Fiji... anyone ever been?

[Feldenak]

Originally posted by: fallenangel99
Why not vacation in a non-resort area? I mean like Asia or something, where you can still get the resort feeling, but experience much much more.. or a safari in Africa? Broaden your minds people

Bora Bora does look great though!

Personally Asia and/or Africa really hold no interest for me.

 

[Lola]

Originally posted by: Feldenak

Originally posted by: fallenangel99
Why not vacation in a non-resort area? I mean like Asia or something, where you can still get the resort feeling, but experience much much more.. or a safari in Africa? Broaden your minds people

Bora Bora does look great though!

Personally Asia and/or Africa really hold no interest for me.

Us either. We are not ones to go to a resort and just stay in the resort... we travel and venture to places beyond that.

 

[fallenangel99]

Originally posted by: Feldenak

Originally posted by: fallenangel99
Why not vacation in a non-resort area? I mean like Asia or something, where you can still get the resort feeling, but experience much much more.. or a safari in Africa? Broaden your minds people

Bora Bora does look great though!

Personally Asia and/or Africa really hold no interest for me.

Yeah, I can see people saying that, it's understandable. But trust me, after you go there, you'll change your mind.

It's not what T.V. may make it seem.

 

[Accipiter22]

Originally posted by: Feldenak

Originally posted by: fallenangel99
Why not vacation in a non-resort area? I mean like Asia or something, where you can still get the resort feeling, but experience much much more.. or a safari in Africa? Broaden your minds people

Bora Bora does look great though!

Personally Asia and/or Africa really hold no interest for me.

http://www.honeymooncruiseshopper.com/images/Arieal_Bora_Bora_Larger.jpg

that lagoon formed when an ancient volcano went extinct...fringing reefs formed on either side of it as the volcano in the center slowly sank toward the sea. Now you have the reef (the outer ring) surrounding the center volcano. Eventually that volcano will sink into the sea, leaving just the ring of reef.

 

[Feldenak]

Originally posted by: fallenangel99

Originally posted by: Feldenak

Originally posted by: fallenangel99
Why not vacation in a non-resort area? I mean like Asia or something, where you can still get the resort feeling, but experience much much more.. or a safari in Africa? Broaden your minds people

Bora Bora does look great though!

Personally Asia and/or Africa really hold no interest for me.

Yeah, I can see people saying that, it's understandable. But trust me, after you go there, you'll change your mind.

It's not what T.V. may make it seem.

No, really...those locations hold zero interest for me. The only thing that would be even remotely interesting for me is historical locations and I don't give two hoots about Asian history. (Then again this is Lola & imwiz's thread we have completely hijacked. )

 

[Aharami]

Originally posted by: purbeast0

Originally posted by: Aharami
great, now I wont get any work done today. This thread got me daydreaming about '07 vacation...

I know we got similar tastes dude ... if you were me, would you go back to Aruba this summer, or are there other places you would recommend? The only tropical place I've been is Aruba, and you know how much I enjoyed it there.

I know you have been there, as well as other tropical places, so you can compare it to toher places. Would you say to try a new place, or to go back to Aruba and just live it up there. My GF kind of wants to try a new place, but I want to go back to Aruba. But at the same time, it would be kind of cool to check out some new places. I just don't want to go to some place like the Bahamas and it be all trashy and not safe, and not have as much of a good time as I would have had in Aruba.

We were thinking Belize a while back, but more and more research I did there seemed like it wouldn't be as fun. I mean it seems like you can't even just walk in the ocean from the beach because of the rocks everywhere, and that to get into the water, you have to go on a dock. The water also doesn't seem that clear there compared to Aruba.

Im kinda split on that one too. I loved Aruba...so much so that I'd definitely want to go back there. But part of me feels that since Ive already been there, it might be more fun to check out places I've never been to before. I like isolation wherever I vacation, and Aruba provided that (had to get away from the hotel area, but isolation is attainable in Aruba). Aruba beaches were very nice, but to be honest I like the beach at the Bahamas better. The Bahamas beaches had more washed up seaweed on it, but they were shallower and calmer than Aruba.

Ive stayed at Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach in Grand Bahamas and I really enjoyed that resort. Partly because i got a crazy good deal on it, partly because it was all inclusive and the food was amazing, but mostly because of the beach. I went there the weekend after memorial day '04. The place is very popular amongst Europeans apparently it was very crowded the weekend before. So maybe I loved it so much because of my timing. Best part was walking along the beach for miles in knee high water and not seeing a soul. The sandy part of the beach itself wasnt that wide, but water was knee high for about 100 - 200 yards out, so it was as if we were in a pool. I dunno, Im not describing it well. I'll post some pics when I get home...

but I do think Aruba is a better vacation spot overall. Yea, getting there is more expensive, but it has a mix of everything - calm waters on the south side, rough, amazing waters on the north side. Best part of my Aruban vacation was sitting on the Seroe Colorado lighthouse cliff, hearing nothing but the stiff wind, and seeing nothing but my SO and the amazing 360 view. Also, albeit more expensive, Aruba offer better fine dining (el gaucho). Also Aruba has a better nightlife than Bahamas (was non-existant in the resort we visited, and outside the resort, it all impoverished locals...so no bars or anything). Also Aruba has some casinos if you ever get bored of the beach.

