Did I tell You How Hot It Is?

Sunday, January 25. Lautoka, Viti Levu, Fiji. Clear, docked. 28 C.

We are not ones for the heat at the best of times, but this is pretty wicked. After a lazy early morning coffee on the deck, before sunrise, we had a bite to eat and then sauntered off the ship and took a wee stroll down the dock. They had vendors set up and most approached us, nicely, mainly offering tours around the Island, etc. The last thing we wanted was to get seated in a car for an hour or more and buzz around the island, or, sit on a beach and fry.

No, I am not being a grump, but one's expectations of a decent day change when you get older. We have seen some of the best beaches in the world, and at one time we have enjoyed them. [By the way, the best beaches in the whole world are in Maui, Hawaii in my opinion.]

It was nice to get onto solid land today after a few tough days for me, but strolling around a South Pacific Island Town is not as great as it was to us 40 years ago. The tranquility of the ship will do very nicely thank you until we hit civilization in two weeks. I am not being condescending, but developing and such countries do have some rough edges to them, that we, at this time, are not looking for. It was enjoyable chatting with the pleasant Fijians, I must confess that. No, I am not being a grump, just a little weary from 90 years of life experiences. Fellette is in heaven here, what woman wouldn't be?

Son Wally, and Katrina met Nathan, Haley and great grandson Miles at the Maui airport this afternoon where they are spending some time at the same Resort, Maui Hill. 

A Sea Day tomorrow, then on to New Caledonia! A french Island group.

Our clocks go BACK another hour tonight, we are now four [?] hours behind West Coast time. And, a day ahead. I seem to have lost track of the darn time but who cares? 

A Good Day.

Be Happy in your work!

The Fijian Flag is a gorgeous one!

'Ship Day' is a working opportunity for the locals.

Tour and Shuttle buses lined up at 8:00 am this morning, it was even hot at 5:30 am!

Like a toaster-oven on the pier.

Be Careful What You Say...

Saturday, January 24. Docked in Suva, Vita Levu, Fiji. 

29 C.

I remember months ago when we booked this cruise, Fellette and I said that "Even if we never got off the ship it would be fine, we could just relax and rest."  Be careful for what you say or even think! It may happen. But now, who would have thought that that may actually be the case. Fellette is now recovering very nicely and this dude's body is slowly coming back to normal.

I saw a view of Fiji when I was having my troubles yesterday. I saw a High Rise or two. I suppose that even the south sea islands change and build new buildings just like at home. Of course they do, but you have to see it to believe it. However it sort of takes the Bloom off The Rose to see it in person. We did not go on our Long Boat Ride down a river in the bush today. I was too weak to go through all the stuff to get there and back and it is still a hassle with Fellette.

A Great Day Working on Our Relaxing Technique!

Where did the sunny skies go?

There sure ain't no more Cannibals here!

Drippy today in the local market.

Kind of lonely on the sun beds too!

A Bummer Today...

Friday, January 23. Lovely day. 28 C.

It must have been the food that caused me a day of wretched nausea and dead tired. I had a bite to eat in the morning lay on the bed for hours feeling just plain sick. I told Fellette that I could not eat lunch so she grabbed a bite and came back to the room to be with me, now I am the sicko!

I don't know how to describe what happened next without being a bit crude, I will attempt to be gentle with you. I have not had session with vomiting for years and years. I felt bilious and went to the bathroom grabbed the sink and some spontaneous self projectile vomiting just came out. Five times, each, just bang, there it was ! In the sink.

I have no idea at all what happened to cause it. I did have a small piece of German Meatloaf as they had an Oktoberfest-Themed dinner up there last night. Even at that, I left more than I ate.

We are docked tomorrow at another island in Fiji and are scheduled to go on tour in the morning, we will see how things are in the morning. There is not much worse a situation than being sick on a bus or a tour boat I can tell you!

Do you think that we are perhaps cursed for 2026? First the truck write off and Fellette's injury, then today's episode...

A Very Interesting Day.

That's it folks, another exciting day in the South Pacific!

Fiji Tomorrow...

Thursday, January 22. Hot of course. 29 C.

Once again, we had the sleep of the exhausted. Today is a sea day so we just dragged our bodies around until the caffeine kicked in, along with the food, and we got organized.

We also think that we have finally gotten the Shore Excursion business sorted out and in a form that it is on a piece of paper instead of it being on a bloody App. on my iPhone, the way the Ship seems to think is best. They are plain and simple wrong! Until they can get the internet working reliably on the ship they are causing multiple issues with their most important people, their Passengers! There, got that off my chest!

Tomorrow is a Tender Port which Fellette has never been to. Daughter Jeanette and I were here once for a day or two on a layover to Melbourne, Australia. We were exploring a business venture with another gent whom we knew. The venture did come to fruition and it was a small part of Canada Ticket, for some, until we realized it was a good try but would never be successful. In Fiji at that time, 1988, Fiji was in turmoil with a feud between two rival coups. We were hardly aware of it.

I started to do something about getting some exercise regime going. This learning to relax thing, combined with Fellette's chest issue put a damper on anything at all exerting and we became sluggish and have to do something about it. I checked out the gym today and spotted the exact machine I need to use. After lunch I went to the gym and did what I wanted to do. It was trying but I did what I wanted to do and the next time will be easier!

I found out today that I am not the oldest person on the ship, there is a 94 year old aboard. That made me feel better, the same as an 88 year old man celebrating his birthday today, he was so happy that there was somebody older than him aboard!

A Good Day.

Last night's dessert for me. Italian Gelato Ice Cream! Fellette assisted me on this job.

Sunrise this morning, we are now two hours off of Melbourne, Australia time.

This is the machine I used for some shoulder strengthening.

Presto Magico, we searched for and found this collapsible tripod today, missing since we came aboard. It was in a suitcase under the bed, where we put it when we came on board. We were obviously more stressed than we thought. Fellette was also delighted to find that suitcase full of clothes to wear. It was like Christmas to her.

This is a tile mosaic in a walkway by the Buffet Dining Area. Just something pleasant to fill the space.