Off to Fiji, Scuba Diving Adventures in the Pacific.

And so it begins, like any journey it begins with a single step and then an aluminium tube hurtling through the air — going west to the beautiful waters of the Pacific.
Our merry band of travellers met at the Houston Intercontinental Airport to start our trip to the Republic of Fiji. Like almost any trip to the Pacific from Houston, our trip began with United Airlines; fortunately our flight was staffed by a large number of “ex-cons” or former Continental Employees which made it a pleasant flight rather than being trapped with a grumpy flight crew.
As we readied ourselves to be hurled into the sky, we were treated by none other than Captain Ron asking us to sit back and enjoy the ride. I wondered out loud if he was still wearing his eye patch. After an uneventful flight we landed at LAX ready for our baggage hike from the United Terminal to the International a Terminal. This was not altogether a light transfer since Ann and I had six checked bags and carry-ons too.
We are carrying children’s books and other donations for the Holy Cross School in Taveuni Fiji which is celebrating its 150 year anniversary while we are in Fiji. The books were donated by clients to give to the school. One special client donated a new laptop complete with reference software that does not require an internet connection. This was completely unexpected and is a special treat for this special school.
Bags checked, $300 poorer and we are ready for the next aluminum tube to deliver us to Fiji. Racing through the sky, we ate breakfast, dinner, snacks, watched movies (Veronica Mars for me), slept, wandered around, slept so,e more and then all if the sudden lights, and Fiji out the window. We are landing in Nadi. Forms filled out, lines snaked through, bags off the carrousel, more scanning, and the we are discussing our massive amounts of luggage with the customs agent. “Yes mam, scuba equipment and books for the Holy Cross school. No, they do not have much value because they are used. No, we have nothing else to declare (of course there were four bottles of Death’s Door Gin but that was within our allowance.
We finally broke free of the customs hall and then it was off to the domestic terminal for our transfer flight to Taviuni. You should have seen that poor agents face when we showed up with six bags and heavy carry-ons. Not to mention all of the other luggage our other guests had to transport. “We may not be able to get all of this on board; the weather is a little questionable and the pilot is carrying more fuel for the trip”. Hmmm more fuel or luggage interesting choice.
Somehow all of it made it on the plane and we are once again off in an aluminum tube. With turbos humming and blades spinning we are off to Taviuni.
As the island comes into view we are greater with lush green foliage and clear blue water. We pass over the resort with a beautiful sailboat anchored out front. After a beautiful landing we are once again moving massive amounts of luggage from the little counter to a truck and then we are off for a boat that will deliver us to the resort.
We are finally here!!