DAY 1 | ARRIVAL IN FIJI
Arrive at the international airport in Nadi. You will transfer to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Island Resort to get acclimated to your surroundings. This is your one real free day to wander the place. If your long flight has zapped the energy right out of your body, a traditional Fijian massage therapist will come right to your bure (thatched bungalow). Using herbal essences and plant extracts gathered from the rainforest, a massage will restore you body and soul. This is just the start of your eight-day South Pacific odyssey.
DAY 2 | FIJI 101
A clue to begin your first full day is the soft breezes that blow off the shore. You will have breakfast at the resort then gently integrate yourself into the lifestyle of the island. Learn basic Fijian in the morning with others just as eager to learn about the country. It is diverse. Hindi is also spoken on the island but English is the main language for Fiji?s almost 800,000 inhabitants. The class only lasts the morning. It?s simply a crash-course to become familiar with the local way of life. You will be able to put your basic linguistic skills to good use when you take a tour of a local village later that day. [B,L,D]
DAY 3 | THE RAINFOREST
In the morning, take breakfast at the resort. This is a great chance to compare stories with other guests--to see how their language faired in the local village. After you have regaled the other guests with your linguistic anecdotes, it?s time to see beyond the resort. You will have time to grab some gear and make sure you have on comfortable shoes. Then you?re off to hike the rainforests of Vanua Levu with an expert guide. The rainforests on the islands of Fiji are unique in that, with the South Pacific Ocean completely surrounding them, the kind of verdant, rich color that permeates the tress is unreal. On your hike, your trekking will not be for naught. A secluded waterfall awaits with rolling streams to cool you off. [B,L,D]
DAY 4 | THE MANGROVES
After breakfast, your early morning hours are taken up by touring the mangroves around the resort. Mangroves are tropical trees, shrubs, ferns or palms that populate tropical and subtropical regions. They are adaptable but still there delicate ecosystems are endangered. A marine biologist from Cousteau?s camp will point out these vital coastal forests of the region, often considered the roots of the sea. A slide show presentation will introduce you to the conservation efforts in place to preserve the mangroves of Fiji. In the afternoon, take that knowledge back with you to the resort. The environmental efforts used here resurface. There are links to this conservation effort and others on the island. You will see this in a few days. [B,L,D]
DAY 5 | THE COCONUT AND THE KAVA CUP
It?s breakfast first thing in the morning. Fill up on the fresh fruit and fruit juices, bread and cereal because you will need your strength for the day?s work ahead. You?re off to the beach to crack and husk coconuts! Get your sword arm ready and watch for flying coconut debris. This is a day?s work well spent followed by a tasting of fresh coconut juice. So nothing goes to waste, afterwards, you will learn the traditional art of making bilo, the cups used for drinking Kava. Kava, made from the root of the pepper plant, holds a special place in cultures of the South Pacific---there is a ceremony held for its consumption. The color, green-yellow and the taste, bitter, do not slow its consumption on ceremonial social occasions or its euphoric effects! Afternoons like this are made for anything you want to do. There is water, water everywhere. Sand, sand and sun to fill every crevice of every minute of the hour. Take your pick of things to do. Take a deep breath and enjoy the fresh air. [B,L,D]
DAY 6 | ON THE TOWN: THE FARMER’S MARKET
This morning, it's market time. The farmer's market, that is. Wander through the local market in the town of Savusau, just a few minutes away, during the cooler hours of the morning. Like any open market, the one in Savusau captures all the local color and flavors of the area---locally-grown fruits and vegetables, fabrics and other knick-knacks. Finding that little gift you promised to bring home should be a snap. After the morning's market tour, by the afternoon, you'll be ready to cool off. Next, head to the shore for water activities: snorkeling and swimming. If you want to stay cool but dry, tour the island in a glass-bottom boat. It will seem like 20,000 leagues above the sea or at least a few but the underwater fauna will keep your eye memorized---fluorescent colors contrasting with the aqua blue. Or, kayak out to Split Rock, a crescent-shaped island with a maze of tunnels you can swim through. The soft, pink corals and red seafans growing on the rock island bed are amazing. People are always asked to be mindful of the coral and respect it. It serves a purpose. Bring your waterproof camera to capture the colors of the sea. [B,L,D]
DAY 7 | FIJI’S CORAL REEF
Rise and shine for breakfast and an early morning snorkel. Swim with the brilliant fishes in the cool waters around the resort. As day breaks, this is the time for reflection. Take in all that has surpassed over the last six days as bubbles break to the surface and nothing but the echo of your breathing can be sensed. Your mind will roll back to strolling the markets, finding the hidden treasures of the outlying islands, learning about the richness of the Fijian land. Afterwards, head back to the resort for some R & R then you’ll have time to bring out your creative side. Mimic the colors and textures of the brilliantly colored fish seen on your morning snorkel and create fish prints. Then, walk the reef flat with a marine biologist from Cousteau’s camp. This is the time to ask questions. Jean-Michel and his team have brought considerable attention to the slow degradation of Fiji’s coral reef ecosystem. You will have a chance to observe the preservation efforts going on to protect this vital natural resource. [B,L,D]
DAY 8 | DEPART FIJI
The outside world comes alive on your final day in Fiji. Wake up early in the morning so you don?t miss your last sunrise over the water and this bit of sunshine. After breakfast, you will transfer to Nadi International Airport for the flight home. POSSIBLE SIDEBAR: This eco-friendly family resort takes into account that everyone wants to discover different things. Children can get in on the action at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort. There is Bula Camp for the kids where they can work on their own creative projects and learn about Fijian life. Most of the activities that adults can participate in, kids will do, too, with other kids. [B]
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