Insights from the South Pacific



Easo, Lifou, New Caledonia - paradise!!



Wow!  4 weeks ago, I was freaking out because I was leaving

for this trip in 2 weeks…

Today, I am feeling a sense of urgency because I’ve been on it for 2 weeks, and I only have 2 days left before heading home again… 

Well, what I haven’t done is have a chance to keep this post updated the way I thought I would.

I haven’t met everyone I wanted to meet.

I haven’t written nearly as much as I thought I would.

I haven’t gotten off at every port of call.

I haven’t learned all that I want to.

I haven’t got the deep tan that I want yet.

However, let me tell you what I have done…

I have learned how to be comfortable being here “on my own.”

I have reconnected with myself and put my best self out there, which allowed me to meet some wonderful new people from Australia, Germany, the US…

I have learned a ton about where I am in my journey as a writer

and how I can help get myself to where I want to be.

I have been inspired, and I have inspired others.

I have learned how to share space with someone I did not know before

and how to create time and space for myself in the midst of many.

I have been shy, reserved, and shut off…and have regretted it.

I have smiled, reached out, connected, and been richly rewarded.

I have been to 6 islands in the South Pacific, and set foot on 5.

I have some regret for not visiting the first one, Ile de Pins, New Caledonia.

I have found courage that I thought was all used up.

I have had adventures and seen beautiful things.

I have felt heat more intense than any I could ever imagine.

I have learned that coconuts falling from trees can kill you

  (and have successfully avoided that fate myself!)!!

I have rested, reflected, journaled, and connected.

I have danced, swam, walked, and driven around this beautiful part of   the country.

I have taken over 1000 pictures that don’t nearly capture the incredible colors or gorgeousness.

I have had dinner with new people every single night.

I have eaten like a queen, and enjoyed every bite! 

I have found that I so need and appreciate sunshine and warmth in my life.

I have discovered that my spirit is very happy near and on the water!

I have found beauty and joy in the most unexpected places.

I have learned that I most definitely want to return one day to this part of the world! 

On Sat. Jan. 7, we were anchored off Ile de Pins, New Caledonia and the tendering process was slow and cumbersome, so my roommate, Gloria, and I decided to stay on board and not go to the beach. 

Instead, I sunned on deck, read, wrote, and slept.

On Monday, Jan. 9, we were in Lautoka, Fiji, a place where my roommate had been about 40 years ago.

So, we hired a private (air-conditioned – one of the few!) taxi and drove about 100 miles to Sigatoka to re-visit the place of her memories. 

I was scared to take off without a ship tour and no one knowing where we were going, but I did it anyway.

It was a beautiful, lush island, and we ended our trip at The Outrigger Resort for a quick lunch before the driver returned us safely to our ship.

I learned to trust that day and was rewarded with an experience that I would have missed had I not had the courage to try something new. 

On Tues. Jan. 10, we tendered to Dravuni Island, Fiji, which was a gorgeous coral beach.

We spent about 2 hours there sunning and shopping a bit – bought a colorful sarong.

Sitting and breathing in the sunshine and warmth and listening to the music of voices marked by foreign accents was refreshing and exhilarating all at once! 

The water is so clear and so many different shades of blue… simply stunning!

Thurs. Jan. 12 brought us to Port Vila, Vanautu, where we joined 4 other people in the crowded, hectic, and hot pier area to hire a taxi and see a bit of the island. 

After haggling for a bit, we settled on a price of $25 per person (and

I learned that my US dollars were no good here!) for a 2 ½ hour trip. He would take us where we wanted to go.  We went to Mele Bay and had a soda at the Beach Club there, taking pictures of beautiful Hidden Island across the way.  Again, simply sitting and breathing in and fully absorbing the beauty was a treat!  We also saw the poverty in which the locals lived, and drove through one of their villages, which to me felt like a

great invasion, imposition and act of rudeness. Honestly, I can’t even find the right words, but it felt very wrong to be driving through viewing these people and their homes as part of our tour.   I was particularly embarrassed when one of our car mates instructed the driver to stop, roll down the window, and shouted to the children of the village to “SMILE!”

while he took pictures of them… 

It was the only part of the tour that my camera sat in my lap, inactive. 

After returning to the ship and having lunch and an extended conversation with some new friends,

my roommate discovered that her passport folder (wish passport, cash, and credit card) was missing.

We tore the room apart, looking everywhere – even in places we knew made no sense. 

With 2 hours before we set sail again, we enlisted the help of the front desk staff to help us try to track down our taxi driver, Henry (with the blue van with the wild boars on it!), and also contact the Beach Club where we had bought drinks. 

It seemed an impossible venture to ever get it back, but Gloria headed out to the pier to try to find the taxi.  I enlisted several people to send positive vibes…and went back to the room to look again and to answer calls from the

front desk. Within an hour and a half, I received a call that it had been found and a taxi driver was on his way back from the Beach Club with it.  Wow!  Amazing and a huge relief!! 

Fri. Jan. 13 was spent at idyllic Easo, Lifou, New Caledonia.  To me, this defines tropical paradise. 

