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On a particularly special and seemingly impossibly remote island in the glorious South Pacific unpredictable and often life changing cultural exchanges occur on a daily basis. We can never predict the catalyst, the format of the exchange, nor the beneficiary. We know implicitly that when world weary travelers arrive on Nukubati, an exquisite Fijian island, change will occur. We know that once embraced by the gentle nature and kindness of the Fijian staff, lovingly known as the Nukubati Family, hearts will fill, cultural barriers will disappear, laughter will reign, stories will be told and music will flow.
In March Barbara and David Osher arrived on Nukubati guitar in hand. During their twelve day stay they marveled at the luminescent tropical fish and coral as they snorkeled through Mitimitis Garden, a coral reef in the turquoise colored ocean; listened to the afternoon silence, watched the ever changing sunsets, laughed with the staff, played the odd game of tennis, and enjoyed sumptuous cuisine. They woke at dawn to the cacophony of birdsong followed by singing and laughter as many staff members sailed to work from the local village. They listened to angels singing at the local church, joined the traditional meke, an evening of feasting, laughter, singing, dancing and carva!!! And they met Johnnie, a young man who LOVES the guitar. A remarkable cultural exchange was seeded.
Each night after dinner had been served David and Johnnie would play guitar, David the teacher, Johnnie the student hungering for more. They sat and played, laughed and sang each enmeshed in the other’s passion for music…by the giving and the taking. We have been told that on one such evening Johnnie casually asked the cost of a rock guitar such as David’s. That sadness filled his eyes at the price and contemplation of the impossible task of amassing, what to him was a small fortune. His dreams of ownership and mastery of such a magical instrument evaporated.
No matter their next destination guests who visit Nukubati find the night prior to their departure one of enormous sadness. Sadness when contemplating saying goodbye to new found friends who have brought change to their lives. Melancholy when hearing the tender Nukubati song that had greeted them on arrival now being sung as a means of farewell. As guests we know the heart wrenching feelings when we contemplate leaving our newly discovered tropical paradise. Perhaps we rarely ponder the gift we have brought the charming people we’ve met. People who have joined us in laughter, cared for our safety as we have snorkeled and dived the private reefs, massaged our tired limbs, guided us through the rainforest to their village, served us wonderful meals and champagne at sunset, tended to our every need.
For Barbara and David their next stop was in Kauai where they reflected on the joy of Nukubati, on the beauty , the color, the laughter, the people……on the bond brought by music and particularly the guitar. They especially remembered Johnnie, their mutual joy and wondered how they might send him that guitar! Today the logistics of fulfilling what was to become a mammoth undertaking are of little consequence. Ah but the completion is another story…….
……as we said we can never predict the effect of any cultural exchange that occurs on that special island in the South Pacific.
~Karen
- New Zealand Gourmet Food Tours
- Sydney’s Best Tour Guides
- Sydney Names World’s Best City
- The Melbourne Cup, Australia’s Most Prestigious Race
As always, I thank you for supporting Australia 2000 Travel and look forward to sharing more of my recent adventures with you in the coming months.
Thank you so much for your support! It is referrals from clients like you that help us keep doing what we so love to do.
Karen Hardy Hodgson
Toll Free Phone within USA: 1 800 875 4530
Phone: ++1 248 647 4530
Email: karen@australia2000-travel.com
Personal service and attention to every travel detail!
Occasionally one hears of an unusual and unique business where the relationship is harmonious from the beginning. Where quality is the only measure of success. Where everyone emerges from the experience fully satisfied with the end result. Australia 2000 Travel Ltd., in Birmingham Michigan, is such a business.
DAY 1: Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand. City Orientation Tour
DAY 1: Arrive in Sydney, Australia. Sydney Beaches Tour
Honeymoon memories last a lifetime, make yours even more affordable.
As we already possess towels, vases and glasses – the useful household items that tend to be at the top of most wedding lists it has become increasing difficult for guests to find an unusual wedding gift that will live forever. To solve that problem Australia 2000 Travel has created our honeymoon registry, a novel solution that brings joy to the lucky recipients and a touch of magic to the gift giver. Once you, the bride and groom have booked your honeymoon in the South Pacific your family and friends can call us at Australia 2000 Travel to make a financial donation towards the cost of your romantic honeymoon. They might wish to purchase an element of your adventure… perhaps a sail on Sydney Harbour or a ride in a hot air balloon at sunrise.
Quite simply as the lucky couple you book your romantic honeymoon with Australia 2000 Travel and pay the appropriate deposit in line with our booking conditions. Wedding guests who wish to make a contribution to your honeymoon contact Australia 2000 Travel to discuss payment by check or credit card. Their contribution is held in Australia 2000 Travel Client Trust Fund and credited towards payment of your romantic honeymoon or wedding. Australia 2000 Travel will mail our exquisite gift certificate to the contributor and advise the bride and groom of the gift.
Do you dream of a honeymoon in the remote Aussie Outback?
Perhaps you dream of a romantic honeymoon in the Australian wine country.
Or do you dream of an adventure filled honeymoon in New Zealand?
Your dream Fijian honeymoon can be as relaxing and romantic as your hearts desire….
Do you dream of taking a cruise in the turquoise waters of Fiji?
You will arrive in Nadi Airport and clear customs. After you have completed the Fijian immigration formalities you will walk to the domestic terminal where you will check in at the Nukubati Island desk to fly to Nukubati Island via seaplane. During your flight you will fly low over the tropical wonderland and see Fijian villages, rainforests and the Pacific Ocean and find that you are completely absorbed by the wild, tropical beauty. When you land at the island all staff members will be waiting on the beach to welcome you to The Island and into the Fijian lifestyle.
On Nukubati Island the emphasis is on fine food, friendly service, and total relaxation. Each exhilarating day can include snorkeling or diving on the Great Sea Reef, hobie cat sailing, wind surfing, game fishing (game fishing and diving are at additional cost.)
We are often asked how many days should be spent on this glorious island. To this day the answer our only response is always that three is too few and twelve is definitely not too many.
A Fijian massage is included in your Ultimate Fijian Vacation.
Ultimate 7 day Fiji Vacation includes
