No, we haven't got so callous that we race into town to watch misfortune... on the sunday night my mum and sister (alias Granny and Ape, ok lets just call her Jane) flew into Nadi to visit us, and we stayed the night in town so we could meet them at the airport. We stayed at the Nadi Bay Hotel (of course- we like to stay there or the Mercure as they don't break the bank AND they have great food which is not a given even at flash resorts). True to form we had a great meal at the Nadi Bay. But it was raining and raining and raining. We took comfort in the fact that its generally much drier out on the island. The next morning the plan was to let the travelers sleep in while I dropped the kids to school. Then we would sightsee until the boat at 4.30pm...
So they were not expecting the call just before 8am. Quick! get packed, we're going to town, its flooding...(so why are we going there?) Infact the school was closed as high tide was 0930 and it was still raining. If we were going to see Nadi the best thing to do was to get into town, assess the water level, park in the appropriate place, then do a bit of shopping and sightseeing while everything was still open. As it turned out the river didn't come into town as in this other time if it had of course I would've been all prepared with the car parked safely over the bridge and the rellies all in good shoes for walking in water. But the banks seem to be a different shape this year, and the village doesn't flood as much, which is good, very good. We headed to Bulaccino of course, the best spot to have brek, assess the situation, and watch local school kids walking past as the schools were closed early one by one...
So what do you buy as a souvenir if you have studied traditional cultural women's clothing as part of your university degree? A Salwar Kameez of course! Jane tried on maybe 100? no I am just kidding, but Gran and I did have to find seats before she was finished- luckily the one she did buy was gorgeous so we all voted it well worthwhile.
Then as a contrast to the fine cafe style of Bulaccino we had another local experience for lunch- dining at MH (which is a supermarket)! OK they do good basic curries, chowmein, chicken, fish and chips. Infact some of the best fish and chips I have had anywhere. And cheap as chips too! I didn't get much in the way of comments from the rellies there. Hopefully because they were too full and happy, and not (the possible alternative) too shocked to speak... Then to finish the day we hopped on the boat, still raining (I am assuring them there will be lots of sunshine and I have just arranged this to help them acclimatise), a huge swell and we bounce our way out to the island (Veniana throws up on the sink just off Bounty). Welcome to our paradise (tee hee)...
(visit from the rellies to be continued...Jane learns to snorkel and meets the local sea lice and mosquitoes)
What funny stories you tell, and your photos are fabulous. It can be very hot in the Mamanucas. We are having horrendous hot weather here in Geelong - 40 some days with nights at 25.
w.
Posted by: wendy | March 16, 2008 at 11:15 PM
Haha - We were both too shell-shocked and weary from the shopping and climate change to comment on MH,or make dinner conversation.But yes, the food was great. And it was good experiencing the non-resort side to Fiji too (including the clothing shopping in Lautoka...)
Posted by: Ape Jane | March 17, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Jeepers Wendy we would not survive more than one day at 40C, 32-35C and 70%+ humidity knocks me around enough. Anyone local wondering about the amazing clothes shop full of designer ware that Jane is referring to in Lautoka it is of course Value City (hehe... I dropped them off there while I went to the bank)...
Posted by: meg | March 17, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Okay, I want you to buy me a Salwar Kameez. Burgundy and gold please. Or black & pink trim. Ah heck, I just want to see more of those glorious colours & patterns!!
Posted by: sageg | March 18, 2008 at 10:54 PM
ooh...the turtles look so cool! We were just at the pet store looking at them today - but Keaton is going to be beside himself with excitement if he ever gets to touch one of those big ones! The countdown is on - YAYAYAY!!!
Posted by: laureen | March 19, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Eating at MH - one of my favourite memories.
Grocery shopping with Mum on Saturday morning and then stopping in at the Suva MH milkbar for a chicken and lettuce sandwich and a vanilla milkshake. Have never tasted better in the years since!
Old Sir Maynard Hedstrom drove a red Rolls Royce - very flash for Fiji as the only other person we knew of who had a Rolls was the Queen who brought hers on the Britannia when she came to visit!
Posted by: nzm | March 19, 2008 at 11:57 PM
Laureen we have turtles that size and babies here at the moment too! NZM: MH food is pretty good. And I laughed at your story about the buses when you were kids- they haven't changed either (our kids have a riotous school bus)...
Posted by: meg | March 20, 2008 at 07:22 AM
Love the stories lately! And how lucky for your family to visit you (even if it did rain a bit). I'm interested (and a bit scared!) to hear about the sea lice! Eek. ;)
Posted by: sarah | April 09, 2008 at 03:15 AM