Sharing a few notes about another amazing journey through the South Pacific…

Vanuatu – Mystery Island — halo!

This island is uninhabited. There’s remnants of the airstrip that was used by the allies in WW2. It took about 40 minutes to walk around the entire island, but only because I stopped for so many photos…just beautiful.

And I loved this beautiful walkway, which is hand-raked by the caretakers

Suva, Fiji —bula!

Populated by indigenous Fijian Islanders, and influenced by India—I was surprised by the strong curry scents wafting from the city restaurants.

The people are humble, warm and very friendly. I met the sweetest man selling wooden crafts. Although I’m not convinced the crafts were hand carved by a Fijian (like he told us they were), I bought one because he was just so kind. He shook my hand and said I made his day. So sweet.

Apia Samoa — talofa!

Now we’re in Polynesia territory!

Despite differences in political structure, the continuity of Polynesian culture shines through. The city is clean and the people are very warm and friendly. It was cool to see the connection to the Māori of New Zealand here.

Pago Pago, American Samoa — Talofa!

Just 85 nautical miles away, across the international dateline, is the stunning harbor of Pago Pago… there’s clear evidence of the US influence, with the cars driving on the right side of the road and notably tidier homes and common areas. The friendly people welcomed us, and it was really cool to hear them speak their native language to each other and perfect (American) English to us (they do not speak pidgin English, like we often hear in Hawaii). I’m excited to say I finally got to experience a tiny bit of this remote US national park!

Now we’re heading back home to Kona Hawaii…our last hurrah before we unplug from this chapter

Xo

#southpacific #Polynesia #lovelife