Watch out!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
It's been a while, but it's time for an update. July 1-8, Paul and I are romping through the land of Lord of the Rings, New Zealand! We are so excited about our little vacation before returning to the US. So, on to the post!
July 1- Arrived in Christchurch really late due to some terrible, terrible flight things from US and from Sydney. Paul had to wait for me in the airport, but then we drove to Arthur's Pass.
Night mountains
July 2- After a very long night, we had a fabulous time exploring Arthur's Pass, one of the greatest scenic routes in the country. It was completely gorgeous. One of the most amazing things about this country is that every place looks like an amazing. It's almost an overload!
Arthur's Pass
We also got to do a beautiful hike to the Devil's Punchbowl and met the infamous kea. Keas are cheeky little parrot birds who hang out at car parks to mess up cars. They are hilarious in that they are unfazed by anything...even if you try to make them get off your car door while it eats the rubber lining.
Devil's Punchbowl
Dangerous keas
Later, we went to Castle Hill, where they filmed the final battle scene for The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. We got to play around there for a while in the snow. Paul absolutely loved getting to see big snow. After a beautiful day, we went back to our accommodation.
Our reenactment of the Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe
July 3- Although New Zealand is infamous for having finicky weather, we have been quite fortunate with having sunny, clear skies. Save on this day. But, we were lucky because we essentially just traveled from Arthur's Pass to Franz Josef glacier. It's also incredible that this country is so remote and that you can be completely alone without actually having to try. It's amazing.
We did a couple of hikes and then got to Franz Josef glacier at around 4:30, in time to see the sunset. We then headed off for the "glacier hot pools". Pretty much, it was justa bunch of jacuzzis, but it all felt amazing.
July 4- Happy July 4th! We were a little sad to miss one of the major holidays back home, but also really excited because today, we got to climb a glacier! After doing a hike down near a lake, we picniked next to a crystal clear river. We were taking our time before the long hike before we realized...we're at the wrong glacier! We were supposed to go hiking on Fox glacier! It was 30 minutes away but our guides were really nice about the whole thing.
So, we did a heli-hike, which means that we took a helicopter to a good ways up the glacier, put some clampons and then walked all over the glacier. It seemed very odd for there to be a glacier in the middle of a temperate rainforest. But it has made a home there and Fox glacier moves about 1 meter a day, which is quite fast for such a mammoth thing. It was so beautiful and such a unique experience, we were quite excited about the whole thing.
Happy 4th of July! That's what our sign says...I am a wonderful artist.
After the heli-hike, we traveled to Wanaka.
July 5- We got to spend this day seeing Milford Sound. We took a scenic flight from Wanaka to Milford Sound with our trusty pilot Tom. It was gorgeous and I even got to fly the plane. You never get to see snow covered mountains and glaciers in an untouched landscape ever!
On the flight
Once in Milford Sound, we took a cruise and got to see the beautiful waterfalls. You can tell why Peter Jackson chose New Zealand to film his movies because it was just an impeccable landscape. We got to see dolphins and seals too!
We returned via plane again and saw the Sutherland Falls. Afterward, we went to Wanaka and went to A Puzzling World, which is a place just full of puzzles and mazes. We did the Great Maze, which was super fun but challenging as well.
July 6- Another fun day in Wanaka. We went skiing today! It was Paul's first time and I haven't been skiing in a very long time. We did a couple of lessons and enjoyed the bunny slope :). Also, Paul fell...twice. He's okay, I just like to mention it :). We like to learn things together so this was a lot fun for the both of us. Later we went to the hot tub for a relaxing moment after a long day of skiing.
We have so much more planned, but I felt like I needed to update with the things we have done. It's a beautiful, beautiful vacation and we are so lucky to be here!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Last Australian adventure! So bittersweet, and we had company on this one. Our friends Sarah and Chris went camping with us in the great Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory. In other words, the Outback. The boys had Monday off for the Queen's birthday...and what better way to celebrate it than a day off!
