Happy Holidays

 There are no Turkey's in Fiji. Even New World Supermarket could not deliver! So...roast chicken it was! Ron was home in LA for Thanksgiving, while the crew spent the Holiday on Slow Dance. Sooz and I swapped family stories of Turkey days past, and missed the snow.

Roast Chicken with garlic and herbs

Sausage and apple stuffing, garlic mash potatoes, and gravy.

There was much to be Thankful for and one by one, we verbalized all our thanks and gratitude. It was not the usual all out feast, and the lack of Turkey was a bit discouraging, however, we made the best of it. I made my famous cranberry relish with celery, apples, and walnuts. The dressing was a sausage and apple version of the traditional fare. Green Beans here on the island are of the french long bean variety and delicious! I steamed a batch, then sauteed' in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice with a dash of salt and pepper. Yummm. Desert was Pumpkin Pie made with organic pumpkin and fresh New Zealand cream!(I never use condensed milk as it is ultra sweet and nasty) I used date sugar instead of brown sugar and Xrol zero calorie sugar. The pie was awesome.

Cranberry Relish

It was the crew's last weekend off before Ron returns with his guests. We were invited to a Sagittarius Birthday bash at Waidroka Bay Resort. It's a long story on how we came to be there but it all started with an annual Reggae festival at Uprising Resort. Had an awesome time; great music, nice folks, and beautiful accommodations. Enjoy the pix.

Fresh herbs and Chillies added to the culinary delight!

Cookie preparing Pasta Salad

 It's really surrealistic walking around Nadi with all the Christmas decorations up and the markets playing Christmas music. I make my way through the city, sweat rolling down my face; the humidity reminiscent of Orlando, Florida  in August. Thoughts of my childhood flood in; Trudging through the snow with my dad into the near by woods to cut our Christmas tree down; loading it atop the sleigh and pulling it over the snow. My dad would let me ride on the sleigh with the tree. I can still smell that pine tree smell. Live trees are like Turkey here in Fiji.

Dining-room, hang-out couch, Waidroka Bay Resort.,

Swing bed for lounging, sleeping, whatever....We hung out until 2am talking and sipping good wine.

Amanda manages the resort and is a true goddess.

 Amanda runs the resort with  hubby Neil. The resort is a diving, surfing, and fishing destination for folks seeking an off the beaten path vacation. Peaceful, hip, and first class all the way, I highly recommend Waidroka Bay as a sexy, peaceful, escape in Fiji.

On the way home we stopped by the Hindu temple to see how it compared with the Dravidian temples in Southern India. It was a miniature of the real deal but quite lovely.

Lounge

Road to Waidroka Bay is 4 KM and fought with challenges.

Jay teaches young enthusiast how to play the Didgeridoo.

Visit to the Hindu Temple

Fresco on ceiling of the temple.

On the way home we bought some fresh veggies from the road-side stands and i cooked up a sweet chili chicken stir fry.