Fiji

Feb 7, 2026

Nadi, Fiji We are thoroughly enjoying our time in Nadi, Fiji. Lounging around this gorgeous swimming pool with an ocean view, listening to the random sounds of music and drums, watching warm-weather sunsets, and seeing the pathways and pool area lit with tiki fires all combine to create lasting memories. This morning Debby and I sat on our second-floor veranda drinking coffee while the wind blew and the rain fell. It was beautiful to watch, even though it was still dark. Yesterday we loaded

into a van with a driver for a look around Nadi. We stopped for a short visit at a local farmers market. I was impressed with the huge displays of fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Some of the vegetables were new to me, although I did recognize taro root. I had eaten some a few years ago during my first visit to Fiji.

There were also many craft items available for purchase. We picked up a few things we really needed—like trinkets and doo-dads. You can’t have too many of those things, you k

Back in the van, we drove out toward the Sabeto Mountain Range to visit Fiji’s Garden of the Sleeping Giant, a 49-acre botanical garden located near the base of the Sleeping Giant mountain. For the record, the Sleeping Giant is actually a mountain formation, not Bigfoot, Sasquatch, the Yeti, or anything like that. The mountain range simply resembles the shape of a giant sleeping head. The property was once owned and developed by the American actor Raymond Burr—better known as Perry Mason. Mr. Burr loved Fiji so much that he practically lived here. He even purchased a 4,000-acre island. He imported many varieties of plants, trees, and flowers, including over 2,000 varieties of orchids, which were his favorite. He also cultivated new varieties, including one he named the Barbara Hale Orchid.

We walked along a covered pathway surrounded by amazing plants and flowers while our staff guide explained everything we saw. Not only could she identify each plant, but she also knew its history and country of origin. She was amazing. We might ask, “What’s that small bush?”

She would reply, “That is a ______ palm. It is believed to be one of the oldest palm varieties. It originally came from ______.” Or someone might ask, “What kind of tree is that?”

She would respond, “Those three trees are mahogany trees from the Philippines that Mr. Burr imported and planted himself.” The trees were very tall and probably about fifteen inches in diameter. Our guide could talk endlessly about any plant we pointed out. Her knowledge was impressive. After the covered walkway ended, we continued into a forested area where gardeners carefully maintained the plants. The path eventually opened into a small clearing with picnic tables and a gazebo located a short distance up a hill where weddings and special events are held. It was a beautiful setting near a small pond with a bridge crossing a stream. Lily pads and small fish made it a peaceful place to sit and think.

Afterward we drove up one of the mountains to a property owned by Rosie’s Travel. The dirt road leading up the mountain was rough and rocky, probably from previous rains washing away the loose soil. The view from the top was spectacular, and the landscaping was beautifully manicured. After taking many pictures, we were served dishes of tropical fruit and fresh coconut. We sat around a long picnic table beneath a canopy. That was fortunate, because the wind and rain arrived just before we climbed back into the van. Fortunately the shower lasted only a minute or two before moving on.

From there we visited a Fijian village for a guided tour. The women in our group were given cloth wraps to wear around their legs, which looked like dresses. This is part of Fijian custom and the garment is called a sulu. The older matriarch of the village guided our tour. She explained many of their customs and showed us their church. I believe she said about 300 people lived in the village. We took pictures of their community center and the inside of the church as well. The Fijians were once known for cannibalism, and that fact was mentioned several times during the day. We even saw a replica of a stacked rock oven that had been used by cannibals back in the 1800s. Today, however, Fijians are very religious people, with Christianity making up about 73% of the population. Today Eric and I hired a taxi and driver for three hours to go downtown to Nadi for some shopping and lunch. It was great. I invited our taxi driver to join us for lunch and offered to buy his meal. He graciously accepted but ordered only a bowl of ice cream. Eric and I enjoyed a vegetable dish with prawns and white rice. It was very tasty. When the food arrived, I offered a blessing. Our driver told me that was the first time he had ever heard a tourist pray before eating. He was impressed and told me he was an elder in his church. He then asked about my religion, and I explained that I had served as an elder in our church for 23 years. He seemed very pleased to hear that. While Eric and I were downtown, Debby relaxed around the pool while the Pinkertons took a tour to another Fijian village where they experienced a jet boat ride and a traditional kava ceremony. Mike Pinkerton was even named the chief of his visiting tribe. A good time was had by all.

Later we all enjoyed swimming and relaxing around the pool while listening to groups of Fijian men playing guitars and enthusiastically singing American songs—loudly and slightly off-key. Priceless. Our condo complex is the Club Wyndham, the same place Debby, Nancy, Ron, and I stayed several years ago when it was called WorldMark Resort. Now, twenty years later, the vegetation has matured and the palm trees stretch high into the sky. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and carefully maintained. Several new buildings have been added and many renovations have taken place. For some reason, however, there is no longer a beach. Along the ocean’s edge there is now a berm of stacked rocks across the property. Twenty years ago there was a sandy beach several feet wide. I’ll have to check some old photos when I get home because I’m curious about what changed. The swimming pool is still the resort’s main attraction. They claim it is the longest swimming pool in the Southern Hemisphere. Because this is the warm season, it is well used and enjoyed by everyone. The giant hot tub is a magnet for children. I’m not sure I want to share the same water with a bunch of little kids, if you know what I mean. Our second-floor condo has an amazing view. The garden below is beautiful, with running water flowing beside a wooden boardwalk. We ate our meals at a large table overlooking the whole scene. No sooner would we finish eating and step inside than the myna birds would swoop down to gather crumbs and carry them away. One day we accidentally left the sliding patio door open. When I walked into the living room I discovered three myna birds inside the condo! They simply turned around and walked back outside when they saw me. Debby, Eric, and I stayed in a three-bedroom unit on the second floor. We also rented a two-bedroom unit on the ground floor for the Pinkertons. Sandra had broken her foot a few weeks earlier and was using a knee scooter to get around, so the ground-floor unit made things easier for her. Although we stayed only four days, we had to rent the condos for an entire week. What a waste! Not only that, but we used only two of the three bedrooms in our unit, and there was also a full-size Murphy bed in the living room. The Pinkertons had another Murphy bed in their unit that no one used. Did anyone want to come along with us? Fiji is a wonderful place. The people may not have a lot materially, but few people express more contentment and happiness than the Fijians. They live relaxed lives, appreciating what God has given them. On Sunday—the same day we left for Singapore—we attended worship at the Fiji Church of Christ. Their main building was being renovated, so the congregation was meeting in a large tent near the airport. It was a surprisingly comfortable setup with windows, glass doors, and covered chairs.

The worship service included guitar and bongos, although much of the singing was still a cappella. The preacher, a young man named Matt from Australia, had moved to Nadi about eight years ago and married a part-Fijian woman. He was an excellent preacher. The people there were some of the friendliest we have ever met. Many of them came past our row after the service just to shake our hands. It was one of those congregations that you would be happy to be part of. I’m very glad we went. Now we are cruise ready. 🌏🚢