There was a small beach near where our tenders arrived.  Locals were available to rent snorkel gear and kayaks, braid hair, and give massages and sell some home-made goods.  The beach was surrounded by plenty of trees for shade, and backed by a small simple village of grass huts and some colorful concrete homes.  Not conditions that we would ever see in the States, yet the villagers lived with pride, joy, and beauty.  Gorgeous gardens were created with flowers, plants, and lined with seashells. 

Here I simply allowed myself to take it all in and to feel what sheer bliss feels like. 

On my second trip in with Gloria, we were treated to locals dressed in traditional warrior costumes performing native dances.

After they were done, they invited us cruisers to join in and then posed

for photos.  I found this to be a welcoming, comfortable, and friendly visit for sure. 

What has been great in all these areas is that bargaining is not the way, so prices are marked and I was able to browse and shop at my leisure. 

Today (Sat. Jan. 14) we are in Noumea, New Caledonia.  This is a very well-developed, modern city, and I expected to not like it after yesterday’s little slice of heaven.  We were booked on a city tour with a visit to the local aquarium for a half-day venture.  And, I must say, it is a very beautiful place that would be worth another visit.  Surrounded by glistening blue water and green mountains, there are lots of beaches and smaller pristine islands an easy ferry or flight away.  The aquarium was small, but very well-done.  Even the smallest tank held enough life that I could stand and watch for a long time… not only fish, but coral, shrimp, crabs, anemones, and starfish of many colors.  Simply stunning and warranted at least 100 photos alone, I think!  From one mountain viewing site, we were treated to colorful hang gliders floating down in front of us to the backdrop of the sea. 

Aside from our port visits, I have really enjoyed being in the midst of this group of people, many who are also doing the Hay House seminars.  Many, many, many Aussies, so I have definitely been in the minority in most gatherings.  I have learned new phrases like “cheeky” (which I just love and have been called!) "sunnies" are sunglasses, and "swimmers" are swimsuits, and “huroo” means “see you later.” 

There are so many languages and accents dancing around all the time that it feels like a musical symphony playing non-stop.  

The seminar has been great – inspiring, informative, and an excellent networking forum!

I have learned so much from questions that others ask and stories that have been shared.

There are many great messengers here with important gifts to share and contributions to make.

I am honored to be one of them. 

I will close with two offerings from Cheryl Richardson yesterday:

“Don’t wait to be present in your own life,” and “When God puts someone next to me, I have learned that I better show up!” 

There are no coincidences in life and the world continues to prove itself to

be much smaller than I had imagined, even way over here, half-way around the world from home.  I have met many people who I intend to stay in touch with and continue to learn from and grow with.

This journey is only just beginning, and I am definitely on the right path. 

Lessons Learned in Sydney, Days 2 and 3 (1/3 and 1/4/12 for me!)

Don’t panic – everything will work out ok.

Take it slow – enjoy the sights and the sounds.

Even big cities can be quiet and peaceful,
while busy.

Eating alone encourages me to slow down and savor the experience.

When the internet is charged by the minute, do your writing off-line, log on and post quickly
and get off! 

I can feel awkward and lonely or at peace – it is my choice,and no one else cares.

Breathe it all in – this is the moment!

                Every moment is to be seized!

There is beauty everywhere and in everyone.

Watch the children – they know how to live and express fully and authentically.

Playing in the fountains when it’s hot out is a smart thing to do, and it’s OK!

You don’t get your own waiter or waitress here – whoever is free will help.

Let your bank know before you travel abroad so that you can get to your cash!

No matter what language people speak, we can still communicate with one another.

Silence offers great opportunity.

So, I admit I take baby steps in being brave and expand my comfort zone slowly. 

Day 1 I explored Darling Harbour and got my bearings.

Day 2, I owned the Harbour, and ventured on to a ferry to take me around Sydney Harbour and to Taronga Zoo (Taronga means Beautiful Water Views, or something like that – indeed!)

I spent about 4 hours at the zoo, beginning with a cable car ride up the hill to the entrance –

gorgeous views of the harbor.  The weather has been perfect – hot, sunny, and nothing

but blue sky!  It’s a big city, but it has an island feel to it and an island pace to it, which I love!

I enjoyed seeing the koalas – so fuzzy and cute and the sleeping kangaroos up close.

They had really nice open enclosures and it was a pleasant way to spend the day.

On the ferry I got to see the Sydney Opera House and how different it looks from different

angles and in different lighting.  Saw the Sydney Harbour Bridge with people walking along the

very top railings – yikes!! No interest in that!  Saw the Radiance of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean

cruise ship, at port in Circular Quay, where my ship will be docked today, and I got excited

for that trip.

I did some shopping for souvenirs in the Harbourside Mall (though I admit a mall is a mall, and I wanted out pretty quickly!).  Just enjoyed a day to myself to explore.

I did have trouble with my bank denying my ATM card, so got a little worried about my cash situation for a bit – got down to my last Australian 10 cents after dinner andan ice cream! 
Credit cards are accepted, but often have a $20 minimum on them – so, I could have bought the $16 piece of cake at the Belgian Chocolate Café, but opted to pay for my meal with my last $10 instead!  Cake that’s twice the cost of my dinner

just seemed wrong, no matter how pretty!