Have you seen Crocodile Dundee? The filming in Australia was shot here and it was breath taking. There is so much to talk about, so lets get started.
Friday: Took the red eye from Sydney to Darwin and stayed in the Holiday Inn. This is part of the reason why we are now all exhausted.
Saturday: Started the day brilliantly with the boys off to get our four wheeling vehicle and Sarah and I at the Woolworth's buying provisions. We bought so much food, but hey, better more than less and starve! Our car was definitely jam packed with our suitcases, food, and water. Paul and I were great with how we packed: we got our 2 man tent, pillows, sleeping bags, and mats all in one suitcase! We think congrats are in order.
All of us in front of our car
We drove out to the park and did a couple of hikes that had Aboriginal art. We learned that this culture is one of the oldest in the world (20,000 years). It boggles the mind that humans have been around for that long. It was neat to see all the different pieces of art from all different areas.
Hike 1
Hike 2
That night, we camped near a swamp...and that's where I nearly died. Never, ever should you camp by a swamp as we found out the hard way. There was a swarm of mosquitoes that feasted on me. Sarah and Chris were probably thinking I was overreacting when I dressed myself in jeans and a jacket in warm temperature, but I was feeling every bite. It was a plague! I not only had lots of bites, but I had welts, that felt and looked like a softball. My ankle swelled to the size of a peach. It was the worst camping experience I ever had. But, I did make a beautiful fire and Sarah created a delightful dinner.
Paul going mosquito hunting in our tent
Sunday: After a rough night for me, we woke up exceedingly early (5:30) so that we could go on a crocodile safari! Sadly, they did not use pieces of meat to get crocodiles to come up to the boat. We did not even get to see the many of them, only two. But I suppose that's better than nothing. Paul at least had a good time taking beautiful photos.
Crocodile
Later, we hiked up to a watering hole (a billabong) and did some swimming. That's one thing that's the most surprising about the Outback: how full of life it is. We saw a goanna (monitor lizard creature we saw at Port Douglas) and of course there were warnings to watch out for freshies and salties crocs, but never found any.
Goanna
After the wonderful dip, we hiked around at another area with Aboriginal art and found a kangaroo with a joey in its pouch.
Chris got to have his four wheeling adventure when we went to set up camp in a very secluded area...or at least we thought so. Turns out that the area is well known and of course, being a holiday weekend, it was very packed. Oh well. We met a few people in the next camp over when we asked to borrow their fire to make our s'mores. Sarah and I also introduced the amazing s'more. Sharing culture everywhere we go! This night was much better than the night before :).
Monday: We got to have a lie in this morning due to our terribly early morning the day before. Sarah's leg was now the one swollen from bug bites. We were indeed in poor shape.
This day, we hiked up to the top of where we camped to the famous waterholes where they filmed in Crocodile Dundee. It. was. perfect. Simply. Just stunning. We swam in the pools and just loved it. Words don't describe, so hopefully these photos will.
Too cute
Waterfalls
Another pool
After this fun experience, we went on another hike that was perfectly secluded with a beautiful waterfall. This felt wonderfully Outback. Then, we headed off to Litchfield Park and found termite mounds that were 50 years old.
That night, we relaxed under the beautiful starry sky. It's sad to think that I will not see these stars again, or at least for a very long time after my time here. This pictures sums up everything I think. Paul took this one and is very proud of it.
Outback night. This one is definitely going on the wall.
Tuesday: This day, we did more swimming around in local water holes. This we found to be more touristy, but we didn't complain. It was wonderful to just relax and enjoy each other's company.
Later, we went four wheelin to reach the famous Lost City, which really is just a bunch of rocks that look like humans created them, but didn't. It was neat.
