Fiji Swim Week.

First Swim around tiny South Sea Island

/ brisbanefrannie / 5 Comments

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.

But it’s meant to be Sunny in Fiji.

/ brisbanefrannie / 4 Comments

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 ).

It finished early. there’s a swim tomorrow.

So now to sleep.