Our Swim Week is over but we allowed an extra day for downtime.
It was a slow start after parting last night. Though we were all in the pool by 8.15. A special session for all the swimmers.
Lots of giggles. the energy in this group is infectious. We bounced and sang along and waved arms in the air.
Even the pool attendants got into it.
Quick showers then it was off to the champagne breakfast. Though I couldn’t face champagne. Definitely too much last night.
Groups were saying farewelling, hugging and swapping contact details. It’s wonderful how after 5 days of a shared holiday mostly in swimmers leads to friendships that last! A common goal like swimming unites.
We spent the rest of the day lounging, reading, walking and not eating. Definitely too many meals this week.
I walked and called in to see the kids club. No wonder so many parents love coming to Fiji. The locals are so beautiful to the little ones. You often see a restaurant attendant walking around holding a baby so the parents can eat in peace.
The kids club also offer hair braiding, colouring, and face painting. All the little ones have braided hair with beads dangling!
The day went quickly and by 6pm e headed to the Waitui Club for a farewell dinner and to celebrate Chris’ birthday.
It was a beautiful evening and our table for 7 was perfectly placed on the veranda.
I told our lovely waitress Kata it was Chris’ birthday -so at dessert time she and about 8 staff all gathered singing a special three verse version of happy birthday ending with cheers and blessings.
She then took a photo and put herself in it!
Our evening finished with farewell hugs for our NZ friends David, Kim and Avy.
It’s been a wonderful week and as if they knew it was out last night , when we got back to our room, fireworks started on the beach in front.
Blue skies, happy people , connections being made and no bananas left for breakfast.
Onto the boat by 9 and by the time we arrived 30 mins later it was windy and overcast.
Walked down the pier with Mesu who looked after me all day. Called me Miss Fran!
Islands always have a windy side. And thankfully a calm side. The swim had to be changed. Not around the island this time. A course with markers on the calm side. 1 lap for the 1km swim and 3 laps for the 3km.
Lots of place to sit
But we chose…….
By the side of the infinity pool. Cocktail in hand.
The first race was quickly under way. A woman won it – just beating the 11year old son of Ky Hurst. It was so lovely to see them hug after the race.
Then the racers came in thick and fast.
They got the 3km race off quickly as the wind was getting stronger.
In they go. Not too rocky today.
We went to our great place got in the pool and watched them swimming by 6 times – a loop done 3 times.
See the swimmers behind us!
Ky Hurst won in 32 mins. He was cruising. A lovely man named Dean Duckworth has been runner up to Ky in all three races.
Steve made it back.
David & Kim our NZ friends did well. Especially Kim. And new friend Avy was just amazing!
Avy came in 12th. Beating some much younger people.
My favourite group are the pink ladies. For lovely friends from Northbridge Sydney.
Fun ladies in matching pink.
Medals were given to all and the prize giving will be tonight.
Then it was lunch time. Aset under the trees the choices had everyone piling their plates high. Lots of choices, places to sit and a great bar. Steve had two beers and fell asleep!
People sat, drank – mostly cocktails, recovered, snorkelled, walked around the little island, chatted until 3o’clock when we were herded back on the boat.
But not before the famous jetty jump. The game party people set off. This included Jill. They took the long walk out along the windy jetty. It was about a 3 metre jump. Jill just couldn’t do it. And I don’t blame her. The pink costume ladies did it and claimed they had the best sinus wash!!!
The pink costume ladies ready to jump!
Back on the boat everyone was just a little quiet. A bit weary I guess.
A short break back at the hotel before the Celebration dinner.
Everyone was told to dress to impress. Most dressed right up.
And the dancers certainly dressed up.
The awards were given. On our table of friends we had a first place winner in the over 70’s. Avy was also about 10 overall!
Kim was 3rd in the over 60’s. We cheered our talented friends along with all the other winners
Avy on the left Kim on the right.
Then the dancing started.
Oh what a night.
Deanne, me, Jill and Avy.
Off to bed because we have aqua aerobics at 8.15!
It’s been a great swim week. We’re staying on another night. A lot are leaving for home tomorrow and some are going to another island for a few days.
If you like swimming then Swim Week Fiji is a great week. Very different to wonderful swim treks we have done. they have 15 swimmers. These have 200 and as they say 5 days , 3 swims and 0 worries.
Bula. This friendly greeting is said by everyone you pass in this land of smiles.
It’s a traditional greeting. A hello. Or Hi. It’s easy to say and so lovely. The breakfast staff are full of greetings and smiles. How can you not start the day well when you are so well looked after. Nothing is too much trouble.
Today’s swim is here at the Sofitel. Right out the front. So a light breakfast. Did I mention how yum the local peanut butter is!!!! I had a little on toast before we headed to the beach front. The flags were up. The swimmers were all greeting each other like lifetime friends – which they probably will be by the end of this week.
The end of swim flags with our grass skirt class warriors.
Scott Rice , the organiser gives a clear briefing for the first swim. The 1 km. Conditions are much better, so optimism is high amongst the swimmers.
