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Bula from Pacific Harbour Fiji.
On Monday 8th January 2022 we were booked on VA195 from MEL-NAN with a scheduled departure of 0800. We had been told that check-in was 4 hrs prior to the flight so starting at 0400. We were staying at the Airport Park Royal and had priority check-in available. That being the case we got up at 0345 and started our check-in at 0440. It was quick and easy with a full check of all our documentation. Our grandson’s vaccination certificate opened some eyes is it was issued in Panama and at first glance it’s all in Spanish. From there we wander off to the VA domestic lounge as they currently don’t have any international lounges. After a leisurely breakfast we went through Customs and Immigration.
All good thus far but then a period of fun started. We boarded about 20 min late and then sat for a bit until there was an announcement to the effect that one FA had an issue and had to be replaced. Unfortunately, the replacement FA needed a PCR test. About an hour later the story came out. The first FA had tested positive and the replacement had also tested positive. We were then disembarked and asked to wait whilst it was sorted out. As there wasn’t a lot of passengers we were already on minimum crewing so needed the extra FA.
A while later another FA arrived after a quick diversion from BNE-CBR-MEL and we were finally on our way almost exactly 3 hrs late. The flight was uneventful and the FA became the hero of the trip and got mentions from both the Captain and cabin supervisor.
Weather in NAN was pretty awful with low cloud and rain so I am guessing we did a GPS RNav approach. Immigration was painless and we were quickly on our way with 2.5 hr drive to our resort at Pacific Harbour. We had planned to rent a car but changed our minds a few days before departure. This was fortunate as the majority of the trip was in heavy rain and in the dark. Our driver who we know from previous trip did an awesome job. We finally reached our destination at about 2015 Fiji time.
On day 2 we the resort did an RA test on all 3 of us without issue. The resort assistant manager and one of the receptionists did the tests as the nurse from Suva couldn’t get here due flooding. They assured us they had done the necessary gov’t training and we know them well enough that we believe them without question.
It’s been very wet here everyday, until today when the weather became hot but pleasant.
There is a lot of Covid in this area, so protocols are being strictly followed. The Pearl hotel/resort next door has closed due Covid cases and we cannot visit some of our friends as they live in what the Fiji gov’t defines as high risk areas. We have travelled around in similar fashion to being at home. ie be careful, wear masks when appropriate and don't go too close to strangers.
We are here until 22nd Jan and then move to the Hilton DT at Sonaisali Island for 5 nights before returning home.
We are watching what happens closely and keeping our options open but not worrying too much about what "might" happen. Our neighbours at home have had Covid as did many others nearby, so this isn’t a lot different. The Hilton on Denarau has a major Covid issue and are reportedly struggling so we are not going anywhere near there.
I'll post more if/when something significant happens.
On Monday 8th January 2022 we were booked on VA195 from MEL-NAN with a scheduled departure of 0800. We had been told that check-in was 4 hrs prior to the flight so starting at 0400. We were staying at the Airport Park Royal and had priority check-in available. That being the case we got up at 0345 and started our check-in at 0440. It was quick and easy with a full check of all our documentation. Our grandson’s vaccination certificate opened some eyes is it was issued in Panama and at first glance it’s all in Spanish. From there we wander off to the VA domestic lounge as they currently don’t have any international lounges. After a leisurely breakfast we went through Customs and Immigration.
All good thus far but then a period of fun started. We boarded about 20 min late and then sat for a bit until there was an announcement to the effect that one FA had an issue and had to be replaced. Unfortunately, the replacement FA needed a PCR test. About an hour later the story came out. The first FA had tested positive and the replacement had also tested positive. We were then disembarked and asked to wait whilst it was sorted out. As there wasn’t a lot of passengers we were already on minimum crewing so needed the extra FA.
A while later another FA arrived after a quick diversion from BNE-CBR-MEL and we were finally on our way almost exactly 3 hrs late. The flight was uneventful and the FA became the hero of the trip and got mentions from both the Captain and cabin supervisor.
Weather in NAN was pretty awful with low cloud and rain so I am guessing we did a GPS RNav approach. Immigration was painless and we were quickly on our way with 2.5 hr drive to our resort at Pacific Harbour. We had planned to rent a car but changed our minds a few days before departure. This was fortunate as the majority of the trip was in heavy rain and in the dark. Our driver who we know from previous trip did an awesome job. We finally reached our destination at about 2015 Fiji time.
On day 2 we the resort did an RA test on all 3 of us without issue. The resort assistant manager and one of the receptionists did the tests as the nurse from Suva couldn’t get here due flooding. They assured us they had done the necessary gov’t training and we know them well enough that we believe them without question.
It’s been very wet here everyday, until today when the weather became hot but pleasant.
There is a lot of Covid in this area, so protocols are being strictly followed. The Pearl hotel/resort next door has closed due Covid cases and we cannot visit some of our friends as they live in what the Fiji gov’t defines as high risk areas. We have travelled around in similar fashion to being at home. ie be careful, wear masks when appropriate and don't go too close to strangers.
We are here until 22nd Jan and then move to the Hilton DT at Sonaisali Island for 5 nights before returning home.
We are watching what happens closely and keeping our options open but not worrying too much about what "might" happen. Our neighbours at home have had Covid as did many others nearby, so this isn’t a lot different. The Hilton on Denarau has a major Covid issue and are reportedly struggling so we are not going anywhere near there.
I'll post more if/when something significant happens.
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