Bula from Yasaw-i-Rara, Fiji!

Hello from paradise to all you folks suffering through the ice and snow! This is Super Bowl “Monday” here in Fiji, since Saturday didn't exist for us. We went straight from Friday to Sunday after we crossed the International Dateline.

Please forward my mail to Nanuya Island, where the 1980's film “Blue Lagoon” was filmed. It is absolutely turquoise- gem with crystal clear water, and just what I imagined a South Seas Paradise should look like. Please check out David's photos below. I know there a lot, but we are trying to send you a bit of sunshine!

Yasawa-i-Rara has a population of 600 lucky souls and has only one exclusive luxury hotel, Yasawa Island Resort, which is discretely hidden among the palms on a pristine white beach.

We took the tender over this morning and swam in the warm, clear ocean, then took a walk to gather some shells and talk to the local people who were selling handicrafts. Julien, if you are reading this, I bought you a turtle necklace. I know you love frogs, but they didn't have any.

The smiles were a wide as the colorful pareas they were selling. The local people were warm and welcoming, with no hard sells.

As I write this, the Super Bowl is playing in the Stardust Lounge, with a “concession stand” of typical stadium food.

Yesterday was a sea day, and again, too full of activities, so I had to prioritize. Lost at Sea scored a respectable 10 in Team Trivia. The highest score was 12. I skipped Art Class (and the Mozart Tea!) o attend the World Cruise Book Group. Joe Kita, who is a writer himself, and who teaches the Memoir Writing Class, led the discussion. The book was “Getting Stoned with the Savages: A Trip Through the Islands of Fiji and Vanuatu” by J Maarten Troost. I like this author, and have read his other books: “Sex Lives of the Cannibals” about his life on Kiribati, and “Lost on Planet China.” He writes with humor and a good description of this part of the world. Currently, I am reading his latest book: “Headhunters on My Doorstep,” when he returns to the Marquesas, the Tuamotus, Tahiti, Kiribati and Samoa 10 years later. He writes a lot about drinking Kava (the getting stoned part.) Traditionally, Kava, made from the roots of a plant indigenous to this area, was made by having people chew the roots and then it was mixed with water. It has a mild narcotic effect, and “oils” conversation, but increases focus. It has historically been used in lifecycle ceremonies, but is now available in special bars, and in powdered form. J Maarten Troost explored the effects a bit too much having 4 or 5 “shells” at a time (coconut shells used as a vessel.) Apparently, it tastes a lot like dirt and twigs and is an acquired taste.

Yesterday, was the Crew Tug o' War competition! The various departments don costumes and compete against one another. It is a little unfortunate to see the Spa staff compete against the Engine Room, but it's all in good fun! The Dining Room staff and the Engine Room staff were the finalists, and although the guys from the engine room were strong and tried their best, ultimately, the Dining Room staff won the match! What muscles on these guys!! The Tug o' War was held at poolside, and it was hot, hot, hot! Cruise Director Rick Spath did a great play-by-play!

It was black tie optional last night, so the Doctor was in attendance at the table. He is quite interesting, originally from Sweden, he has worked all over the world, and now lives in Nice.

The show was “Curtain Call,” a cabaret performance.

I can't believe we have already been over two weeks at sea! The time passes so quickly, even without loosing a day.

We've been enjoying new friendships, but sad that Terry (Bodogbodog) and Kerry will be getting off in Sydney. Terry has been a wealth of guidance for our visit to Australia and Japan. He lives in Sydney, Australia and travels several times a year to Japan on business. We have decided to take his suggestion and skip Shimizu, Japan, in exchange for taking the bullet train to Kyoto. Unfortunately, Kyoto is not a stop on this cruise, but Crystal does offer a two day overland adventure to Kyoto at the outrageous cost of $2899 pp. We will take a taxi from the ship in Shimizu to the train station and take the 1 ½ hour trip to Kyoto. This will give us a chance to experience the Shinkensen, or bullet train, that goes 200 mph. We may get a glimpse of Mt Fuji from the train. Terry made suggestions of a temples, a garden and shrine to visit. With luck we will also get to see some traditionally dressed Geisha as they head to their workplace at dusk. We'll take the train back to Shimizu, and board Crystal Serenity before it sails at 9 pm. Wish us luck that we don't miss the ship! This way, we will still be able to enjoy our visit to Tokyo. (Previously, we were debating visiting Kyoto instead of Tokyo.) Terry is also responsible for our guide in Bali, and many thanks to Pat for sending a photo of Kaydek! The best news, is that Terry and Kerry may spend the day with us in Sydney and go to Manly Beach with us!

All for now—we're off to catch the last few minutes of the Super Bowl!