People are all rubbing cream onto each other. The anti lice cream is getting a big following. Quite a few got eaten by the lice yesterday and we know there are lice here. So much rubbing is going on. Armpits, under swimmers- no one is shy here!
The first race is off- a deep water start.
Jill and I waited, then leisurely entered the water for our private race for two. Water temperature is beautiful.
We swam around the area next to the course until we saw the first swimmers returning. The pool swimmers were favoured today in the flat conditions. But Ky Hurst’s young son once again came second.
I spoke to him after and he is such s a lovely kid.
As they finished people had jubilation written all over their faces.
Then the 3km briefing.
The briefing with Kim & Steve centre photo.
Into the water and away to the sound of the conch shell.
The young Fijians filled in time teaching a little one how to blow the conch shell.
And practised doing the Floss dance. To the cheers of the crowd.
The US guy was able to pull his passenger along.
Tobin about to set off.
He set of last but unfortunately as he overtook people ( he’s such a strong swimmer) the kayak hit a few swimmers. They weren’t happy so she had to be towed back by a jet ski.
Once again Ky Hurst cruised home for a win.
Our friends from NZ, Avy and Kim came in not far behind the leaders in under an hour.
AvyKim
David and Steve swam well and came in just over the hour I was in a good spot for cheering on the swimmers. They are all shapes and sizes. And the variety of swimwear is amazing.
Steve running towards the finish.
We had lunch by the water outside the Waitui Club. It’s an adults only section of the hotel.
Jill, Avy and I walked after lunch. Just down to the Marina about 2 km away. Bought a few tshirts for the kids and a jar of the local peanut butter.
Back to the infinity pool a sit on the deck chairs, a book and a cocktail completed the afternoon.
The evening drink session and days wrap was again a success. The 5 minute highlights movie is terrific. Lots of claps and cheering as some very happy people ran, jogged, danced and in one case fell over the finish line.
We sat with some new friends and had a pizza before heading to our room.
Our day started early. We received a wake up call at 6.30 – but not for us. For someone flying out ! We were already up and preparing for a day on South Sea Island.
The breakfast room was buzzing. Swimmers were all keeping the food stations busy. A big demand for bananas emptied the bowl quickly!
We sensibly had eggs to keep us going. And toast with the famous local peanut butter.
Getting in the bus the photographer called ‘Got your swimmers?’ One lady obviously didn’t hear that. On the island there was another call ‘anyone got some size 14 ladies swimmers’ poor lady.
We got the bus to the marina and once all 200 were on board we set off. The weather was cloudy. The wind a little brisk. We met some new people onboard. That’s the special thing about swimming holidays. The people are usually very friendly and down to earth. It’s a bit hard to be a pain or posh in your swimmers with a cap and goggles on.
Thirty minutes later we were in a smaller boat being shipped to shore. It’s the cutest little island. Usually home to back packers – they had been moved off for the day to visit other islands to allow us to have the whole island.
Conditions were not as good as we hoped but Jill and I decided we would try the swim around the island. About 1km.
We watched the big group go off then started behind them.
Along came Deanne a new friend from Brisbane. She had started with the race goers then decided – it’s too tough. She got out then saw us going in so joined us. But … ……..
Mistake 1. It was very shelly, coral bedding leading into the water and we didn’t have our reef shoes on so Ouch!
Mistake 2 We didn’t swim out far enough and before long came to a rocky shelf with small waves pushing us. I got snagged on a rock then immediately got worried about my new knee. So much rough rock and coral. I couldn’t get a cut on the new knee. The infection would be a disaster. So there I am I’m trying back off the rocks.
My swimmers got a small hole in the front. Better my swimmers than my skin.
We swam about 3/4 of the island before deciding to swim in. Alas, more coral and I couldn’t stand up. One of the beautiful Fijian helpers came to my rescue and hauled me to my feet.
Feeling relieved I’d made it back I asked myself. What were you thinking! I have no antibiotics and a coral cut gets infected very quickly. From now on sensible me.
Chris swam almost to the end but got out early as did lots of swimmers.
Next race – the 3km. They cut it back to 2km Steve, David, Kim and new friend Avy lined up all smiles.
It was tough out there but Steve did his best and Avy, a pocket rocket came in 13th overall and Kim not far behind ! Beating Steve and David!
It was a mighty effort from them all.
Ky Hurst ( former lifesaving champion and Olympian ) is the guest swimmer and won the race by a long way! He had also swum earlier with his 11yr old son in the 1 k race. His son came 2nd. And he’s only 11. A champion in the making.
Swimming over it was relaxing time with a bbq lunch and an open bar.
Then it was time for the traditional welcome.
The afternoon drifted on until it was time to return on the boat.
Back on the small boat. Out to the large boat and back to the hotel. Some very tired people on board.
Showers in the hotel were very welcome. A little rest then off to the drinks party.
They had the swim results up.
Steve did well. Avy came first in the over 70’s and 13th overall. What a champ! Kim came 5th in her age group. Steve 6th and David 7th.in the over 70’s
The party included a video of the days activities. Lots of fun recalling the day.
