July 6, 2025

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DAY 2, PART 2

Scott prepared such a thorough itinerary for us, I had to spit into another post. Above is view of Golden Gate Bridge,  from the Marin side. Then we went back over Bridge to the Academy of Sciences , Music Concourse, Calder Sculpture, Buffalo enclosure, the de Young Museum and Sutro Baths.

Then we went to Alamo Square Park for views of the Painted Ladies ( Victorian Homes) and the City skyline. Next was billionaire row and the Lyons Steps for the harbor views and Nancy Pelosi's house at the bottom right of steps. Jasmine bushes made the walkway so fragrant.

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We did a drive through the famous neighborhood of Haight & Asbury Sts.and had a late lunch at Gordo Taqueria.

Our last stop was at the newer high-rises at Sales Force Park.  They have an elevated walkway and park area above the transportation hub that comes into this busy center. They hold community events in the green spaces. We saw a KPOP class going on while we were there. Scott then dropped us at pier with 5 minutes to spare till ALL ON BOARD. Thanks Scottie for a great day and tour!! We miss you and looking forward to your return in Japan!

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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!