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Hands on Journeys treated us to a day in Fijian paradise

This is a guest post by one of our travellers on our Fiji tour in April 2018

Our Tivua Island adventure began on a day promising the first rays of sunshine after Fiji farewelled Cyclone Josie.

A short coach ride delivered us to The Marina Port where we laid eyes on the tall ship Ra Marama which was to sail us to Tivua Island. Immediately we were warmly welcomed by the Captain Cook crew and introduced to each crew member upon boarding the historic boat, a gift from the Philippine government 38 years ago.

Fiji Island Tour

A few of us stayed up on the bow of the boat whilst many seated themselves on the undercover main deck. The ocean and Fiji island mountain views were stunning.

Clouds were still heavy, threatening rain, yet the sun was breaking through in patches of blue sky. We were getting excited about the possibility of this being our Bright Sunshiny Day!

Once we were safely underway the cheerful and friendly crew showed us their musical skills and hospitality by enthusiastically serenading us all and offering an array of fresh fruits and light snacks.

We had our hopes up for a sunny day, but the rain was not quite finished with us just yet. A brief but very exciting squall had everyone dashing around. The sails were quickly lowered by the efficient crew and passengers were heading for cover. Now accustomed to getting wet, some of us sat back and enjoyed the spectacle of many of the passengers scrambling to get their ponchos on whilst dealing with sideways wind and rain. I will admit a few of us were killing ourselves laughing at the amusing sight.

During all the running around the band played on, reminiscent of the movie The Titanic although with a much happier ending. Again, like something in a movie, possibly Pirates of the Caribbean, we exited the squall only to find ourselves aiming at the only visible patch of blue sky… and there it was sunny Tivua Island.

We all eagerly lined up getting ready to dash for a cabana with prime viewing. After the general instructions the Captain reminded us of his earlier offer to carry us back on board (four at a time if need be) should we enjoy the beer and wine a tad too much. He then sent us on our way.

Fiji Tour

As we crossed the wharf onto the island, snapping the most beautiful holiday shots as we walked, we were greeted with the sight of a man holding a huge fish, just caught … to be enjoyed later at lunchtime.

We need not have worried about snaring the prime spot as there were many idyllic spots with numerous shade shelters, hammocks and beach bean bags to chose from. We could relax anywhere, in style, with breathtaking views and our sunny outlook.

It felt like we had the entire island to ourselves.

What to do, what to do? So many tough decisions to make …. scuba diving lessons, snorkelling, stand up paddle boards, kayaking, swimming, massages, sunning in a hammock, walking around the island, drinking and relaxing.

After numerous photos were taken, soon to become profile pictures and screen savers, we split off into groups to choose our desired activities.

Fiji Island Tour

The next few hours were filled with various water activities, laughing and relaxing, sharing our stories of sightings of tropical fish, starfish, baby sharks, coral, various funny stories about our ability or inability to kayak and paddle board, all over a delicious lunch with limitless beer/wine/soft drink and water.

After what seemed like a very full day we reluctantly said goodbye to this little piece of paradise and headed back to the boat. Many more songs from the wonderful crew and stories were shared on the return trip with the only regrets being that the day had to come to an end and why on earth didn’t we apply more sunscreen?

Let’s do it again sometime.

Want to join us in Fiji? Find out more about our 5-day Fiji tour from Nadi here.

Fiji Island Tour

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5 best things to do in Nadi and Denarau island

When it comes to tropical beach vacations with azure-waters, soft white sands and palm trays swaying slowly in the ocean-breeze, you can’t go wrong with a Fiji holiday.

This archipelago of Islands is ready and waiting for adventure seekers or relaxation hunters. The main airport, Nadi, also provides the perfect base for sampling the best of Fijian activities and our five-day Fiji tour is the perfect introduction to this tropical getaway. Here are a few of our favourite things to do in the sun.

