Pacific Harbour, Fiji (February 28, 2026)
It feels so good to be “settled” here in Fiji.
The Carmody’s are unpacked and we even made two trips to the “local” grocery story (about 3.5 miles away) on the bikes provided (and sturdy backpacks). The rental car will kick in on Monday and for now we’re enjoying the local facilities.
Elena loves palm trees and there are many varieties here
One thing Violet immediately noticed were all the coconuts on the ground. I told her that my “trick” to make sure they were edible was to shake them and listen for the coconut water inside. Having found one, we used the tools provided in the AirBnb to crack it open and eat it. So far, this trick has worked and I have been enjoying the fruits (or should I say “nut”) of our labor.
Will pointed out this local carving in a tree stump (an ex-palm tree)
Elena and I got up this morning before the sun was out, watched a beautiful sunrise and hiked around for about an hour. Besides all the jungle, there is a river and an 18-hold golf course within a kilometer or so of our rental property.
The view from the 16th hole (Par 4) and elevated tee (river to the left)
Elena also pointed out the grass (or leaves?) growing off a tree that gives it a very unique look. Either there’s another plant that is using the tree to get elevation, or this particular tree has a lot more leaves growing from the base of its trunk. Either way, it’s beautiful and unique.
Elena explores the plant leaves growing off of the base of this tree
Elena also noticed a flower that very much looks like a jellyfish (as a flower). The long flower petals are flowing like what we recently saw in an aquarium as part of a jellyfish exhibit.
Flowers that look like jellyfish
There is so much wildlife here in Fiji. Whatever wildlife hasn’t been cleared to build a road or house is a massive jungle. The trees and plants are thriving and provide all sorts of wonderful space for exotic birds. We hear more of them than we see, but the ones we do see are spectacularly beautiful with bright colors of green and blue. Turns out it was a Fijian parrot:
Elena and I saw two of these beautiful Fijian parrots this morning
What we didn’t research before booking here in Fiji was that it’s still the “wet” season, which means it rains most days. Usually, it’s dry in the morning and begins raining by about 2 or 3pm and continues through the night. As long as we get out early in the day, that’s fine. It also makes everything completely lush.
Lastly, Elena and I took the time today to purchase flights back to Thailand, Vietnam and Japan — now with Will! Yes, we are backtracking, but enjoying our time together as a family as we explore Southeast Asia. We are excited for what we will continue to do and discover together.
