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2explore.net We are Niels and Amy van Dongen and this is our journey. Our home site is http://www.2explore.net. On February 16, 2007 we will leave behind the comforts of our home in Seattle to travel through the South Pacific. On this site you can follow along with us, read about our experiences and view some of the photos we have taken en route. Our insatiable urge to explore, sparked the idea for this adventure. In October of 2005, we had a taste of the South Pacific on a 3-week trip to the Cook Islands and have ever since wanted to go back to immerse ourselves in the South Pacific way of life and record our experiences. With many ecosystems at risk from pollution, global warming and climate change, this is now especially critical. We aim to capture the true character of the idyllic South Pacific through photographs and words in a way that makes any observer of our work feel a connection to this special place and in turn, join us in making simple choices in everyday life that can have positive, lasting effects on the world around us. For a year we will be living as modern nomads – traveling only with what we can carry in our packs, living amongst the locals on the islands we visit, spending time sharing stories and experiences and taking in the captivating underwater world on the occasional dive. We hope to help others along the way and keep a vivid record of this adventure to share with you, and keep at the forefront of our memory. Follow along with us and learn about far away places of natural beauty and rich cultures. Experience with us the big world we call home.

Fiji

There are [4] photos and [8] stories about Fiji



DAY 303 A Sharp Turn

Tuesday, 18 Dec 2007 | Views [772]

The time has come for us to leave the South Pacific and embark on an adventure of settling somewhere and working to make the dreams we have been having turn into reality. For several months we have debated when to return to the States ... Read more >

Tags: Philosophy of travel


DAY 82 ...Is Sometimes Too High

Saturday, 12 May 2007 | Views [481]

Following a stay on Nacula, we made a stop at Wayasewa Island. The natural beauty and good snorkeling continued here but sadly, so did the 'fake Fiji' experience and the food and accommodation standards actually went further downhill. It ... Read more >

Tags: On the Road


DAY 78 The Price of Paradise...

Saturday, 12 May 2007 | Views [508]

Tourists flock to the Yasawa Islands in droves in search of idyllic beaches beneath rugged hills and a large dose of sunshine, shelling out lots of money as the prices take a dramatic jump from those on the mainland. In search of some respite ... Read more >

Tags: On the Road


DAY 72 Kava and Bilibili's

Wednesday, 2 May 2007 | Views [793]

While on Ovalau Island, we were able to spend a few days in a traditional Fijian village, staying with at family-run, local 'guesthouse' just outside of Arovudi village. Here, we sampled the real Fijian life. The village and our accommodation was rural, ... Read more >

Tags: On the Road


DAY 68 South Seas Gem

Wednesday, 2 May 2007 | Views [500]

Levuka, a lovely town on Ovalau Island, has become our favorite place in Fiji thus far. The spirit of the town is authentic, lively and filled with genuinely friendly people enjoying a simple life in a far less touristy part of Fiji. The journey there ... Read more >

Tags: On the Road


DAY 64 Exile Island

Tuesday, 1 May 2007 | Views [561]

Nananu-i-Ra is a small island of 3.5 square kilometers of Vitu Levu (Fiji's mainland) that feels like another place far from Fiji as there are a number of holiday homes and guesthouses, none of which are occupied by Fijians. During our 4 night stay there ... Read more >

Tags: Misadventures


DAY 60 Bula from Fiji!

Wednesday, 18 Apr 2007 | Views [536]

For the past few days, we have been trudding around Lautoka, Fiji's second largest city. This city bustles during the day, especially around the market and bus station, where buses belch out thick, black fumes. From here it is possible to catch a bus ... Read more >

Tags: Sightseeing


DAY 57 A Rough Start

Wednesday, 18 Apr 2007 | Views [524]

Last Saturday we arrived in Fiji. Unfortunately our flight into Nadi was three hours late. Because it was almost midnight, we had to take a taxi to our accommodation, which we fortunately booked from Rarotonga. It was pitch dark which made it difficult ... Read more >

Tags: On the Road

 

 

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