So yea, comparing the two, Aruba is overall better, but Bahamas has better beaches...IMO

edit: we actually stayed right here in the Bahamas. Had an amazing view from our balcony

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: Feldenak

Originally posted by: fallenangel99

Originally posted by: Feldenak

Originally posted by: fallenangel99
Why not vacation in a non-resort area? I mean like Asia or something, where you can still get the resort feeling, but experience much much more.. or a safari in Africa? Broaden your minds people

Bora Bora does look great though!

Personally Asia and/or Africa really hold no interest for me.

Yeah, I can see people saying that, it's understandable. But trust me, after you go there, you'll change your mind.

It's not what T.V. may make it seem.

No, really...those locations hold zero interest for me. The only thing that would be even remotely interesting for me is historical locations and I don't give two hoots about Asian history. (Then again this is Lola & imwiz's thread we have completely hijacked. )

We are the same way. I had actually typed out your first sentence nearly to the word before I read your response.

 

[Feldenak]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: Feldenak

Originally posted by: fallenangel99

Originally posted by: Feldenak

Originally posted by: fallenangel99
Why not vacation in a non-resort area? I mean like Asia or something, where you can still get the resort feeling, but experience much much more.. or a safari in Africa? Broaden your minds people

Bora Bora does look great though!

Personally Asia and/or Africa really hold no interest for me.

Yeah, I can see people saying that, it's understandable. But trust me, after you go there, you'll change your mind.

It's not what T.V. may make it seem.

No, really...those locations hold zero interest for me. The only thing that would be even remotely interesting for me is historical locations and I don't give two hoots about Asian history. (Then again this is Lola & imwiz's thread we have completely hijacked. )

We are the same way. I had actually typed out your first sentence nearly to the word before I read your response.

:beer::beer:

 

[NanoStuff]

You gotta be kidding, Vista just came out. I don't think there's even a Fiji beta yet.

 

[Accipiter22]

Originally posted by: NanoStuff
You gotta be kidding, Vista just came out. I don't think there's even a Fiji beta yet.

¿

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: Accipiter22

Originally posted by: NanoStuff
You gotta be kidding, Vista just came out. I don't think there's even a Fiji beta yet.

¿

It must be some sort of geek joke that I do not get, which makes me exceptionally happy.

 

[MmmSkyscraper]

Originally posted by: purbeast0
Here's the original pic in it's original form, so you can make it your desktop too!

ZOMG, Crysis is looking pimp on DX10! :Q

 

[MmmSkyscraper]

Originally posted by: LolaWiz
no way we are loaded ... there are some good deals to be had, but there are sooo many islands and resorts that it is confusing.
I am just so confused on where to look and where to go.

You're so confused yet you're not using this:



This thread needs more

 

[LordSnailz]

We went to fiji for our honeymoon, it's such a beautiful and relaxing place, we might go back after our trip to HK We spent 2 weeks there, 2/3 of the time on the big island and 1/3 on the smaller ones. Not to take anything away from the big island, it has all the nice resort and stuff, but when we go back we'll definitely be going island hopping. It's much more secluded and you feel more away from the rest of the world.

There's a boat that travels between the islands everyday, so transportation shouldn't be a problem, although I remember it being kinda pricey after a few trips, but hey it's vacation!

 

[Journer]

i hear qamea is nice

 

[WildHorse]

If you go I can confidently predict that you'll love it.

You fly in to Nadi (pronounced ?Nandi like it has an ?n?) on the west side of the main island.

Suggest you use a travel agent to plan exploring more toward islands out to the west & north of there.
If time is limited, suggest you not take much time going east over to the capital city, Suva.

Everybody speaks English. The Fijians exemplify politeness & friendliness. It's good to talk with lots of native Fijians, because their perspective has a good influence on you.

There is an issue with the Indians. A few decades ago, at a time when there was a total of only about 750,000 mellow Fijians, about a million aggressive Indians came en mass & squatted on Fiji, taking it over; the government, the military, the economy. Maybe even worse than the ?Biblical 40 day& night? deluge of Mexicans into California, if that's even imaginable.

The young Aussies you'll find vacationing there tend to be especially crude lewd & loud, not to stereotype but it's true. So if you want to party & listen to loud drunken bellowing all night hang with them, if you want honeymoonesque quiet stay somewhere away from them.

