Archive for the ‘2001’ Category

Fiji 2001

Posted: December 14, 2001 in 2001, Travel

Fiji is made up of 300 islands with an island to fit every personality and budget. I was blessed to be able to take a one-week vacation during a layover in Fiji on my way to Australia.

It was amazing, and my journey took me to two very different and uniquely beautiful islands.

My first stop was Mana Island, located in “Fiji’s breathtaking Mamanuca chain of islands, surrounded by turquoise seas, coral reefs, and white sandy beaches.”

This was more of a backpacker resort, aimed at those on a more limited budget.

We had dorm room accommodation where I made great friends.

One of my bunkmates.

The beaches didn’t disappoint.

The island was small enough that I was able to walk around the entire island in less than a day.

I met the Swedish bikini team.

This may have been the yummiest fish I’ve ever had.

To catch the fish, we went out on this boat. We also used this sea vessel for scuba diving and surfing.

While the more experienced surfers surfed an epic spot called Tavarua, or “Cloudbreak”, I surfed a nearby break with a Brazilian bro. Most of my time was spent paddling back out through the heavy surf rather than riding waves.

My next stop in Fiji was Beachcomber island. This was a little more upscale, and thus a bit more costly, but still a reasonable $45 a night.

It’s an island that’s easy to get to yet so very hard to leave! Beachcomber Island is the perfect island destination in Fiji. It is unique, spectacular and fun. If you love a great time in the sun with great company in a casual, relaxed atmosphere, then this is the place for you.

It is perfect for those looking for fun in the sun, a bit of nightlife and extensive marine activities.”

Everyone I met in Fiji was in a good mood, locals and tourists alike!

You could tell the tourists by their happy sunburnt complexions.

Kids in a barrow!

The staff at Beachcomber was tops!

The main thing to do on Beachcomber island is lay in the sun, play volleyball, swim, and eat and drink tropical delicacies.

This is the main building where food and drinks are served.

On the inside…

All-you-can-eat awesomeness!

Tropical drinks, sunny skies, warm water, good food, good company…

Sometimes tourists would come just for the day like these young Asian ladies.

I felt like I’d found paradise! I was not exactly ready to leave, but since this was technically a “layover”, I had to continue on with these memories in my heart…

Australia 2001

Posted: April 25, 2001 in 2001, Travel

I enjoyed Australia so much during the 2000 Olympics, that I wanted to return the next year!

I started out in downtown Sydney in Darling Harbor where I worked as a waiter last year.

I had to sample the kangaroo pizza at Cargo.

But after Sydney, I headed North to Surfer’s Paradise, a city on Australia’s Gold Coast, a big entertainment and tourism center.

My good friend Matt (middle) was living here with a couple other bros and had invited me to come to surf and explore.

Ryan and Andrew were Matt’s roommates and became some of my best friends as well.

Surfer’s Paradise is known for its wide white sand beaches.

Matt, always the lady’s man.

The exchange rate was such that I was able to rent a new convertible BMW for about the price of a Honda Accord in the US.

Matt, Matt, Matt…

They don’t make ‘em like they used to.

The bro home…

It was my first time being on one of these amphibious vehicles.

From the vehicle, I got to enjoy the canals around Surfer’s Paradise.

I had to get used to driving on the other side of the road…

I experienced skydiving from 14,000 feet. (Tandem…)

All my bros backed out, so I was left to go it alone.

Australians have such a fun-loving, humorous outlook on life. I really loved this trip.