January 21, 2025

PUERTO MONTT, CHILE 

This port was all about volcanos and waterfalls. To maximize seeing the sights we ended up doing a Port offered excursion for $50/pp for about 6 hours, in a private van. There was 5 of us from VVR ( Bob & Sarah, Anna, Sherrie & Me) and 5 others from the MSC ship, that was also in Port, plus our driver and guide. We ran into many other Villa Vie Residents, like Wade and Starr above, who were doing similar routes along the way. Our first stop was Petrohue Falls, which are feed from the hills of the near by Osorno Volcano. The chute type falls are more like rapids, with only a few vertical drops visible. The crystal clear, green hued water surges through the rocks at the base of the viewing area.

View more

Next we headed back along the same road and stopped along Lake Llanquihue, where we had clear views of both Volcan Osorno, the 2nd most perfect shaped conical volcano after Mt Fuji, and the further south Volcan Calbuco. Below is Bob and all the Ladies!

We also got to explore a little bit in the town of Puerto Varas, the city of roses. Rose bushes are everywhere in full bloom as it's summer here. This town has a very cool chalet vibe - lots of wood clad houses and businesses all no higher than 2-3 stories. There was a large German settlement here after WWII. When they came, they found the climate very similar to southern Germany and stayed. So wanted to find some German food for lunch, but we didn't have time.

Our tour guide was very enthusiastic and a really sweet young lady. Asked her about some of her and Chilean Favorites and here's the recommendations:

  • Favorite candy bar - Nestle Super 8 - tried one in next port - not a fan - chocolate wafer w peanut dusting.
  • Special Cocktail - a Terremoto or Earthquake - made w/coconut ice cream, grenadine & Pipeno(sweet white wine) - still looking for
  • Notable Singing artist - Los Iracundos - driver played some of their songs in van for us

We had a little bit of time when we got back to cruise port, so they told us about this local statue that is so ugly but has become a landmark because so disputed and known - "The lovers" and it sits on beach promenade.

PORT DEARAU, FIJI - Naidiri Village

By Patricia Patrick • December 4, 2025
Today we went to see the coastal Naidiri Village that has recently won the Top Prize in global restoration, for their ocean reef project. The reef restoration was borne out of necessity to solve their dwindling food/ main protein source for the village, of fish. It was started by 2 of the villages rugby players and today is run by the local teenagers (mostly boys) in the village. It was great seeing how empowered and proud they were of their amazing efforts.

LAUTOKA, FIJI

By Patricia Patrick • December 1, 2025
The port agent offered several trips to areas around Lautoka . We chose the trip to Serenity Island Resort which included van and boat transfers and lunch. It was a really nice day enjoying the sun, reef, pool, turtles and amenities!

RIVER TUBING DOWN THE NAVUA, SUVA, FIJI

By Patricia Patrick • December 1, 2025
I organized a group tour for a fun day experience. We had a great day despite the rain that decided to join in. We started with a 45 minute van ride out through the city, into the countryside. Then we got in long boats and went up river to a waterfall, some swam or cheered on the guides to cliff dive. Then back in the boats to visit Sabata Village where 50 family members live as a community existing totally off the land, along the river. Next was a quick boat ride to our BBQ lunch spot. After lunch we got to tube down the river, through light rapids, for just about an hour. We ganged our tubes together with the guide - we had a chain of 14 in my group and the guides totally blew us away singing hymns for a good chunk of the journey. It was truly moving in that place with the rain drizzling and all of us linked together. Loved it!