Enjoying Coconuts in Fiji (March 2, 2026)
Despite the continued downpour of rain, the Carmodys have had no trouble entertaining ourselves both indoors and out and about in Fiji. While Will is catching up on One Pace (a fan version of One Piece that seems to have better pacing), Violet is playing the latest version of Animal Crossing, Elena is cross-stitching and I’m getting into coconuts.
These fresh coconuts come in all different shapes and sizes … yum!
When purchasing a coconut in the grocery store, all of the surrounding protection around the coconut has been removed. What you typically find is a thin hard outer shell with two to three soft spots where you drive a phillips screw driver through in order to get at the coconut water before cracking the coconut for the the inside parts.
Here in Fiji, all the coconuts that have dropped to the ground have a much thicker protection later that is full of fiber. This protects the coconut from a very long drop from the tree to the ground, usually bouncing and rolling away from the original tree where, if it’s not collected, grows roots from the bottom into the ground and sprouts the beginning of another tree at the top.
This is the part I’m after (while Violet prefers the coconut water)
Will, Violet and I saw a few coconuts in the wild growing into new trees. Nature is really amazing. Coconuts are the Mercedes-Benz of the jungle. Why do I say that? Dave Berry once mused that the advertising tag line of Mercedes-Benz should be, “Doing fine without you.” And that’s how it feels with the ridiculous abundance of coconut trees all around us and the litter of fresh coconuts found on the ground.
Initially, Violet and I were thinking of all the ways to get into these coconuts without the proper tools. We tried rocks, smashing the coconuts on the road, dried (hardened) bamboo, and what we saw was just how well designed these coconuts are for doing the job they were designed to do … grow into another tree. But then …
A machete makes it much, much easier to open coconuts
… our AirBnb host shared where to find proper tools including a hammer, phillips screwdriver, and an machete. Game changer! First Violet and I drive the screwdriver into the top of the coconut two or three times and then one on the side so the air can get in while the coconut water drains into a bowl. Then with a few sword-like blows, the outer shell breaks away and the coconut underneath break allowing me to collect the edible parts.
Yes, it takes some effort, but it’s rewarding. The fresh coconut tastes delicious and my machete form is coming along nicely. I’m getting much swifter with my strokes, more daft with my tools, and I’ve already broken up three full coconuts in the first two days. Do we need all this? Certainly not. I’m the only one who really enjoys eating fresh coconut, but it’s a wonderful way to become focused and present in the moment while the rains continue to come down … hard.
Besides … Elena is loving her time cross-stitching. And …
Will and Violet and doing a wonderful job of cooking dinner together
It’s not that I’m against eating out. We have and will continue to do our fair share of enjoying the local restaurants. But in AirBnb homes, we usually have a nice kitchen and it’s wonderful to take advantage of it while we’re here.
Tonight, Will and Violet roasted some garlic, then grilled up some cheese burgers over our gas stove. Violet took the lead on this one. Last night, Will made his favorite dish: chicken stir-fry. The local grocery stores have the ingredients we need including local flavors such as Fijian rice, free range chicken (including fresh eggs), and the best cane sugar anywhere.
Before dinner, Will, Violet and I explored the area walking around in the pouring rain. Once we all accepted that we’re going to be soaked, we had a wonderful time on our walk including checking out local plants, trees and, of course, coconuts growing in the wild. We walked around on the local golf course and dropped a few coconuts in the river which, after the storm, was flowing in the opposite direction … or at least there was a strong enough eddy that made our coconuts float away from the ocean and upstream (for whatever reason).
Regardless of the weather, we continue to bond as a family. No cabin fever … yet. We’re looking forward to doing the famous shark scuba dive with the locals and seeing some large sharks in the wild. Besides, the rumor here is that the storm is passing and we’re in for a few unseasonably beautifully sunny days. We’ll see. Either way, we’re enjoying our time together.
