Well, it seems like it has been go, go, go since we arrived in Fiji. Dallas has been busy working on the outboard, which, after another clean of the carburetor and and a change of fuel, is now functional. We are all thankful for that after building our biceps paddling the quarter mile to the yacht club a couple of times a day. Ash has been catching up on laundry on the boat and getting a feel for the nightlife. I have been exploring the city by day with Ashley, James, and Shiroma. It’s bustling and interesting, but I think we are all ready to get out into the smaller islands and villages and experience some natural beauty and proper relaxation.

Shiroma is leaving Pura Vida today. I knew this was coming all along but am really sorry to see her go. However, she is moving aboard our friend Martin’s boat (Anima III), so we will catch up with them in the Yasawas in a week or so. I want to mention that Shiroma cooked an amazing meal the other night to celebrate Ashley’s birthday–masala curry with peanut and carrot, curried dhal with tomato and egg, mixed veggies (eggplant and pumpkin), fried pumpkin, roasted kumara, pineapple chutney. Oh, and yogurt/banana/cake for dessert! It was amazing, and Ashley and James ate up and went right to sleep after 33 hours of traveling! They seem to have recovered from jet lag now and are looking forward to setting sail tomorrow.

Getting ready to eat some very good pizza

"My Shiroma"

Outstanding

Our first stop is the nearby island of Beqa, which is supposed to have some of the best soft coral in the world and is a massive lagoon. There are fire walkers on the main island as well! We are very excited that our friend Colin will get to experience it with us. He arrives tonight!!