The kids had written to Santa and told him that they would not be at home for Christmas and to please leave all their presents under the tree for them when they get back. He did, however make a stop in at our place and from all appearances, only had one reindeer with him on this rushed trip. The kids were delighted with the chocolate coins and candy canes strewn around the room, as well as the craft and tiny presents on the end of their beds.
We luxuriated in not having to get up and do anything - but decided after a leisurely breakfast of fruit smoothies and good coffee, that we would go snorkelling and lay about the pool area of Iriki Island.
I’ll put a note in here about our fruit smoothies. I took along an enormous bag - but in my defence would like ot point out that under half of it was my clothes. The rest was kitchen equipment and food items which would help us maintain a healthy food intake. I am in love with our mini blender we took. four cups sized blending things which you fill with fruit and stuff , screw on the blades and tip it upside down to pop on the blender. I have to admit we also used it extensively to make frozen cocktails.
Anyway - we walked into town and fronted up to the jetty for a quick trip by boat to the island. For a fee, you are allowed to use all their facilities and are granted a voucher to use in the restaurants. It is pretty pricey - so not something you do every day - around $15 per person.
We were delighted to be greeted by Santa ( who was black - but had a snow white beard) on a truck. He threw lollies at the kids and waved to us as the truck set off around the island. On the back were seated a dozen angels - kids from the school - all singing carols in English ( possibly their fourth language) Surreal… yes.
We fumbled our way around the roads and went to the snorkelling spot. So glad we had our reef shoes as the coral and rocks were pointed and cruel. Morgan and Lilly hadn’t done alot of snorkelling - but were confident swimmers and caught on fairly quickly. Like me, they lost all fear once their heads were stuck under and were marvelling at the sealife. Fantastic coral and large fish swum only metres from the shoreline. There was hardly any drift - so made it safe for us to explore a huge chunk of the coast. When the tide went out so far it started to make it dangerous for us to look at the coral ( as we floated over our tummies were touching parts of it.) we decided to seek out something to eat.
Wet, bedraggled and touched with sun, we wandered into a very flash beachside restaurant. I announced to the family I didn’t care how much it cost - we were eating Chrissy dinner there. So with thoughts of some of the most dreadful days I’d spent teaching as a reward we sat down ( squished down in plush chairs) and or eyes widened at the array of gorgeous food on offer. ( and I know it was a flash lace because the matre di did not lift an eyebrow as we walked in - but showed us to a good spot and brought extra cushions to soak up the sea water...
It truly was a magnificent feast and we enjoyed it immensely. I am not going to say how much it was - but let me say - possibly the most expensive buffet I have ever been to.
Sated, with crappy tissue paper hats on our heads, we left to hang out at the dozen pools. I secured a lounge and kicked back to read a rubbish vampire book. ( it was particularly bad.. all is forgiven Stephanie!) The kids had a hoot exploring the pools - some shallow and meant for little ones, others swim up bar type ones. We basically had the place to ourselves.
When we got sick of that, we headed off to another beach on the other side of the island to where we had been and went snorkelling again. I’d have to say that was much better than the official snorkelling site and much easier to access. It was straight off the coral beach (no sand here - just crushed coral) it was fairly shallow in most places which made the kids a bit more comfortable. However there were stone fish and those spiky things with poison in the spines - so we needed to be careful where we put our feet. One of the highlights here was seeing the little nemo fish and how territorial they were. One even attacked Adrian as he got too close to their home.
Completely soaked through now - and sick of anything water based, we went home; catching a taxi to get up the enormous hill. I know there are the local buses, but as yet, have not been able to get the attention of one. ( they are local people in vans who drive around. You have to wave at them and they will stop. You tap on the door when you want to be let out and then give them what you think is fair as a fare.)
We were satisfied with a cuppa and some gorgeous pineapple for dinner. Later on we walked down to our Jetty and sat in the semi darkness on the water, taking in the stars and inky darkness of the water. We were treated by a myriad of fireworks as locals along the bay let off thier contributions to celebrate Christmas. The loud banging and noise continued throughout the night - but we all turned in fairly early - exhausted from the day (and the big meal!)
