Music – Rain Forest by Green Lab (used with permission from friendlytunes.com . Contact me for any information.)
This had to go in its own little section. This was the same day as the Port Vila trip (not far, but I can’t remember the exact location) but it was so beautiful and amazing. The sad part is that this was all planned by my Uncle (who had been before) and I don’t think there were any official tours to this place by the Cruise company! All of these people were other tourists (some from the boat, most not) who just knew of it as well.
I remember this place with fond memories from the first time I visited when I went on the Fairstar with my parents at the age of 12. Last time (I think) we checked out more of the traditional stuff. On this day we went on another trip with probably the friendliest but quiet guy who drove us around. Learning from our Fiji mistake, we made sure how much we were going to pay this guy. Obviously what we offered him was a lot – he hung around and waited for us all day even when we went to the waterfalls and the little island later on in the day.
This was the first time we as a group saw some of the poverty that was around this area. Beautiful setting but just walking down the streets you can see the vast differences between here and Port Denarau. Also was interested to notice a large Indian population here. When I saw the badly pirated Bollywood films for sales in some of the store windows, I couldnt help smile
The next port of call was Port Denarau. This was a quiet day, I didn’t go on any tours, I went by myself, so basically I just wandered around the little village, took footage, listened to the band and just relaxed. I’d love to go again and properly check the place out, or get drunk at the Planet Hollywood. Looked very nice
Other things I remember
1 – MOUNTAIN DEW!! – This may sound odd, but there’s some silly Australian rule that says only cola flavoured soft drinks can have caffeine in it. So our version of Mountain Dew over here is nice, yet tame. You don’t drink it to get buzzed. On my trips, when I had a moment, I’d stop in different stores and see if I could find a bottle. First stop was Noumea. While my uncle and crew paid through the nose for a couple of drinks at the deli right next to the port (suckers) I paid something like 1.50 or something for a 600 ml 7up (no MD was found yet). I spent half an hour just looking at all the French versions of different foods and drinks over there. Twisties were really popular over there. Don’t ask me why. I could be wrong, but I’m SURE I saw Arnott’s Shapes as well. Being an Australian food, this is pretty surprising for a French colony…
Anyways,
Yes, found some in Port Denarau, and had to take a photo of it as well I’m surprised how much caffeine they pack into those bottles, actually! I’m a pretty steady coke drinker, and I’m sure that had more of a kick than your standard bottle of Coke. Maybe it was the lack of soft drink on that trip (mainly cause I was drinking beer 95% of the time) but I could of sworn that was more of a Red Bull like pick me up. Anyways
2 – Rich area. I mean RICH RICH. After visiting places like Suva, and even Noumea which was very commercial, still had its points of poverty (like most cities), this place was nothing but expense. Looking at the map a few minutes ago, I honestly thought (until now) that PD was actually a small island not connected to mainland Fiji, so no doubt a ten minute drive down the road would show you the rest of the place. Even so, If I had Bill Gates like wealth, I’d certainly pick up a place there for a holiday pad. WOW
Finally getting around to doing my holiday video from my Cruise last year on the Pacific Dawn. imovie is a little annoying in parts, but it’s bloody easy to use and simple to get going. Once I figured out that the video from my handycam will only work while it’s STILL on the camera, and not off (seriously? WTF?) it was simple enough to import, cut and choose what bits I want. And cut out the naughty words my uncle says so I can get it on youtube without getting into trouble.
This is the first of many. Unfortunately (or fortunate, if you look at it that way, thanks…) because of the ten minute limit on youtube it’s going to take a little chopping once I’ve done my version that I’m going to put onto DVD. The Noumea van drive around the island is being converted and created as I speak. Hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the trip. I’m definitely going on another of these trips
I’m surprised how much caffeine they pack into those bottles, actually! I’m a pretty steady coke drinker, and I’m sure that had more of a kick than your standard bottle of Coke. Maybe it was the lack of soft drink on that trip (mainly cause I was drinking beer 95% of the time) but I could of sworn that was more of a Red Bull like pick me up. Anyways 
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