Some of the little islands are all set up for vacationers, with bures right on the sand, palm trees, white coral sand, etc. I like snorkeling the coral heads at Fiji better than on the Great Barrier Reef in Oz. It?s smaller, shallower, closer, maybe even more colorful, and the water is definitely warmer.

In case you land there without much preplanning, as I have a few times, there are some good travel agent places right inside the Nadi airport area that I?ve found helpful, that you can walk in on cold & get excellent help on the spot.

Overall, Fiji tends to be a quiet, more laid back, mellow place, not so much a "night life" kind of place. If you chose Fiji as your destination, remember to take a face mask, snorkel & fins. Fiji

 

[Jawo]

Originally posted by: LolaWiz
I am planning our vacation for this fall and I am in charge of finding the resort.
Has anyone ever been to any of the 300 islands that make up Fiji?

Can you tell me where you stayed?
We are looking for specific things: very romantic, secluded, NO regular hotel rooms. either bungalows or bures (cottage) something like this

I would appricate any input that anyone has!

Can I have your job? You seem to travel frequently! I had some neighbors go and they said it took nearly two days each way to get there (through Australia).

 

[Jawo]

Originally posted by: Feldenak

Originally posted by: purbeast0

Originally posted by: Aharami
great, now I wont get any work done today. This thread got me daydreaming about '07 vacation...

I know we got similar tastes dude ... if you were me, would you go back to Aruba this summer, or are there other places you would recommend? The only tropical place I've been is Aruba, and you know how much I enjoyed it there.

I know you have been there, as well as other tropical places, so you can compare it to toher places. Would you say to try a new place, or to go back to Aruba and just live it up there. My GF kind of wants to try a new place, but I want to go back to Aruba. But at the same time, it would be kind of cool to check out some new places. I just don't want to go to some place like the Bahamas and it be all trashy and not safe, and not have as much of a good time as I would have had in Aruba.

We were thinking Belize a while back, but more and more research I did there seemed like it wouldn't be as fun. I mean it seems like you can't even just walk in the ocean from the beach because of the rocks everywhere, and that to get into the water, you have to go on a dock. The water also doesn't seem that clear there compared to Aruba.

I know you didn't ask me but I'd definately say Aruba. I want to get some friends together, rent this place, and kick back for a week or so.

Looks like an awesome place to visit....Tell me when you finally go!

I agree with fallenangel99, Asia is a great place to visit. I have been to India, and nearly went to Vietnam, Hong Kong, China. Its not the same type of vacation, but its very amazing seeing the Taj Mahal or other amazing palaces made entirely of marble with inset gems.

 

[WildHorse]

Originally posted by: Jawo

Originally posted by: LolaWiz
I am planning our vacation for this fall and I am in charge of finding the resort.
Has anyone ever been to any of the 300 islands that make up Fiji?

Can you tell me where you stayed?
We are looking for specific things: very romantic, secluded, NO regular hotel rooms. either bungalows or bures (cottage) something like this

I would appricate any input that anyone has!

Can I have your job? You seem to travel frequently! I had some neighbors go and they said it took nearly two days each way to get there (through Australia).

No, you fly through Oahu direct to Nadi. At least that's my route departing from California.

 

[bunker]

Lola, my wife and I were there in '01. You might want to keep a close eye on the political climate there as there was a military coup this past December. IIRC the state department isn't recommending anyone travel there any time soon.

We were there for her company (based in Australia) for their yearly get together/meeting. The first 3 days we were in a standard resort/hotel on the main island so they could have their business meetings. Me and another one of the husbands hung out and went deep sea fishing, drinking, played golf, did some more drinking, went snorkeling, drank, etc...
The last day on the main island they took us here which I can't recommend enough.

The rest of the time we were on one of these.

Very small cruise ship that took us to quite a few of the smaller islands. We went to the actual "Blue Lagoon" where they filmed the original movie and got out to go swimming. Went by the island they filmed Cast Away (Tom Hanks) on. We stopped at one island and the natives made us dinner in one of their underground ovens.

Turtle Island Resort is a privately owned island/resort. If you're absolutely loaded (it's $1,632 a night if you book directly through them, may be cheaper through an agent) all of the tour guides recommended it. (It's where the blue lagoon was filmed and where Tom Hanks stayed while fiming Cast Away).

It was absolutely the most amazing place I've ever been and if I could afford it I'd definitely go back. For comparison, I've been to about every Caribbean island as well as several South American islands. Aruba is a very close second.

The worst part of the trip was the flight between LAX and Fiji. The locals (Fijiians) tend to load up on anything and everything so the flight was packed and long, 13 hours there, 11 back IIRC. The 2 hours difference was due to the jetstream.

I've got bunch of pics I've never posted and I'm not in a huge rush to upload them, but I could if you asked nicely .