Kula Eco Park and Sigatoka

Our room at Vakaviti, Coral Coast, Fiji

Today the rain disappeared and the wind dropped. By 10 am there was almost a cloudless, clear, blue sky and the temperature was rising. An early morning explore of the beach across the road from Vakaviti reminded us of the Fiji we were expecting. White horses crashing on the reef and an almost still lagoon with patches of turquoise water – we will definitely need our reef shoes though as it is a very corally beach. Later we were visited by Lai Lai (almost 3) and Ma. Lai Lai or Lily lives next door with her brothers Alfie (9) and Olly (7) and their parents - Brits relocated 8 years ago from Croydon, running 4 dive shops along the Coral Coast- Ma looks after the children while Alice and Alex are working and has done so for the last 8 years. Even in Fiji! Tomorrow she is going to bring fresh coconuts.

We strolled up the beach, spotting this beautiful heron and visited the Kula Eco Park which exhibits native Fijian wildlife. As with any attraction it came at a high price and we are almost certain that prices change depending on whether one looks like a local or a tourist! Tiegan really enjoyed handling the native banded and crested iguanas and the Fijian boa. 


Rowan took some convincing but succumbed eventually! We also see native birds, the Fijian Lory and the Red breasted Kadavu The temperature was perfect as we wandered through the park and climbed to the treetop walkway to look at the forest canopy.  A truly wonderful place.

 

Another trip into Sigatoka was needed as we have used up our daily allowance on visiting the park so need to eat in tonight! Shopping is still very much a multi shop experience - bread and fresh pizza from the Hot Bread shop, fruit and vegetables from the market and beer from the liquor store and sold in brown paper bags!









 We brave the local minivan service $1F per adult, 
children can sit on laps so as to pack in extra passengers, and we are driven at break neck speed the 10 minute journey back to Vakaviti visiting every pothole and bump along the way.