March 12, 2025

RIO DE JANEIRO - Day 4 - Friday 3/7/25

We had signed up for city tours back in December when we thought we would only have 2 days in this port. So today, we were part of a  group of 60, spread over 3 buses,with separate guides. Our guide was Lucas and our first destination was the train station to go up to the Christ the Redeemer Statue. We had express tickets which allowed us quicker pathways through the crowds to board the train and take the 20 minute ride up the mountain. The view from the top is amazing! You're in the clouds which swish in and out constantly.

Below is detailed history of how the statue came to be. It is covered in a mosaic tiles, therefore making it the largest art deco installation in the world. It was built in 5 years 1926 to 1931, therefore dominating the skyline for 90+ years. It was made from reinforced concrete and has a hollow core which you can go up inside and see his Heart. 

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!