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A Tall Ship with A Tall TaleBy Lynda Joy SmithBula. ( Hello).
Torch on….. Torch out. Ten minutes later, more hubby yelling, “Something is crawling up my leg!” Torch on…minutes later, can’t see anything. Torch out. Rest of night spent with knees up, covered by a sheet. Breakfast next morning revealed all. The beachfront bure next to us had the very large spiders, garden bures actually had a visual viewing of rats, there was one spider bite and we all squealed about the early morning crabs on the loo run. Second night was classified as a bonding night by those who stayed up all night, kept the bar open and a crab security torch on those who were sleeping just above high tide line on the beach. Rumor had it that one couple actually started floating out to sea. Believable? Anything goes on a Captain Cook Tall Ship Sailing Safari. Vinaka (Thank you). I’ll be back as soon as I can. Best time to visit The cool, dry months are May to October. Hot, wet season can start in November Tip: Drink Kava in one swallow. For more information contact: www.captaincook.com.au Images By: Lynda Joy Smith |
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TM
Fiji.
Love those 800,000 smiles by the friendliest people on earth,hate those sea
snakes, rats and spiders. I managed to experience all of these on a Captain
Cook Sailing Safari. Three days and two nights on “The Spirit of The
Pacific’, an authentic tall ship that transported us to remote islands. Sit
back, relax. This is truly not a hard maxim to comply with when your every
need is catered to by a wonderfully happy crew. An added bonus is deck side
dining with a view to die for. Fun is on the menu from the words, “Cast
off”.
Our
destination, the private Captain Cook Safari Village nestled on one of
Southern Yasawa Islands. Mooring at low tide meant we could only go so far
by dinghy. So over the side and walk in, (scream!) is that a black and
white-banded sea- snake? The safari village came with every mod con, plus
that little bit more. Overnight accommodation ranged from sea-view or garden
bure, or how about a sailor’s berth on ship? The village was really cute
(visually and culturally). Family groups from the opposite side of the
island built the village in the traditional style and each bure proudly
displays the family nameplate. A large central bure acts as the place to
meet, eat, drink and dance.
Plus,
talk about those open air showers! How often do you get to sing Rodgers and
Hammersteins famous song from South Pacific.” I’m gonna wash that man right
out of my hair”, in a real tropical island setting with a real young
gorgeous man in the half shower next door? 
Dance
the night away, Fijian style. It was imperative that we learnt the local
meke (dance), and the correct responses during the Kava ceremony. The next
day we were to participate in a Sevusevu welcome, and the Yaqona, Kava
ceremony. Courtesy and dignity to visitors is a priority to Fijians and we
were aware of showing the polite response, so we practiced really hard at
our dancing and drinking. Hubby was quite impressed that during the actual
ceremony women sat at the back, and weren’t allowed to speak.
Bed
time and off we went by torchlight (no, there is no electricity). Watch your
head, as bure doorways are very low. Think sand base, blue tarp, foam
mattress, two sheets, two pillows and you are there. Torch out until hubby
starts yelling. ”Something bit my toes!”