Fiji is a Utopia where you can do it all or do nothing at all and have the experience of a 
lifetime. But… I chose the do it all path and I’m quite successful. Today, I departed Matangi Private Island Resort, trekked through Bouma Waterfalls, stood on the international dateline, and arrived at Garden Island Resort. My legs are tired, my back is sore, and I’m so dirty that I have to type on the couch, but I would do it all again tomorrow if I was given the chance. I’m officially in love with Fiji!
We were serenaded by locals as we boarded the boat to leave Matangi Private Island Resort this morning. They hugged us like family and wished us well on our journey through Fiji. Between the morning views and the warm wishes to send us on our way, it was impossible not to continue with a smile throughout the day.
I was ready for my first adventure and trekking through Bouma Waterfalls didn’t disappoint. The trail started out with a 10-minute walk to the first and most famous waterfall of Fiji, Bouma Falls, and continued up a series of switchbacks to a second falls. Increasing difficulty and steep trails didn’t exactly match our choice of flip-flops and water shoes, but the panoramic vistas and refreshing falls made the hike seem a lot less difficult.
A three hour hike didn’t deter my fellow travelers from testing out the nearby natural water-slide, but after watching them take a few undeniably painful “slides”, I designated myself as the official, shore-watching, photographer.
Our next stop, the international dateline, was an interesting idea to wrap my head around. Essentially, I was in “yesterday” and “today” at the same time.
After a day of hiking and time travel, I was exhausted.
The Garden Island Resort is my home for the night. With an ocean view and a jacuzzi, I’ve finally found my island time.
If you’re looking for me, you can find me at my private, outdoor jacuzzi. I’ll be relaxing and soaking up Fiji with a drink in my hand. The sun may have set for the day, but the warm breeze and relaxing waves are a perfect end to an adventurous day.
Jealous…… who, me? I must get back there one day. Lovely shots Lesley!
Reblogged this on i cittadini prima di tutto.
Sounds like you are having a whale of a time! I can well imagine that being either side of the international date line is a bit spooky!
As it was snowing back home, this looks even better (if possible).
My husband and I honeymooned in Fiji at the Likukiku Resort. We would move there in a heart beat if we didn’t have to work
. It is paradise and the locals are awesome. We made so many friends while we were there. We are hoping to go back. Right now I will live vicariously through you. Thank you so much for sharing!!
So jealous!! The waterfall is amazing! I wanna go in! xxx
looks and sounds divine!
Thank you for sharing your experience. Now I want to go there!
Wow. Fiji has just bumped itself a couple of notches on my travel hitlist. Love following your blog Lesley, can’t wait to read/see more
Fiji looks amazing! It will be on my trip list. Also what program do you use for your collages? I love how you group your photos together. Anyways enjoy your vacation!!
http://pixlr.com/ for the collages; it’s super easy and fun to use
Cool, I have crossed the International Date Line many times, but always in the air. It is really cool that you were able to be in both days at the same time
.
Those are some beautiful pictures. This placed called Fiji looks awesome. I told mom that I would like to go. She laughed and said that I would be a guest of honor but not in the way I would liked. Not sure what she meant by that. XOXO Bacon
My husband and I met in Fiji, so it’ll always hold a special place in my heart. =) Fiji definitely epitomizes “island time”! You never know what the time is, except “day” or “night”, and nobody cares about it either!
That’s one of the best parts. Will you return?
What an amazing experience you are having. Love traveling with you this way, from the comfort of my library desk, ha ha. xx old lady archivist fan
Glad to see you here. I should have asked you for a piece of clothing with your design logo to wear in my pictures. Next time
Oh I’m always lurking around. Love watching your adventures, babe!
I am so jealous of your avdenture! My friend went to Fiji and I should had gone with her!
I was living in Austalia it was a piece of cake to get there! I’ll make sure I’ll my way there some day!
No need to be jealous. Travel and adventure are possible for everyone if you make it a priority. See you in the air someday.
Bula!
I do believe I need to add Fiji to the travel bucket list. ~ Kat
Very cool and super images of a great time in the island paradise!
Love Fiji, it was a surprise trip 19 years ago this Christmas from my late husband and while I went kicking and screaming because I was leaving a two year old at home, I will always treasure the experience of the time with him, the beauty of the islands of Fiji, and most importantly the warmth and grace that flows effortlessly from the Fijian people. Thank you for sharing your experience in Fiji.
Wow wish I was there. Seen any kite surfers?
Not yet, but I’ll post photos if I do.
Reblogged this on GO OKA WEMOHAWE.
Great recap Lesley! It was one hell of a day.
Really enjoyed Fiji 2 years ago. Stayed in a tiny, tin shack on mystery island. Kayaked with sharks. Snorkeled with sharks. Swam with sharks. Slept surrounded by swarms of lizards. Sounds icky but it’s really an amazing place to visit.
Wow, this gets better and better and looks like more and more fun! Love the dateline pic. How clever. I don’t blame you about the “water slide.” Thanks for another great post!
amazing pictures. wishing i was there. Have a wonderful time.
agi:)
vodkainfusedlemonade.wordpress.com
My brother lives in Fiji! I’d love to be able to take my son there, it looks so beautiful!
Beautiful place to be!
Hi there – great story – living your life your way .. inspiring me to book a trip soon – perhaps Fiji
.. enjoy
PS) Lesley – check out the new posting on my blog – What if money were no object .. I see you doing some of what the content talks about … high five ..
Beautiful! I’m so jealous. Looks like you’re having a great time!
I want to go!
You definitely know how to make the most of your day!
International date line? Is that an “800″ or “900″ number?
As always, awesome photos.
Fantastic Lesley! You are such an inspiration
Imagine me enjoying your experiences vicariously and clinking a glass of wine at you. Cheers!
I am so jealous! Fiji looks so beautiful in all the pictures I’ve seen. It’s one place I definitely have to get to at some point!
You’re having such a great time. Thank you for sharing. Best, Mtetar
Such a great adventure! That date line experience is trippy! Looking forward to more updates!
Great post! Fiji is one of my destination spots on my bucket list.
I love it what an experience! Jesus Salas
Fiji is definitely right up there on my bucket list (if I ever make one). What an awesome trip! Thanks for sharing.
Living the dream Lesley ! What a wonderful holiday you’re having.
Ok I need to know how you do all this with a child?
Wow! Fiji is fabulous! I would never thought about it of you don’t share your experience. That’s a wonderful holiday you have.
Fantastic, you adventurer, you!
Looks beautiful! I hope to have a chance and travel and SE Asia. It would be neat to teach in that part of the world.
Oh, I have Fijian classmates before – university days, I enjoy their company so much! I love the cava (ta-ki!) as well as their friendship!
Bula Vinaka!
Beautiful place. And you got to be at the International Dateline! That is so cool!
I would love to be standing on the international date line. That is very cool. Isn’t awesome to be able to take a relaxing bath after a full day of seeing the sights.
The is the time to relect.
You will place Fiji on everyone’s bucket list now. Wow. wow. wow.