giant. The garden at the foot of the mountains was established by the late American actor, Raymond Burr, and was his private collection. Now open to the public, the garden is home to 30 varieties of Asian orchids and Cattleya hybrids and is absolutely breathtaking. It is a tropical waterfall of color and lush beauty. We had a tour through the garden and then had free time to wander and enjoy its beauty. We topped of this tropical tour sipping some fresh, cold fruit juice before heading to our final destination of the day.
We wrapped up our time in Nadi at the Thermal Pool, Mud Bath and Massage at Tifajet, a family-owned natural spring! The students and Mrs. Mish went for the full experience, coating their skin in a mud bath, rich in healing minerals. They were quite a sight and posed for photos looking a bit like swamp statues! Once the mud was dry, it was time to wash off in a series of pools, first cold and muddy, then warmer for a final scrub, and lastly, a natural thermal spring hot tub to soothe the skin. Several students opted in for a 30 minute massage to complete their treatment.
The students commented several times that this new and novel experience was fun, wild and unexpected! And after such a long morning and afternoon in the tropical heat, everyone was happy to get on the bus back to the resort for refreshments and a quiet evening!