Scott Rice the organiser. The colourful Coolangatta girls!
The evening finished with pizza on the verandah and a wee drink.
Another day and another swim tomorrow. This time it’s outside it resort.
We woke this morning to grey cloudy skies – but by mid morning it was warm and sunny. Perfect.
Breakfast was in a large airy garden room with lots of food stations scattered around. Everything from tropical fruits – where the bananas look green but are beautifully ripe inside to delicious locally made peanut butter for the many varieties of toast. Smoothies, pancakes, crafted omelettes, chocolate crackles, Asian food , vegetables. You name it was there.
I ordered coffee at the drinks station. And asked for lactose free milk. The young Fijian said they didn’t have any but offered almond. When he delivered it to me he brought a half carton of lactose free milk to put in my fridge. He said he was lactose free and had some in his room. So very kind. A little reward coming his way !
As we finished we heard the sounds of singers warming up. A small choir of a cappella voices. The men and women were so into it – smiling and singing. They sing farewell to guests leaving. Or for birthdays. It’s a song saying thank you for choosing Sofitel!
After checking out the activities board we decided it was an aqua class for us.
A bit different to my usual class at Centenary pool it was still lots of fun and a way to stay cool. Jill and I followed up with a swim in the sea.
Jill, Kim and me – in the blue hat.
Tomorrow the choices are …..
If you haven’t been to Fiji, it’s a beautiful laid back place. The locals are sweet and kind and love children. And they love a chat. I’m writing this sitting on a deck chair beside the pool. No less than 4 different staff have approached me to ask if they can get me anything! But mostly to chat.
Nearby local ladies are braiding hair and giving neck and shoulder massages.
Around me are families with assorted children – most with braided beaded hair, couples enjoying some quiet time. Families over various generations. In fact Fiji is perfect for grandparents to bring their children and grandchild. There’s something for everyone.
After Aerobics we took the short 15 min walk to the Marina. Lots of boats leave from here for the islands. I expected market type stalls but there is a little shopping and eating precinct. So we had some lunch before walking through lush gardens back to the hotel.
Crossing the bridge back to the hotel The little bus we could have used to get to the marina. David, Chris and Steve
I went to the little trading post this morning. We have a complimentary bar in our room with about 10 cans of assorted drinks, chocolate and chips. You can use as much as you like and it’s replaced each day OR you can trade it a little store. 6 cans is equal to one bottle of wine or bubbles or 2 local beers equals one imported beer. It’s quite a unique set up. I traded the coke, sprite lemonade and kombucha for a bottle of wine! So there’s the 5 pm drinks all ready.
Tonight we have our welcome party for the 200 swimmers.
The organisers are a NZ couple who have run this event for a few years. It’s great.
We arrived and got our swim bag of goodies. A locally made swim bag with local products. Creams, lip balm, ear drops, water bottle, and a lanyard for all the events.
We arrived to a big Bula welcome.
Me surrounded by the Fijian welcome group!
Our group of six expanded to 8. We welcomed Avy, a Chicago born lawyer who married an English man whom she met at master swim event back in 1988 in Brisbane and now lives in NZ. Then there was Tobin. A Texan cattle man who happens to swim and who helps people who need a hand. He started Crosswater Journey aimed at helping families and individuals who have been impacted by suicide. They are helped by professionals and eventually Tobin does a symbolic journey – he swims and tows a small boat with someone who needs a hand.
He was such an interesting fun man.
The evening was perfect. Under the stars and trees, a slight breeze , lovely music with a singer guitar player , meeting likeminded swimmers from about 6 nations ( mostly Australians ).
After last years marathon 9 weeks away this year we are taking a few shorter holidays.
March it was to Adelaide and Sydney. May is Fiji.
We are doing ‘Swim Week’ – an organised week of swimming. Not like our usual Swim Trek holidays. This one isn’t relaxed swimming everyday but 3 ‘races’ over just 3 days. Not sure I’ll be ready to race.
We’re travelling with friends Chris & Jill meeting up with Kim & David, friends from NZ. We met them in Greece back in 2014 and have swim together several times since then.
I have broken all my own packing rules. I brought a bigger bag than I used for the 9 weeks last year! I didn’t stick to my 3 of everything! We’re only away 7 days and only have one hotel , so it was let’s just take everything I think I might need! Last year I traveled 9 weeks with 10kg. This time- 15 kg. I do have my swim fins, books and way too many dresses.
The airport was super busy in Brisbane but after coffee and a chat we got away on time , and 3 hours later it was ‘Bula.’ A friendly Fijian welcome complete with a guitar playing local. We’re staying in the Sofitel with 200 other swimmers. It will be a busy week I think.
Our room overlooks the gardens , pool and ocean and after unpacking we got our drinks organised and headed for the seats by the waters edge. A classic Margarita for me and a mango for Jill. We started to unwind! Dinner followed at Solis a beautiful fish dish for me a lovely glass of wine and the holiday is well underway.
frans travel tales 