Fierce Invalids in Hot Climates Amber and Jerad chronicle their life-changing journey from Napa Valley wine snobs to globe-exploring vegabonds

So we arrived in Fiji after a 20 hour day that was actually not as bad as it could have been.  Amber and I slept for about 6 of the 10 hours across the pacific.  We arrived to a hot and humid Fiji morning and were amped about heading out to the islands for a little R and R.  The one problem was that they had misplaced Amber's bag and we didn't know when it would arrive.  With this new information we decided to stay close to the airport and hope that her bags would arrive the next morning and then maybe head out to the islands then.  We stayed at a hostel that was clean and efficient but totally lacking in personality or friendliness.  It was on the beach and we spent most of the day sleeping off the jet lag in a hammock or in our bunks.  We decided that we wanted to get away from the throngs of other travellers and head inland towards the mountains.  We spent the next 2 nights at Stoney Creek Resort, which is a backpacker/hotel accommodation at the foothills of the Sabeto Mountains.  It was absolutely perfect.  It is run by a nice though strong-willed woman named Michelle who makes for a great host though maybe not the best boss.  She took us into town and showed us around and we got a taste of the daily life in Fiji.  We had a nice little private room with a wonderful view.  That night we learned that a tropical cyclone was headed for the island and the winds and rain started picking up around 1600.  We spent the night listening to the pounding rain and gusting wind.  It was a little crazy and the awnings had to be removed because they were being blown away.  It was definitely the fiercest storm I have ever been in.  The next day was almost as windy though the rains stopped.  We were lucky that we didn't get caught out on the islands as some people got stranded and others had to be evacuated.  Amber's bag arrived late the 2nd day so all in all it might have been for the best.  Fiji was beautiful and was a great way to break up the flight to New Zealand.  We are currently in Auckland and are getting ready to see the country.  We hope everyone out there are doing as well as we are. Until next time. JN