We arrived into Fiji excited to write the final chapter of our Around-the-World journey…and we didn’t have to wait long for it to turn into a bit of a roller coaster ride.

We were first stopped at customs after NOT declaring that we had in our possession bee product that we were apparently illegally importing into Fiji. So, after 30 teeth-grinding minutes of standing around we then watched our $12 bottle of New Zealand Manuka honey turn into a $400 FJD fine. I bet that was going to be REALLY good honey. 🍯

And then, this…

Since we arrived into Fiji a bit later in the afternoon, the only way out to our small island was a private 24-hour water taxi (🌊+🚕) for what was supposed to be a quick 50 minute cruise.

After surviving our little boat crashing against some crazy swells all the while skirting the above rainstorm to the south, we finally arrived into Tokoriki Island…120 hair-raising 😱 minutes later!

Ahhhhh Fiji…

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Our place in Fiji was the PERFECT place to unwind and begin to digest everything that we’ve encountered over the past 6 months. The beach was stunning, the food was incredible, and our little island was surrounded by one of the most beautiful reefs we’ve ever seen.

You’ll have to trust me on this one…or better yet, add Tokoriki to your bucket list and check it out for yourself. As we snorkeled farther and farther offshore both the 🐠 and the corals became more and more colorful. What was ever more impressive (at least as far as our snorkeling is concerned) was the brilliant blue of the ocean and the teaming marine life that we found at the drop-off. 😳

That’s not to say we let all this relaxation go to our heads. We also filled our time with unbelievably competitive mini-golf and foosball matches, challenging paddle-board surfing…and even endured some of the fiercest Fijian summer weather*.

* “Do you think I’m getting more tolerant of the cold?” 🥶

said Tara Emma Socquet…while sitting on our deck in Fiji where it was currently 84 degrees. #youcan’tmakethisstuffup 🤭

Anyway, aside from our individual challenges over the last six months, I can honestly say that this journey has been the best experience of my life. The incredible gift of time with our family is something we will never forget, and will always look back on fondly for the rest of our lives.

Thanks for coming along on this journey with us. We’ve absolutely missed our family and friends back home, but we’ve also had the opportunity to see some amazing places and live some incredible experiences. We are without a doubt returning home with our hearts full and our eyes just a little bit brighter.

Happy Holidays!🎄

It’s time to board our final flight home…Hope to see you all in 2020! 🥂