Over

 

O is for...Out

Finally, jetlag over, we have got our bearings back – a four day holiday for Easter helped no end – hubby had to slow down and acclimatise. Today we went out exploring. First stop, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. I heard hubby saying 'orchid' and of course I had to get there pronto. It's located at the foothills of the Nausori highlands and houses some 40 different varieties. They were originally the private collection of actor Raymond Burr and later developed into a tourist attraction. The garden itself is plonk in the middle of a Fijian native forest and includes indigenous species as well as curated ones.

 

The road changed to dirt track-ish once we turned off from the main thoroughfare. We passed the village of Natalau. And missed the garden because Google maps urged us on and coolly led us to someone’s private residence. The road by then had all but disappeared and hubby was protesting as the car bumped along violently. The temporary transport he has been given does not have offroad capabilities, he’s already had trouble with the tyres, I understand. Anyway, I got out and knocked on the door of the aforementioned residence and a very friendly lady pointed us back on track. 

Offering these photos of the outing  for the O entry -

Getting lost is de rigueur for us - we've done it in Egypt, also in Bahrain and even in Dubai, so why should Fiji be an exception only because it is tiny? I had a very pleasant time, navigation fiasco notwithstanding. There's a picnic spot for families, a play area with swings etc for the little ones and plenty of benches alongside the pathways. And a fish pond a la Monet with lily pads and a fringe of orchids and tiny central island of vegetation. Recommend wearing sturdy walking shoes, I haven't bothered with unpacking in the hotel - while it didn't stop me from enjoying the place, I would have been more comfortable in a thicker sole with some grip. Overall, good start to getting out and about in Fiji.

A-Z Challenge 2022