What can a person do with a 15 hour layover? Well... you could clear customs in Fiji, make a fast friend at baggage claim, meet a friendly cab driver to give you the insider's view of the mainland on your way to the port, take an island explorerer cruise on a high speed catamaran, swim and snorkel in paradise, eat a Fijian buffet, be seranaded upon arrival and departure, buy a few souvenirs, and be back in time to wait and then wait some more for a flight running on Fiji time (late and sloooooow). That's what I did and I would highly recommend it.
My first flight left San Antonio at 11AM Monday and I did not arrive in Melbourne until 5AM Thursday, so with that kind of marathon voyage, a dip in the ocean mid-trip is very enticing and nearly essential. We deplaned into an open air deck leading to a small non-air conditioned customs and immigration room. The air was sweltering and muggy. Those not yet in shorts quickly wished they were. I met Heidi at baggage claim. She's a photographer from Quebec who lived in Melbourne a few years ago for a year, has traveled extensively, and was en route to a wedding in Melbourne. She invited me to tour the capital city with her, but I counter offered the cruise and won out. She was an excellent cohert in crime for our adventure packed day. It was not nearly enough time, but given our initially shaky start with storm clouds and rain (EVERYWHERE I go!!!), we sucked out a stunner of a day. Our catamaran jetted past island after island with smaller boats coming along side the catamaran to transfer those wishing to disembark at or return from each island. Most islands were small with a single resort monopolizing the island. Others were larger with hills for climbing and trails for walking. We stopped off at Treasure Island. Heidi repeatedly shouted out, "Jen, we're in paradise" as we floated out into the warm Fijian water. I cannot begin to explain the amazing blues, greens, and aqua colors of the water. We swam away from the shore only about 20 meters and encountered amazing snorkeling with giant brilliant colored fish, even better than what I experienced at Hanama Bay in Oahu. The Fijian people were extraordinarily friendly and helpful, accomodating in every way. I wish we'd had more time, but what a way to spend a day!
