Savusavu, Vanua Levu

FISH ON!
Enjoyed some deep sea fishing on our way to Fiji – caught a large spearfish and a couple of 5’ sailfish. Back into the sea they all went.

Fiji consists of over 300 mountainous islands and 540 islets scattered over about 1,000,000 sq miles in the Koro Sea - with a total land mass of 7,100 sq miles. Viti Levu has an area of about 4,000 sq miles; Vanua Levu (where we 1st arrive) is about 2,140 sq miles, & all other islands make up another 1,000 sq miles, all surrounded by coral reefs, offshore rocks and shoals .

Of the 300 islands, about 100 are inhabited with a population of approx. 937,673 speaking Fijian, English, Fiji Hindi, plus Rotuma. Their main industries are tourism and agriculture (especially sugar) and, of course, they have their own currency, the Fijan Dollar.

Some Vanua Levu highlights:
* NAWI Island Marina – wonderful new marina just recently opened with lots of plans and room for growth. Offered a convenient water shuttle to the nearby village of Savusavu. And an amazing sunset!
* They gave us a private tour at the Copra Mill – a special interest to Gpa – and learned all about how coconuts are harvested and processed into coconut oil.
* KokoMana Cocoa Farm and Factory where we learned the entire chocolate-making process from tree to bar plus got to sample (& buy) lots of delicious dark chocolate. YUM!
* We walked and walked along Devodara beach at low tide. Found a little starfish in its own small pool of water, lots of little seashells, walked out to the small rocky islands, and were joined by a group of kids ready to play for the day.
* Chillaxed with some local Fiji beer.

* Searched out a local hot mud pool (after lots of help from locals) and had the “spa” all to ourselves. The water was actually very clear and a soothing “hot tub” temperature.
* Found the Nakama Thermal Hot Springs which have been gushing piping hot water and steam for centuries and used for cooking (a young family was cooking eggs).
* Saw several mongooses, many “street dogs” and only one hog!
Bula!
XO XO Gma & Gpa