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.

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 to just about anywhere here on Vitu Levu (Fiji's largest island). The market houses a vibrant, abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, and Fijian handicrafts. Winding around the seller's tables is often interrupted by a local stopping to say, "Bula!" and many want to engage in a chat. Niels is especially good at carrying on a conversation with them and he often asks if he can take a picture. This is usually followed by an enthusiastic, "Yes!" and the people are then amazed to see the picture on the camera screen. Smiles and laughing are contagious here, and we find ourselves going back to the market frequently.

Lautoka has a large Indo-Fijian population and we are able to see, smell and taste things we have not come across before. There are buckets full of spices in the market, carts selling sweets and snacks around the bus station, and many things that we can only guess at what they are. We have been trying things here and there and have not been disappointed. It is nice to be able to be a bit adventurous again!

After researching a lot over the past few days, we have made some bookings and have now mostly planned out the month we plan to stay here in Fiji. Tomorrow we will take a local bus and taxi and make our way to Nananu-i-Ra, a small island off the Northern coast of Viti Levu. We will stay there for a few nights, hoping to pass the days hiking and lounging about. The sun has been hiding behind a thick layer of rain clouds lately, so we are hoping it will make an appearance again soon.