I am recently back from my 40th birthday celebration in Fiji. It was everything I was hoping for and more. It didn't start out that way though! The hotel I originally booked, a 5 star Sheraton, may have been a 5 star hotel 20 years ago but not today. They are closing down in May for a total renovation and its in desperate need of one. The location and grounds were beautiful but the rooms were very tired. After being upgraded to an ocean front room that was as bad as my original room the management said they would move me next door to the Westin Resort. Now this was a 5 star resort. If anyone has ever stayed in a Westin or a W hotel and have slept on a Heavenly Bed you know that those beds are the most comfortable beds out there. I am not sure what it is but between the pillow top, the feather pillows, and 1000 thread count duvet cover you feel as though you have no need to ever leave the room. But then again you are in Fiji and the true beauty is just beyond the door!
The resorts are beautiful. Infinity pools, spa's, great restaurants, palm trees, and a location right on the beach. I would highly recommend people to save up their vacation time and their money to make a once in a life time trip here!
My co-worker from Boston and my friend Caryl surprised me by meeting me in Fiji for the first two days of my trip!
I took two day trips out to the smaller islands by boat. One boat was a 100 ft schooner that brought me to Mystery Island where I learned how to SCUBA dive. I figured if George Bush Sr can sky dive at 80 I can SCUBA dive at 40! The second trip had me on a fast ferry that reminded me of the one that goes from Boston to Provincetown, minus the gay clientele. My destination was Beachcomber Island where the slogan is 'For those young travelers or those young at heart'. This island is a backpacker island full of 20 somethings that don't want to wait until March for Spring Break. There were also a good number of day trippers like myself who are a bit beyond our Spring Break years but overall it was a very fun island.
The rest of the time in Fiji had me relaxing by the pool, reading the final installment in the Harry Potter series, having a few frozen drinks by the pool, going to the gym daily, and being in bed by 11:00 PM all but 2 nights! This was truly a great way to ease into my next decade of life!
I did learn one downfall about traveling by yourself. I missed about 60% of my back with sunscreen on one of my daytrips and got a burn like I haven't had since I was in my teens. I had to go out and buy a surf shirt to protect myself for the rest of the trip. It is just now bubbling up and will be peeling in another day or two.
Interesting fact about Fiji is that canabolism hasn't been extinct for too long in this country!
Hope you enjoy the slide show!
4 comments:
Working for the Fiji Chamber of Commerce now I see :) Steve Fagliarone
Hey Ernie!
Happy 40th Birthday buddy! I know has been some time my friend. Jamie gave me your blog address some time ago, but it has taken me a bit to get in here - you know my fears of technology and machines taking over the world and all.
Great to catch up and read about your stay in Australia and trip to Fiji - place looks awesome.
Congrats on turning 40 Ernie! You know nobody knows you like your buddies of old and of course always in your corner. Would run through the gates of Hell for you buddy!
To another 40 on top of that (that should be about enough then as remember our pact about taking each other out if start pissing ourselves).
Let's catch up next time back home.
Oak
PS - Expecting 3rd boy on March 7. Rena, Brendan and Kevin are doing great. Even Duke is suprisingly still alive.
Oak! I need to get your email address. Send it to me at ebean617@gmail.com or ebean@citistreet.com.au.
Great to hear from you! I was thinking about the times we would tune out to some U2 at all hours of the morning back in our crazy days! Those were the best of times.
Say 'G'day' to everyone!
Congrats on the expected arrival!
Post a Comment