1. Private Islands

With lapping waves and marine-life to be discovered, these small specs of sand in the ocean make for the perfect playground. While there are an abundance of islands you can stay on, we prefer to take day-trips to empty, accommodation free islands to really feel that care-free lifestyle. There are a whole host of tropical day-trips from Nadi and Denarau Island and after road-testing them all we put our favourite into our tour. With sea-kayaking, an open bar, a massage tent and white sands to settle into, this really is the perfect introduction to Fiji.

Fiji Private Islands

2. Hot Springs

The hot springs and mud pools in Nadi make for an amazing afternoon of relaxing and rejuvenating. While you might feel a bit awkward at first smearing the warm mud all over your body in front of your friends, after taking a dip in the various hot springs and removing all the mud, your skin will feel fresh and your mind care-free.

3. Fijian Hospitality and Culture

One of the most magical things about Fiji is the people that call these islands home. Bula is a common greeting from smiley faces and Fiji time, a relaxed pace of life, is the real deal here.

You can feel this Fijian hospitality everywhere you go, from restaurants to local storekeepers. Be sure to drink Kava at a welcome ceremony to enjoy a special moment. Traditional entertainment and dancing, sometimes including fire, is a really great way to spend an evening.

On our tours, we have gone one step further and worked with a local community to create a unique ‘day in the life of the local Fijians‘ experience. Not only do we learn how to cook with the community, traditional weaving and dancing but as we venture off the beaten path, this unique Empowerment Tourism experience which was put together by a group of our travellers brings tourist income to parts of the island it has yet to reach.

Discover the best of Nadi and Denarau Island on our 5-day tour

4. Lazy-beach days

Well, you can’t come to Fiji and not kick-back with a coconut can you? You don’t even need to jump on a boat to relax on great beaches. Both along the Nadi coast and around Denarau Island there are beautiful sands to kick back and relax on. Both of our resorts offer lavish swimming pools near the beach as well as direct beach access to ensure you don’t miss those epic sunsets, beach side with a cocktail.

FIJI

5. Local Markets

To really get a flavour of local life we like to take our travellers to the local markets. Not just the souvenir based tourist markets, but the local fruit and crafts markets where you can pick up something unique and immerse yourself in the local culture. Cultural Immersion is at the forefront of everything Hands on Journeys does and this is one way to really dive in.

Discover more about Fiji in our Fiji destination guide.

Fiji Tour

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Empowerment Tourism in Fiji by our travellers

This guest post was written by our April 2018 Fiji tour group

We woke to the type of weather that usually has you slapping the snooze button and snuggling deeper into bed. However, this was the day we had all come so far for. The village and their people were waiting for us.

After rushing about getting ready and gobbling down our yummy breakfast, we gathered at the bus. To our surprise, we were treated with two additional passengers. Two very talented musicians, that had filled our previous night with very impressive renditions of favourite songs, were going to brighten our day and make us forget the gloomy weather completely. As we sat back for our one-hour bus ride, we joined in with tunes from everything from Bryan Adams, Bruno Mars, to The Horses by Daryl Braithwaite. To be honest, we may not have added to the quality of the music one bit, but we added to the good mood and growing excitement.

A brief stop was made to stock up on an array of sweets. Although I did not recognise any of these treats, they did not disappoint the tastebuds at all. Even after taste testing a fair few there were still plenty left for the children and villagers we were soon to meet.

Fiji Football

We arrived at the local village hall and were greeted by many wide smiles, excited faces and hearty handshakes. We were then honoured by the elders of the community and invited to partake in a traditional kava ceremony lead by the men of the village under the watchful eyes of the women elders. Personally, I think Kava does not taste that great, but the welcoming ceremony itself was proud, dignified and heartfelt. Our very recently elected HOJ tribe representative who accepted the first bowl of Kava in the ceremony disagreed with my tastes wholeheartedly and was keen to enjoy more Kava later.

It was made extremely clear by the conclusion of the welcoming ceremony that we were not only welcome visitors, but we were genuinely accepted into their village. It was a very humbling and joyous feeling. Oddly enough we were the first tourists they have had in their village and of course the best.

One of my favourite things about travelling with Hands On Journeys tours is that you are encouraged to be yourself.