Around three, we left for Darwin, bringing our Outback adventure to an end. But not the trip. We went to see the sunset in Darwin. It is different because the sun sets on the water here. As exhausted as everyone was, we all had a long night ahead. We ate dinner and then watched a movie (A-Team). Our flight left at 12:00 at night and we did not get into Sydney until 6. The boys then had to go to work. Poor things. I don't know how they did it. I went to lay down for a 15 minute nap to wake up three hours later. We were all beat, but it was well worth it.
Well, that's it. We are almost done with our time here in Australia, but this is not the end of the blog. We do have one more big trip coming up...NEW ZEALAND! I will be coming to the States in five days for my friend's wedding and then returning for this trip. As awful as it may seem, I am thrilled about getting silver status with Delta :). What up free flights? Haha...anyway, here are a few more photos. Hope you enjoy them. And to my family and friends, I'll be seeing you soon :)
Paul and the 50 year old termite mound
Sunset
Exhausted
Have you seen Crocodile Dundee? The filming in Australia was shot here and it was breath taking. There is so much to talk about, so lets get started.
Friday: Took the red eye from Sydney to Darwin and stayed in the Holiday Inn. This is part of the reason why we are now all exhausted.
Saturday: Started the day brilliantly with the boys off to get our four wheeling vehicle and Sarah and I at the Woolworth's buying provisions. We bought so much food, but hey, better more than less and starve! Our car was definitely jam packed with our suitcases, food, and water. Paul and I were great with how we packed: we got our 2 man tent, pillows, sleeping bags, and mats all in one suitcase! We think congrats are in order.
All of us in front of our car
We drove out to the park and did a couple of hikes that had Aboriginal art. We learned that this culture is one of the oldest in the world (20,000 years). It boggles the mind that humans have been around for that long. It was neat to see all the different pieces of art from all different areas.
Hike 1
Hike 2
That night, we camped near a swamp...and that's where I nearly died. Never, ever should you camp by a swamp as we found out the hard way. There was a swarm of mosquitoes that feasted on me. Sarah and Chris were probably thinking I was overreacting when I dressed myself in jeans and a jacket in warm temperature, but I was feeling every bite. It was a plague! I not only had lots of bites, but I had welts, that felt and looked like a softball. My ankle swelled to the size of a peach. It was the worst camping experience I ever had. But, I did make a beautiful fire and Sarah created a delightful dinner.
Paul going mosquito hunting in our tent
Sunday: After a rough night for me, we woke up exceedingly early (5:30) so that we could go on a crocodile safari! Sadly, they did not use pieces of meat to get crocodiles to come up to the boat. We did not even get to see the many of them, only two. But I suppose that's better than nothing. Paul at least had a good time taking beautiful photos.
Crocodile
Later, we hiked up to a watering hole (a billabong) and did some swimming. That's one thing that's the most surprising about the Outback: how full of life it is. We saw a goanna (monitor lizard creature we saw at Port Douglas) and of course there were warnings to watch out for freshies and salties crocs, but never found any.
Goanna
After the wonderful dip, we hiked around at another area with Aboriginal art and found a kangaroo with a joey in its pouch.
Chris got to have his four wheeling adventure when we went to set up camp in a very secluded area...or at least we thought so. Turns out that the area is well known and of course, being a holiday weekend, it was very packed. Oh well. We met a few people in the next camp over when we asked to borrow their fire to make our s'mores. Sarah and I also introduced the amazing s'more. Sharing culture everywhere we go! This night was much better than the night before :).
Monday: We got to have a lie in this morning due to our terribly early morning the day before. Sarah's leg was now the one swollen from bug bites. We were indeed in poor shape.
This day, we hiked up to the top of where we camped to the famous waterholes where they filmed in Crocodile Dundee. It. was. perfect. Simply. Just stunning. We swam in the pools and just loved it. Words don't describe, so hopefully these photos will.
Too cute
Waterfalls
Another pool
After this fun experience, we went on another hike that was perfectly secluded with a beautiful waterfall. This felt wonderfully Outback. Then, we headed off to Litchfield Park and found termite mounds that were 50 years old.
