Our Fijian Experience

Our stay in Fiji was amazing and we enjoyed every moment at the resort, but we felt like we had not had a true Fijian experience. So we hopped in the Toyota Hiace and drove into the mountains. We had read in one of our guide books that nearby there was a short walk to a waterfall. All we had to do was take a quick drive into the mountains, find the village "tourism centre", pay a couple of bucks and we would be swimming under a waterfall. The quick trip to the waterfall turned into a 5 hour experience. After finally finding the "tourism centre", which also served as community centre, village market, church, etc., we were met by Francis our tour guide. Our quick hike, which ended up being about 5 miles return, started on relatively dry ground, but quickly turned into a mud bog. The hike also included a dozen river crossings, not by bridge, just straight through the water. Of course we had to carry the kids across but we got plenty of help from Francis, a healthy Fijian women, who was able to lift both girls and carry them across the river simultaneously. And all of this while walking in her bare feet. The hike was more than we bargained for, but the waterfall was beautiful and looking back on it now it was definitely worth it.

Here is the view from the top of a mountain into the valley.

Francis leading the way.

Beautiful waterfall