From one landscape of perfection to another.
Media – Round 7
Cerulean Paradise (3/14/23) – Photos
Cerulean Paradise (3/14/23) – Video
3/14/23 @ 10:30pm – Yatule Resort and Spa, Fiji
All trip photo albums
Trip video playlist
Mr. Seamon-Ingalls:
Super short hotel stays are always a little surreal. We were up at 5 and back in the same three vans by a little after 5:30am. The drive back to AKL was easy and the kids did so well getting through checking in, dropping off their bags, getting through security, and getting to our gate. We then had some time to relax before our flight took off for Fiji!
Once again Air New Zealand was amazing. Some kids slept but it seems like many of us stayed awake. A little under three hours later we touched down at NAN! I was able to immediately get in contact with our local guide, Fredi, who sent me great info on how to easily find him on the other side of customs. Everyone got through, we picked up our bags, were warmly welcomed by the local staff, then met Fredi who took us to our bus.
During the 45 minute drive to Yatule, Fredi told us a bit about what we were seeing along the drive — A Hindu temple, sugar cane farms, new building projects — as well as info about the history of Fiji. About 1km from the resort we swapped into a smaller van which could more easily navigate the roads, and moments later we got to Yatule!
We were once again enthusiastically welcomed by the staff. This time with music, juice, and more shell necklaces. Our bags soon followed and we went off to lunch at the resort. We packed in a ton of food and then the kids were given a couple hours of free time to swim, relax in the rooms, or read. I joined the fun in the warm ocean. Some rain rolled in which pushed us inside, but it quickly abated.
At 6pm we all gathered up for a Cava welcome ceremony which the whole group dove right into! Aster was named chief and Sako his assistant. There was lots of cheering, clapping, and smiles. We then spent another 45 minutes relaxing in the main area as the sun went down. Once it was a dark we were treated to a very energetic dance performance that included fire spinning and a celebration of our birthday people — Sako today and Mrs. Seamon-Ingalls tomorrow… well, and Alyssa, who also may have had her birthday today! The performance was capped off by spinning some wild huge circles of sparks on the beach!
We then transitions back into the dining area were we again had one long table. The meal was full of lively conversation and a huge amount of yummy food. Heavy rain came down for part of the meal, which gave the whole area a cozy atmosphere. The meal only came to an end when we all got to sing happy birthday to Sako and watch as he blew out the candles procured by Parker. Everyone was then sent off to get to sleep as quickly as possibly. That shouldn’t be too hard given the length of our day!
Tomorrow we’re off to ride jet boats and see the interior of the island! Woohoo!