That night, we relaxed under the beautiful starry sky. It's sad to think that I will not see these stars again, or at least for a very long time after my time here. This pictures sums up everything I think. Paul took this one and is very proud of it.
Outback night. This one is definitely going on the wall.
Tuesday: This day, we did more swimming around in local water holes. This we found to be more touristy, but we didn't complain. It was wonderful to just relax and enjoy each other's company.
Later, we went four wheelin to reach the famous Lost City, which really is just a bunch of rocks that look like humans created them, but didn't. It was neat.
Around three, we left for Darwin, bringing our Outback adventure to an end. But not the trip. We went to see the sunset in Darwin. It is different because the sun sets on the water here. As exhausted as everyone was, we all had a long night ahead. We ate dinner and then watched a movie (A-Team). Our flight left at 12:00 at night and we did not get into Sydney until 6. The boys then had to go to work. Poor things. I don't know how they did it. I went to lay down for a 15 minute nap to wake up three hours later. We were all beat, but it was well worth it.
Well, that's it. We are almost done with our time here in Australia, but this is not the end of the blog. We do have one more big trip coming up...NEW ZEALAND! I will be coming to the States in five days for my friend's wedding and then returning for this trip. As awful as it may seem, I am thrilled about getting silver status with Delta :). What up free flights? Haha...anyway, here are a few more photos. Hope you enjoy them. And to my family and friends, I'll be seeing you soon :)
Paul and the 50 year old termite mound
Sunset
Exhausted
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
I'm going to be a touch late with next week's post because I want to get all our pictures from Sarah, our photographer friend who traveled with us. But here are last week's photos from the Great Barrier Reef! Enjoy
Remember, copy and paste:
http://www5.snapfish.com.au/snapfishau/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=4673350014/a=113203351_113203351/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/
Remember, copy and paste:
http://www5.snapfish.com.au/snapfishau/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=4673350014/a=113203351_113203351/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/
Sunday, June 6, 2010
June is just an adventurous month for the Meggses as we tick off our second trip of the month. We went to Port Douglas, Queensland, which is another entry to visit the Great Barrier Reef. You may remember our previous post when we visited the Whitsundays and also scuba-ed at the GBR. We had heard great things about Port Douglas so we figured, why not?
Friday: Left cold and rainy Sydney at 3:30 PM and arrived in Cairns at around 6:30 PM. From there, we picked up our rental car (a mini Cooper...Paul thought it was super fun) and drove to Port Douglas, a scant hour away. We spent the entire time at the Sheraton, and after about a half hour of searching for the place, we called and asked for direction. We found it, but it was with reason why we couldn't find it. No lights. No markings. After sometime traveling down a road that seemed to lead to nowhere, we ran into it. Otherwise, a lovely stay! It was really cool that the hotel looked like it was in the middle of a huge lagoon, which was the pool that wrapped all around the hotel. Nice to have business class points!
Saturday: We were picked up at 7:50 AM by our scuba cruise company to do three introductory dives. Paul and I were so excited, but the getting out to Tongue Reef (the name of the part we went to) was not easy. The boat rocked and swayed and Paul found himself feeling queasy during our little education on scuba diving. After an hour of the sea tossing us around, we made it. The dives were even better than the ones at the Whitsundays, which suffered from a cyclone a few weeks before we were there. We saw so many interesting things, like an eel, a cleaner shrimp, and even a turtle. Nemo of course was there.
Each dive had such friendly fish that would get right up in your face. Paul and I just loved it. I think that we are going to go ahead and get certified to scuba, since the better dives are with the certified people.
Scuba Steve Rachel
Scuba Steve Paul
The boat, Poseidon, was an excellent company, with good food and great people. Our guide, Gemma was really nice and she just loved to chat with us. The lunch they provided was wonderful and the photographer took great pictures that we can always treasure, and decorate our home with!
That night, we went to the town for dinner and ice cream and then just lazed around. A day of diving sure takes it out of you!
