Today, December 6, I finished my tour of the island. I enjoyed the morning talking with girls who have been traveling and working in Fiji for 3 months. They shared their experiences working in a village and how much it had meant to them. I’ve really valued meeting people from all over the world and sharing stories. That’s a big part of traveling that ties people together.
We left the Volivoli Beach Resort after lunch and drove a couple of hours. In between Nadi and Lautoka, we stopped at a Sabeto Mud Baths and hot springs pool. We went in the mud pit and lathered ourselves up in a soft mud. It was squishy and felt good to rub all over my skin. To wash off the mud, there was a hot spring to dip into. The combination was relaxing and made my skin soft. Although I really wish I had a nice shower before my flight.
Soaking in the mudbath before rinsing in a hot spring
After the baths, we did another cultural experience. We visited the largest orphanage of Fiji located in Nadi. I have to say, I did not like this experience. I felt that it was not right for us to tour a children’s home by just stopping in, looking at their home, and playing with them for a short period of time. It was hard to interact with the children other than a short jumprope or exchanging names. We did buy presents to give to them that were only just accepted in by the host mothers. The briefness of the visit and the small exchange made me feel really uncomfortable being there – and wish we had just donated the presents. I suppose, it was all part of the experience but I really felt that the tour could do without that. The timing of the experience was also misplaced because right after, we were dropped off at our different locations – others to hotels on the island and me to the airport. I’ve checked in and am waiting while my flight is delayed half an hour. I may as well enjoy my last Fiji gold beer while I wait for this late flight. At least I will sleep the whole way there.
I’ve taken tons of photos playing with my SLR here has been keeping me busy and been lots of fun. I’ve been posting a lot on Facebook and may end up making a photography site to share more.
Down Under 