Tuesday, January 13 – Nadi

Not much to report today; did some trip planning and worked on a Journal Entry. I need to remind myself: This is a marathon, not a sprint…

Fiji Facts for Travelers

• Vehicles operate on the left side of the road (like in the UK)
• English is widely used and serves as a common language in government, business, and education
• Electrical outlets are the same as Australia
• I’ve been told the tap water is drinkable, but haven’t tried (risked) it

Wednesday, January 14 – transit from Fiji to Samoa

I’m off to Samoa today, with a noon departure on Fiji Airways.

My hotel offers an airport shuttle that leaves every hour on the half hour. And the cost is only around 4 USD. Excellent! I’ve booked the 9:30am departure (it’s about a 20 minute drive to the airport).

The flight was via a 737 MAX 8, and I’d say it was about 2/3 full. I had a window seat, with an empty middle next to me for the 2 hour trip. The cost of the round trip ticket that takes me back to Fiji was 465 USD. (Unfortunately these island hopping flights are kind of pricey. But, I’m so close; have to do it!)

Here are a few pictures from the flight…

This is the island of Samoa. I’m traveling to the island of Upolu, which is Samoa’s second-largest and most populous island.

A pretty smooth flight. And we were even served a tasty chicken sandwich on this short island hop. My opinion of Fiji Airways is changing, for the better!

Pretty much my only option for getting from the airport to the town of Apia (where I’m staying) was by taxi (ugh!). I might have been able to save some money by booking a shuttle in advance, but I dropped the ball on that. Hopefully I can do better when I return to the airport on the 20th.

The taxi drivers were lined up and waiting as I exited the arrivals hall. The cost of the trip started at 80 Samoan Talas, and I eventually talked the driver down to 70 (about 25 USD). I’m a shrewd negotiator! It was a 45 minute trip, so I guess the price isn’t terrible.

Sidenote: Normally I use ATMs to acquire local currency, but I still had a bunch of Fijian dollars, so I exchanged some of those for Samoan Tala at the airport.

I’m spending 3 nights at the Tauese Seaview Hotel, which is located behind this restaurant of the same name (what a coincidence!).

I didn’t get out much after I arrived at the hotel late this afternoon, but I did scope out this nice walking path across the street.

Travel Note: I’ve always pronounced this country’s name as Sa-MO-a. However, the locals say SAM-o-a.

Finally, Samoa is one hour ahead of Fiji. I am now 19 hours ahead of Madison.