Sunday: Queensland is known for a famous rainforest called Daintree, which is the home of the endangered Cassowary. Unfortunately, we did not see a cassowary, but they are about as tall as an ostrich and look like Kevin from the movie Up. Or, at least I see it that way. We went and hiked in a few areas after we picnic-ed. One place near Myall Creek, we were walking along the beach when we saw a huge monitor lizard like creature that had invaded a couple's picnic area. It was so funny, but Paul did not get the camera in time to take a picture. That's what the blog is for I guess! I found a mini sand dollar though, which I loved. It was very relaxing and we loved the beautiful scenery.
Cassowary friend
Monday: Ugh...we woke up at 3:45 AM so that we could catch our flight in Cairns at 5:40...agony!!! I don't like mornings, especially really early ones. So, now I am here, blogging but still a little on the tired side.
That was our delightful weekend. Monday is a bit terse, I know, but we had to get back in time for Paul to go to work. It's so sad to think that in about two weeks I will be making my way back to Charlotte for my friend's wedding. But I will return, so I don't feel too heartbroken. I will be excited to have a home when we do go back. Anyway, leave a comment, let us know what you think. Toodles!
Friday: Left cold and rainy Sydney at 3:30 PM and arrived in Cairns at around 6:30 PM. From there, we picked up our rental car (a mini Cooper...Paul thought it was super fun) and drove to Port Douglas, a scant hour away. We spent the entire time at the Sheraton, and after about a half hour of searching for the place, we called and asked for direction. We found it, but it was with reason why we couldn't find it. No lights. No markings. After sometime traveling down a road that seemed to lead to nowhere, we ran into it. Otherwise, a lovely stay! It was really cool that the hotel looked like it was in the middle of a huge lagoon, which was the pool that wrapped all around the hotel. Nice to have business class points!
Saturday: We were picked up at 7:50 AM by our scuba cruise company to do three introductory dives. Paul and I were so excited, but the getting out to Tongue Reef (the name of the part we went to) was not easy. The boat rocked and swayed and Paul found himself feeling queasy during our little education on scuba diving. After an hour of the sea tossing us around, we made it. The dives were even better than the ones at the Whitsundays, which suffered from a cyclone a few weeks before we were there. We saw so many interesting things, like an eel, a cleaner shrimp, and even a turtle. Nemo of course was there.
Each dive had such friendly fish that would get right up in your face. Paul and I just loved it. I think that we are going to go ahead and get certified to scuba, since the better dives are with the certified people.
Scuba Steve Rachel
Scuba Steve Paul
The boat, Poseidon, was an excellent company, with good food and great people. Our guide, Gemma was really nice and she just loved to chat with us. The lunch they provided was wonderful and the photographer took great pictures that we can always treasure, and decorate our home with!
That night, we went to the town for dinner and ice cream and then just lazed around. A day of diving sure takes it out of you!
Sunday: Queensland is known for a famous rainforest called Daintree, which is the home of the endangered Cassowary. Unfortunately, we did not see a cassowary, but they are about as tall as an ostrich and look like Kevin from the movie Up. Or, at least I see it that way. We went and hiked in a few areas after we picnic-ed. One place near Myall Creek, we were walking along the beach when we saw a huge monitor lizard like creature that had invaded a couple's picnic area. It was so funny, but Paul did not get the camera in time to take a picture. That's what the blog is for I guess! I found a mini sand dollar though, which I loved. It was very relaxing and we loved the beautiful scenery.
Cassowary friend
Monday: Ugh...we woke up at 3:45 AM so that we could catch our flight in Cairns at 5:40...agony!!! I don't like mornings, especially really early ones. So, now I am here, blogging but still a little on the tired side.
That was our delightful weekend. Monday is a bit terse, I know, but we had to get back in time for Paul to go to work. It's so sad to think that in about two weeks I will be making my way back to Charlotte for my friend's wedding. But I will return, so I don't feel too heartbroken. I will be excited to have a home when we do go back. Anyway, leave a comment, let us know what you think. Toodles!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
It's been a fairly quiet few weeks here in the Australia world. With Paul's work and things up in the air about our return home, we have not traveled much. But, this blog entry is going to be terribly exciting because we went to...