A text from Tom later told me that the bank had called to verify my charges – thankfully he was home to let them know that indeed CVS and (attempted) cash in Australia were both legitimate charges!  Today it worked, so I had enough for breakfast, the Chinese Garden of Friendship, and the taxi to the ship.

I took my time in Darling Harbour this morning, soaking in the sights and appreciating

the cleanliness and beauty.  I knew that this would be my last day here for this trip,

so wanted to linger… It’s like Disney World in a way – lots of people, but before 10 AM

the workers are out picking up the rubbish (isn’t that a great word!?), checking thepeople movers, cleaning the brick walkways, and getting ready for the day.  Horn honking  is rare and when I did hear it, it made me realize how peaceful a big city can be when it’s not all hustle and bustle and noise! That’s a new experience!

After a nice breakfast at a sidewalk café (where the sweet hostess offered to take my

picture with the harbor behind me), I strolled along and decided to explore the  Chinese

Garden – a gift from the Chinese community in Sydney to Australia in 1988 to mark the

Chinese-Australian friendship.  It is very serene, with lots of resting places to listen to the water and the birds. Saw 1 tiny gold lizard that looked like a chameleon, and another bigger guy more like an iguana – gave him space and didn’t even move in for a photo!

Then back to the hotel to write and post this blog, pack up, and head over to the ship. 

We sail at 6:30, but can board at 1:00, so I may as well get on and get settled there. 

Today I meet my roommate and the South Pacific Writers/Speakers workshop begins!

I am Officially "Down Under!"

I have arrived safely in Sydney, and feel like a time traveler, for sure!
My computer says it's 4:40 AM (home time); my phone says it's 1:38 AM (LA time) and my clock says it's 8:41 PM (local and "real" time I guess). My body
has no idea what day or time it really is...  but, it's all good.  The sun just set here to end a gloriously sunny warm day (25 degrees C, which I guess is around 80?  hot and humid for sure!).

I wanted to cry when we landed - just hard to believe that I am really in Australia, the place I have always dreamed of going...  The flights were definitely long, but manageable - lots of movies, sleeping, walking, and more sleeping helped to get through. 

Airport was somewhat overwhelming with so many people and customs and such, but I managed (connected with a college girl who's lived here for 3 years at the baggage carousel, so she helped me with the ropes and told me how lucky we were that the customs agent came by and stamped our card which allowed us to leave by the Express exit rather than the long and winding line of most travelers!). Funny connection to home - one of the first bags I saw going around the carousel had a large piece of paper taped to it with a name and address - it was someone from Rochester, NY!  Go figure!! Here I've traveled thousands of miles (7500 from LA - not sure how many from Rochester) and one of my first connections lets me know I'm not all that far from home!

Found the shuttle and got checked in to my hotel in Darling Harbour.  Thankfully they had a room that was ready this morning, so I was able to get a 2-hour nap and shower in before venturing out to the Harbour.  It is so beautiful here! I love the diversity of humanity that's all around - the accents, the faces... just a really lovely mix of people that remind me that I'm not alone at all, because I am with all of them. 

They have the most amazing park with play areas for kids with fountains (that people don't hesitate to climb right into and no one seems to care!), ping pong tables, huge jungle gyms, and more than I've ever seen... There is a carousel right down by the harbour and there are tons of outdoor cafes.  The guidebook says, "Sydney is a town full of energy and exuberance." That about sums it up!  I am not a big city girl, by any means, but I feel very comfortable and safe here. 

I had lunch at the Guylian Belgian Chocolate Cafe - sat out on the patio and took in the scenery and the excitement all around me (and, I didn't even have any chocolate - what is wrong with me??  I did appreciate the beauty of the pastries and drinks they were serving up - just not ready for that much sugar, I guess!). 

And then I wandered along Darling Harbour, bought some postcards, and got my bearings.  Got tired out after a couple of hours and went back to the room to read a bit.  I am reading "The Alchemist" which is about a young shepherd boy learning to realize his "Personal Legend" - that which you know you have always wanted to accomplish.  I feel like this trip is part of my "Personal Legend," so I am grateful for the book recommendation!  It is perfect!

Then I took another nap (hope I can sleep tonight and get onto Sydney time tomorrow).  Showered and headed out for a takeaway pizza to bring back to the room to call it a night.  Tomorrow I will be more adventurous and take a ferry or the monorail to other parts of the city. 

There is so much to do - hard to know what to choose. The Chinese Garden of Friendship looks pretty and is very close; the zoo looks interesting but might take all day; harbour tour...  I don't know, but I will figure it out, and whatever I choose will be perfect.  I've never been here before and I only have a short time, so I can't possibly expect to see it all. 

This is the screen that was on the airplane, tracking our trip - distance travelled, time to go to destination (which most of the time seemed to be very loooonnnnggg...!!).  So glad to be here and can't wait to come back another time with my hubby to spend more time and really take it all in!