The Un-Glamorous Side of Cruising!

Since it is Cyclone Season here in Fiji, we are staying close to the mainland and are definitely in "Project Mode".

Which means, the boat is a total disaster and we are eating out of a cooler bag, doing dishes in the Head (toilet), and sweating a lot.

Flavio's - come on in!

This is Fiji's winter, so it is very hot and humid.  Even the locals agree - and they are used to it.  Hah! 

But, we are getting lots of work done and not complaining too much.

Of course, we are still finding time for some fun!

So, instead of talking about all of the boat projects (boring), I will stick to the fun stuff.

So much wonderful food (and company)

Along with s/v Interlude and Tanga, we splurged for dinner at Flavio's Italian Shop.

Flavio's isn't a restaurant, but it does offer special lunches and dinners for parties of 10 or more. Just call ahead to organize it.

Just the starters - oh my

What a wonderful dinner - so many amazing dishes.  Flavio really did outdo himself this time.

My weirdest was the Beef Tongue; my favorite the Tiramisu - yum.  Everything in between was excellent.

Eating and drinking for 4 hours - what a special event which we highly recommend!

Lots of toasting at Derrick and Sara's

At the table with us were 7 Kiwi's, who had just as much fun as we did.

In fact, friendships were made and we were invited to Derrick and Sara's beautiful home (with a pool) in Denarau for a BBQ.

Lovely setting for a BBQ

How sweet is that?

They were great hosts and treated us to all sorts of yummy stuff from New Zealand - like lamb chops.

Girls enjoying the champagne

We spent the whole day visiting and had way too much fun.

It was a long walk back to the marina - hah!

Water birds

We have also been spending time at Musket Cove for some water and island fun.

We love that place.

Doug - what a cutie

Surrounded by friendly cruisers and a wonderful staff that knows our names and takes such good care of us.

Hopefully, we will get back out there very soon!

Friends on Interlude

Cheryl and Karen (s/v Interlude) invited us to motor over to Cloud 9 (floating restaurant) for a Fun Day.

Why not?

We had a great day playing in the water, eating pizza, and drinking beer.

Of course, that braves ones (not me), just had to jump from the top floor and make a Big Splash.

Love that colorful water!

We all had a great time - guess we need to do that more often...

Winning Yellowfin Tuna

Back at Port Denarau Marina, there was a big fishing derby happening.

We didn't go fishing, but got to see the catches.

The winner, a Yellowfin Tuna that weighed about 120 pounds.

We were hoping someone would send us home with some fresh fish, but no luck!

Flamboyant's are blooming

Wendy and Ian (s/v Outsider) invited everyone over to their boat to celebrate Aussie Day.

Like the USA 4th of July, everyone spends the day BBQ'ing and drinking beer - hah!

We had a great time tasting their home brewed beer, eating snags (sausages), a wonderful dessert - Pavlova, and lots of other Aussie favorites.

It was a great time. G'Day!

Plus, we have been watching lots of American football and learning all about rugby.  Go Fiji.

So, we have had a very nice January - even with all of project work and the heat.  Looking forward to more island time very soon!