FIJI!
For our seven year anniversary (wait, let me just rewrite that...SEVEN YEARS!), we decided to treat ourselves to a little slice of heaven. Sydney has been so drab and rainy for the past month (168 mm) that it was time to get away and relax. On May 29th, our anniversary, we boarded the plane and took the four hour flight to Nadi, the nation's capital. After the flight, we met up with the resort's pick up guy and he drove us to the little harbor where our tiny boat waited. The boat took us to our resort on the Yasawa Islands (Waya). The ride was...unforgettable to say the least. It was very fast but was so powerful that I felt at points we may have been thrown out. The tour was still beautiful and I felt a little like I was in South Pacific but instead of a French plantation man, I had a Southern chicken farmer...I think I got the better deal.
Our resort was called Octopus Resort and it was beautiful! The boat ride took a solid hour but it was so worth it. It was awarded by Lonely Planet as one of the Best Romantic Getaways. It's a nice blend of backpacker and resort. When we got there, we were greeted by the staff (who are all local villagers) who sang a little song saying bula (hello). After being given fruit cocktails, we were shown to our rooms. We opted to stay in a cabin, but were upgraded to the premium suite, with our own hammock, lounge chairs, and outdoor shower!!
That night, we participated in the local welcome ceremony where you have to clap your hands once, say bula, drink this stuff called kava, then clap three times afterward. Fun, but I may need to make sure I don't have any diseases after sharing a coconut with fifteen other people. But whatever was in the kava stuff was interesting...it sortive numbed my mouth. Nothing too terrible, but it was just a funny feeling. Oh well! Can't live until you do things! The time change was two hours ahead of Sydney, so after dinner, we went to bed.
Next morning, we did the most amazing stuff...which was lying around, getting tans, swimming in the warm ocean, and snorkeling. The snorkeling was so amazing. To get to a good snorkeling spot there, all you have to do is swim out to some orange buoys and you're there! The water was crystal clear and turquoise. I could not get over how amazing everything looked. We saw so many different fish,even Nemo again. We could not have had a more fantastic day just by swimming and tanning.
That night, they had a big movie screen up for movie night where we watched Alice in Wonderland 2010. Good movie, good times. That night, they even put up our mosquito nets, which was so thoughtful of them to do...if you ever decide to go to Fiji, I know the resort that is absolutely perfect and doesn't kill you in the process.
Next day was our last day at Octopus and we were sad to see it go. But before we left, we kayaked around and then had massages (for only $30 Fiji dollars...which is nothing!). It was such a perfect weekend, it was so hard to say good bye.
We left the resort at 3PM on the big ferry boat for the mainland. We had to stay the third night on the mainland because our flight to Sydney was so early the next day. We stayed at the Westin and made a few friends...the kind of friends I loathe to see. Mosquitoes. At dinner, I was eaten alive in an hour. Of course, I forgot the bug spray. I had 20 bug bites by the end of it and found plenty more in our room. And yes, there were no mosquito nets in the hotel. So during the night, I waited for the pests and did get a couple more bites before the end of the trip. Sad ending, but I recommend that if you do go to Fiji, bring bug spray and stay on an island...the mainland has more to do, but a little less beauty. So now I am forced to scratch myself to death for a few days. Oh well!
This trip was still gorgeous and of course very meaningful to me and Paul. Seven years. We have been through so much together in these years. We've grown up together. Sometimes, I'm just so amazed and happy whenever I am just sitting next to him. I always think, man, high school Rachel was so very smart. I'm a little wiser in so many ways now, but back in high school, I made the best decision in my life: GET THAT PAUL MEGGS! Haha, I'm very grateful for him and for our life together. He's a wonderful man and I love him very much. Okay, I'm done with the mushy, but I just wanted to commemorate this post to the man who has made this craziness possible: Paul W. Meggs.
