I am starting a new feature called Monday's Beautiful Memory, in which I will reflect on a memory from one of my past adventure's.  I have had so many and I feel as though this a great way to honor them one by one.  So, having said that, the 1st memory that I would like to recall was my trip last summer to...well, you will have to keep reading to find out!

It all began after one simple question from my boyfriend (M.), "What do you want to do on your last weekend in Australia?"  Sadly, my 6 week trip Down Under to visit him was coming to a quick end and we wanted to celebrate our last weekend together in a special way. 

"Do you want the honest answer?" I said, knowing that what I really wanted to do was travel, but we had already spent a lot of money traveling over the last month and a half and it was an unrealistic desire.

"Yes, of course, tell me what you really want to do," he replied.

I took a deep breath and admitted to him that I wanted to travel.  He hesitated for a moment and said, "Me too.  Give me 24 hours and a trip will be booked!"

I went to sleep that night dreaming of all the places he might be taking me, however I kept reminding myself that our budget was limited and that at best we would be going somewhere within Australia.

After M. left for work I headed over to my favorite café for some brunch and a latte.  I had almost forgotten about our upcoming get-a-way when he called me.  "The trip has been booked!  But, all I am telling you is that 1) you have never been to this place before, 2) pack a bikini, and 3) you need your passport.  Oh, and meet me for dinner at our favorite restaurant at 6PM.  I have a little surprise for you."

A surprise on top of a surprise trip???  Wow, I was one lucky girl!  My mind started to spin.  Where on earth could he be taking me, as we only had 4 days to travel?  My first thought was somewhere in Southeast Asia, except that would be difficult to do in 4 days.  Then I thought New Zealand, except why would I need my bikini when it was the middle of winter there?

6PM could not come soon enough and finally I was sitting next to M. eagerly awaiting for him to reveal all.  He confided that he actually did not want to tell me where the secret location was, but that he needed to in order for us to plan properly.  After all, we only had 1 day before we left.

He then took a book, which was my surprise, out of his bag and placed it in front of me.  I could not believe it; sitting in front of my eyes was the Lonely Planet guide to Fiji!!!  I was so touched by his thoughtful gift, because he knew how much collecting them means to me.

The next 24 hours was a whirlwind of packing and planning.  We were beyond excited to return to the South Pacific.  We had visited New Caledonia a year before and had had the time of our lives. 

It took us about half a day to get to Nandi, Fiji, but this was the view that was waiting for us from our room when we arrived.

It was quite overcast and we decided to just explore Nandi by foot and hope that it would not rain while we were out and about (it did and we took cover in an Indian restaurant).  Downtown Nandi was a bit of a disapointment.  It definitely did not look like the tropical Fiji that one usually imagines.  In order to see the that side of the country, one needs to take boat trips to one of the 330 outlying islands.  Thus, after our walk around town we decided to sign up for our excursions for the next 2 days.

The rest of the trip went by WAY too quickly, although it was absolute perfection.  We spent just as much time above water as we did under water.  Here are some of my favorite pictures from the rest of the trip.

And here is the sunset on our last evening; our farewell present from Fiji.