After 3 more sea days we landed at Lautoka, Fiji. Fiji has an amazing culture with its mix of Indian and indigenous Fijians. The people are lovely - some of the most friendly people in the world. But their cities are down at heel and Lautoka is no different. Or perhaps I just wasn't in the mood as I'd managed to catch a bug that had been floating around the ship. Not the notorious Norovirus, just plain Bronchitis. Everyone on the ship was coughing and those of us that had to use the medical facilities discovered the comparative cost of the US Medical Service. For my 3 visits, plus antibiotics and nebulizer, I paid about $A900 - which would have cost me $30 at home. This is why Insurance is a MUST!
Is there a more beautiful sight than Sydney Harbour in the early morning? We stood on deck and as we glided past the Opera House and turned beside the Harbour Bridge into Circular Quay, the P.A. system blared out Peter Allen’s “I still call Australia Home” Which we all sang full throatedly. And I looked over and there was great-grandpa’s railing!
HOME !!!
Matthew picked me up at the Overseas Terminal. And off home. When I got home the garden was ablaze with Spring colour. I checked emails and played the piano. I bought the Saturday Herald and sat doing the Samurai Sudoku in the coffee shop. Back to normal life and so far without the bogey of work. The promise of good sleep and improved health. But knowing that the urge to leave will come again!
(From my Journal)