FIJI!
For our seven year anniversary (wait, let me just rewrite that...SEVEN YEARS!), we decided to treat ourselves to a little slice of heaven. Sydney has been so drab and rainy for the past month (168 mm) that it was time to get away and relax. On May 29th, our anniversary, we boarded the plane and took the four hour flight to Nadi, the nation's capital. After the flight, we met up with the resort's pick up guy and he drove us to the little harbor where our tiny boat waited. The boat took us to our resort on the Yasawa Islands (Waya). The ride was...unforgettable to say the least. It was very fast but was so powerful that I felt at points we may have been thrown out. The tour was still beautiful and I felt a little like I was in South Pacific but instead of a French plantation man, I had a Southern chicken farmer...I think I got the better deal.
Our resort was called Octopus Resort and it was beautiful! The boat ride took a solid hour but it was so worth it. It was awarded by Lonely Planet as one of the Best Romantic Getaways. It's a nice blend of backpacker and resort. When we got there, we were greeted by the staff (who are all local villagers) who sang a little song saying bula (hello). After being given fruit cocktails, we were shown to our rooms. We opted to stay in a cabin, but were upgraded to the premium suite, with our own hammock, lounge chairs, and outdoor shower!!
That night, we participated in the local welcome ceremony where you have to clap your hands once, say bula, drink this stuff called kava, then clap three times afterward. Fun, but I may need to make sure I don't have any diseases after sharing a coconut with fifteen other people. But whatever was in the kava stuff was interesting...it sortive numbed my mouth. Nothing too terrible, but it was just a funny feeling. Oh well! Can't live until you do things! The time change was two hours ahead of Sydney, so after dinner, we went to bed.
Next morning, we did the most amazing stuff...which was lying around, getting tans, swimming in the warm ocean, and snorkeling. The snorkeling was so amazing. To get to a good snorkeling spot there, all you have to do is swim out to some orange buoys and you're there! The water was crystal clear and turquoise. I could not get over how amazing everything looked. We saw so many different fish,even Nemo again. We could not have had a more fantastic day just by swimming and tanning.
That night, they had a big movie screen up for movie night where we watched Alice in Wonderland 2010. Good movie, good times. That night, they even put up our mosquito nets, which was so thoughtful of them to do...if you ever decide to go to Fiji, I know the resort that is absolutely perfect and doesn't kill you in the process.
Next day was our last day at Octopus and we were sad to see it go. But before we left, we kayaked around and then had massages (for only $30 Fiji dollars...which is nothing!). It was such a perfect weekend, it was so hard to say good bye.
We left the resort at 3PM on the big ferry boat for the mainland. We had to stay the third night on the mainland because our flight to Sydney was so early the next day. We stayed at the Westin and made a few friends...the kind of friends I loathe to see. Mosquitoes. At dinner, I was eaten alive in an hour. Of course, I forgot the bug spray. I had 20 bug bites by the end of it and found plenty more in our room. And yes, there were no mosquito nets in the hotel. So during the night, I waited for the pests and did get a couple more bites before the end of the trip. Sad ending, but I recommend that if you do go to Fiji, bring bug spray and stay on an island...the mainland has more to do, but a little less beauty. So now I am forced to scratch myself to death for a few days. Oh well!
This trip was still gorgeous and of course very meaningful to me and Paul. Seven years. We have been through so much together in these years. We've grown up together. Sometimes, I'm just so amazed and happy whenever I am just sitting next to him. I always think, man, high school Rachel was so very smart. I'm a little wiser in so many ways now, but back in high school, I made the best decision in my life: GET THAT PAUL MEGGS! Haha, I'm very grateful for him and for our life together. He's a wonderful man and I love him very much. Okay, I'm done with the mushy, but I just wanted to commemorate this post to the man who has made this craziness possible: Paul W. Meggs.
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