Bula!

We have arrived! We got into Nadi yesterday morning, before dawn - the travels here went very smoothly. No hitches at all, the kids did great - they seem to have been born to travel like this. We are all just buzzing with a sense of adventure - already there has been so much new to experience and discover. Many a glance and a laugh Jimmy and I have already shared as we watch one of the kids gleefully experience something new, like the sensitive plants that fold in the leaves like magic when gently touched, or the sweet taste paupau. Or sometimes it has not been quite gleeful, as in the case of the first hand discovery of the aggressive red ants (we've learned never, EVER, to touch something these ants have claimed as their own, such as a piece of coconut. Man, are they fast and OUCH do they sting!!!!)

We chose to stay in a non-touristy hotel in Nadi so that we could 1) Save Money and 2) Experience Real Fiji. We've definitely had an opportunity to meet and talk with many native Fijians - most everyone is very friendly. The trips to the grocery and the open air markets are great - understanding everyone's accent is a challenge, and the kids were uncomfortable with being the minority at first, but are quickly getting used to it. In a land of dark skinned native Fijians and Indo-Fijians, the white skin and white hair of the Cahill clan definitely draws the stares! The last two days have been spent playing, swimming, reading as we wait for Saturday to arrive so we can begin the final leg of our trip. Tomorrow afternoon we board one final plane to Labasa. Then we will travel by boat to our final destination, Vorovoro.

My paid internet time is running out, so time to go! Because we have to take a boat back to Labasa to use the internet, posting will be difficult and sporadic, but I'm hoping we can post something here at least once a week. Check back often! XOXO!