August 3, 2013
We went ashore early to enjoy another round of those delicious tropical drinks before dinner. We sat by the pool to enjoy them and watch the sunset while the tiki torches around the grounds were lit. It’s nights like this that make up for the less pleasant nights of this lifestyle (rolly anchorages, sudden squalls, pesky insects, annoying neighbors, etc.)
A beautiful table was laid out and lanterns were lit. We’d had some concern when we were told that all the guests eat together at one long table. We didn’t mind, but we worried about fitting in with the resort’s guests as we had no idea what they’d be like. Not everyone approves of the cruising lifestyle or appreciates the presence of yachties, who are sometimes a little scruffier than the average resort guest.
We needn’t have worried; these people were great! They were mostly couples who came from all over the world, but I think people who travel to a Taveuni, which is a little off the beaten path, have something in common: they are into the adventure of travel and experiencing a new place, as opposed to the sorts who just want to find the nearest casino, tan on the beach all day, dress to the nines for dinner, and ask things like, “where do you summer?” (This type of traveler can more likely be found at some of the high end resorts on the west side of Fiji). Taveuni is all about hiking, diving/snorkeling, rainforests, and waterfalls.
We enjoyed a four-course dinner of Fijian specialties (the theme for the night’s dinner), good wine, and some very nice dessert. Even more, we enjoyed meeting the people here, like going to really great dinner party! I don’t know if we got lucky, or if any given evening here might be like this. (Click to enlarge and scroll through gallery below.)
Tonight as we were going to sleep, there were stars visible in every porthole. Outside we had several dugout canoes fishing, probably for squid, like sentries in the night. It was a fitting end to a beautiful evening. I have one more picture to add to this post:
Rum is a magic drink. Rum can get a NAUI instructor to wear (shudder) a PADI hat! How many rum drinks does that take? Many. But eventually it works, at least until the rum wears off. The donning of this hat delighted both me and the Padi instructor who wore it to dinner.
I hope Rich will be willing to post this picture. –Cyndi
