October 18, 2024
Back Packers and Traveler's Hostel in Seville
It's been a long time since I stayed in a Hostel and boy have they gotten better! Annie had her choice of at least 3 in downtown Seville. This one was just down the street from SETAS or Wild Mushrooms. She paid $20 Euro/night and got a bunk in a room for 8 women. The room included a lockable storage spot under bed, private shower w/2 additional sinks outside, a cafe, bar, roof top pool and deck. Also use of kitchen facilities and breakfast for an extra 8 euro. I went with her to check in and see the place first hand. Not just 20 year olds stay in hostels anymore - all ages and ethnicities co-exist! Adios Annie ! Such a nice catchup and lovely 2 days in Seville.
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.
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!
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!