After the welcoming, our very own soccer coach was off with the village children in search of a ball and playing field despite the rain, while their mums and dads stayed back with us and getting ready for a Learning and discovery day. Within minutes there was a huge crowd of enthusiastic children slipping and sliding, having a ball. The photography lovers were already capturing the magical moments unfolding before them for future sharing to remember this very special day.
Our yogi who has a huge heart for the welfare of animals was of course drawn to the checking on the village pets.

Fiji Food

There was cooking to be done and food to be prepared for a luncheon feast, so some of us took the opportunity to see how it is all done Fijian style and partake in the process.

The communal oven for today was next door. Taro, freshly harvested from the yard was being prepared as we arrived. I had never even known what it looked like as a plant until then. Trestle tables were filled with taro leaves soon to be filled with various ingredients and placed in the oven. The oven itself was like a pyre of wood with stones on top and as the wood burnt and collapsed the stones were heated red hot. Coconuts were being split, and coconut cream was being squeezed by hand from the coconut flesh. You could not ask for fresher food. Everyone joined in where they could, happy to learn new things and assist with the preparations. The sharing of knowledge, stories and laughter was infectious.

Basket Weaving Fiji

Once we had returned to the hall, I teamed up with one of the guys from our HOJ tribe for some basket weaving instruction. How on earth they were going to produce a basket from one coconut palm was soon to be revealed. The gentleman made it look so easy. Then when it came to our turn, we discovered that the villager’s calm and patient manner came in pretty handy. We weren’t quite as coordinated as we previously thought. To my disgust and humour, the guy in our group did much better than me. I even struggled to braid the leaves to seal the basket….

We also put in a slightly more successful effort making brooms out of palm leaves. I was shocked and relieved to find out how effective they were tidying up the mess we had made.

Others nearby were assisting with the food preparations laughing and chatting to the women from the village. Their chuckles were as big as their smiles, and it would’ve been impossible not to laugh along.

In response to a request from our HOJ tribe chief food fanner (keeping bugs off the food) came my WOW moment! The village women behind me, busy peeling vegetables, all broke into song at the same time. A favourite fun song I gather, and it was amazing! The harmonies of their voices filled every inch of the hall and beyond. I couldn’t help but tear up with joy. Not to be outdone the men then sang to us as well. Seriously WOW!

Fiji Tour Music

After all this fun work and emotion we were eager to start on the delicious smelling feast. The food was so fresh, and we enjoyed every bit. The chicken curry was one of my favourite dishes. It would make my favourite Indian restaurant chef totally jealous. The barbecued fish and fresh river mussels were so delicious as well. There were beans I’d never seen, taro, sweet potatoes and more.

After a hearty meal there was more singing, and no longer being happy just to clap along, we formed a huge dancing Congo line with the villagers and our HOJ tribe. So comical and fun.

The hardest and sweetest part of the day was when it came to saying goodbye. The village elders formally thanked us and encouraged us to come again. They were so sincere and dignified that it was hard not be touched by the sentiments. Every villager, men, women, children even the teenagers! Came to say goodbye with a handshake or hug. It was best not to look at each other cause I could see eyes filling with tears at the same time as beaming smiles and laughs.

Fiji Tour

Even though we were there to help the villagers, I believe that they helped us possibly more in return. They are such vibrant and colourful, people full of joy and love. I will never forget them or that heartwarming day!

This is the same village that never had tourist before. As much as we were there to create jobs for them, we had so much fun along the way and not once, it felt like work. This isn’t about building schools and toilets and leaving. This isn’t about giving locals money and wishing them well. This isn’t about going to their community for a sneaky peak and does only the feel-good Zeist; this isn’t about giving them a bag of rice and food to last a month, Empowerment tourism is so much more than that.

As a tour company, we have helped them to identify their strengths, brainstorm what entrepreneurial business they can give birth to, then give them the tools and training to succeed.

As a result, their self-belief sky rockets, as you can see from the smiles on their faces, their children wouldn’t have to go to school with an empty stomach, there’s food on the table and the next generation’s prospects increases.

Fiji Tour

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