FIJI
1.Bed Bugs
Being from Canada we are no stranger to bug bites but bed bug bites are THE WORST! Always make sure you pull back the covers, look in the mattress seems and lift the pillows because these bed biters are very common in countries along the equator and especially where island-hopping is popular.
2.Markets
We flew into Nadi and toured around Viti Levu which is the main island. It seems the big idea everyone has in to fly into the main island then head out to the smaller islands. Since we weren’t looking for picture perfect scenery; we wanted to see real island life starting with the local markets that stank of fish and wet clay. Walking up and down, and all around the market it lead us to the perfect hole in the wall restaurant for some nice rabbit stew and cheap samosas!
3.Eco-Park
In the eco-park we were surrounded by exotic plants and colourful birds and Grace’s absolute favourite, baby sea turtles!! That’s right! We arrived at the park in the morning so we wouldn’t miss the opportunity to feed the turtles! We were able to hold lizards, snakes, frogs and pet some guinea pigs.
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NEW ZEALAND
1.Volcanoes
This was a hard country to only choose 3 memorable things because we loved everything about New Zealand. We started with travelling in the North Island which is loaded with cool things to look at like volcanoes and some of the thickest bush we have ever trekked in.
2.Sheep Farming
We zig-zagged our way down to the bottom of the South Island where we put the work in our ‘Working Holiday Visa’. While on the North Island, we stayed at the Manson family farm, yes you read that right. The Manson’s showed us how Kiwi farm life is done. They welcomed us into their homes and into their lives by inviting us to family parties, Wednesday night rugby and the best day I ever had at school; ‘take your pet to school day’. We learned all about sheep farming and the hard work it entails like docking, drenching, sheering and harvesting.
3.Fishing
Now for the fishing, if you are into catching 10 lbs browns and bows that will change your life.. New Zealand is the fishing hub for you.
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AUSTRALIA
1.Grampian Mountains
The Grampians gave us a different mountain experience than normal with its rounded rock and overgrown trees. We road tripped our way around Victoria and one of our last stops was the Grampians where we witnessed a thrilling stampede of Kangaroos speeding their way through the kids playground.
2.Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is kinda of a misleading name. We pictured a highway that ran alongside the coast where you can view the ocean, which it was, we just had to park the car and get out and walk to the ocean’s edge. The views were incredible and worth the small hassle.
3.Camping
Australia provided some of the most beautiful campsites we have ever stayed and for free! Just outside many small towns they offer community campgrounds with clean bathrooms and drinking water for free or a small fee.
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