It was wonderful to lift the dock lines and set sail again after two weeks in Denarau Marina. Our first stop was Likuri Island, also known as Robinson Crusoe Island, home to the famous Fijian Fire and Knife Dancers.
Far more accessible than the remote islands we’d visited when sailing the Eastern Side of Fiji, I was certain that the show would be an underwhelming tourist trap. However, it came highly recommend from several, trusted yachties, so we decided to check it out.
I’m glad we did. The performances were AMAZING.
Of course the little photo bug in me was running all over the place taking snaps and getting a bit too close to the action couple of times…. but managed not to get singed.
It was a wonderful day.
Next Stop: The Yasawa Islands
For The Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge: Today Was A Good Day
**Updated 10 September 2015 – Linked to Indah’s Monochrome Monday **
Graham Lawrence August 21, 2015
Lovely Pics!
Lisa Dorenfest August 21, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you Graham!
Inspiring Max August 21, 2015
Great action photos. You can feel the excitement through them.
Lisa Dorenfest August 22, 2015 — Post Author
Yay! Am delighted that you like the images Michelle! It was certainly an actioned packed event. The men were especially hard to photograph because they were in constant motion..and then there was all that fire ?
brittabottle August 22, 2015
Oh my goodness, Lisa, this looks like so much fun! I just really want to experience this right now. You got some amazing photos in the process, too. Well done!
Lisa Dorenfest August 22, 2015 — Post Author
? Thank you so much Britta ?
Gallivanta August 22, 2015
This looks like a lot of fun. Can’t wait to see the Yasawa photos. 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest August 22, 2015 — Post Author
‘Twas indeed Ann! Sailing in The Yasawas now. Beautiful. Did you ever visit here?
Gallivanta August 22, 2015
No, I didn’t, but my father travelled there many times and my brother was lucky enough to do an outward bound course in the Yasawas.
ledrakenoir August 22, 2015
Wonderful captures – really do catch a fascinating mood… 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest August 25, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you Drake! Glad you think so!
Terri Webster Schrandt August 22, 2015
Looks like a wonderful day indeed! Really amazing photos, Lisa. You captured their joy of dancing!
Lisa Dorenfest August 25, 2015 — Post Author
It was Terri! Thank you for your lovely compliment
restlessjo August 22, 2015
A fantastic day, from the looks, Lisa! And really exceptional photos again. 🙂 You must be in danger of being ‘featured’ again! 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest August 25, 2015 — Post Author
? You are incredibly kind Jo. Thank you.
thirdeyemom August 22, 2015
Wow fantastic Lisa! What a show.
Lisa Dorenfest August 25, 2015 — Post Author
’twas a wonderful show indeed. Thanks you Nicole!
lexklein August 22, 2015
I said “I’m moving to Fiji” on a different pic before I got to yours – haha! But they really are lovely men, err, people, and the way you captured the motion and colors is fantastic!
Lisa Dorenfest August 25, 2015 — Post Author
Again we think alike (#beefcake ???). Appreciate your kind words Lexi!
Amy August 22, 2015
So cool, Lisa! Beautiful performance. 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest August 25, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you Amy!
kirsten August 23, 2015
I’m sooo glad you are a photo bug because then I get enjoy all of your amazing photos! I love the fire one where you caught the flame in a circle and the finale with the guy on jet packs…WOW!
Lisa Dorenfest August 25, 2015 — Post Author
?You are wonderful to say Kirsten! Thank you!
Retirementallychallenged.com August 23, 2015
I just love the circle of fire! You captured the energy so well!
Lisa Dorenfest August 25, 2015 — Post Author
I got very lucky with that circle shot Janis! Glad you enjoyed it!
Michelle Hill August 23, 2015
These photos are fantastic Lisa. It made me feel like I was there enjoying the show with you. I know how fast they move so I’m really impressed that your shots are so clear. Would you mind telling me what settings you used on your camera? Have you decided yet when you’re leaving Fiji?
Lisa Dorenfest August 25, 2015 — Post Author
Sorry for my delayed response to your question Michelle. My blog was acting up again (sending comments to the reader rather than posts) but I think that the problem has been fixed.
I am delighted that you liked the images! The night shots were at F 2.8 with exposure ranging from 1/10 sec – 1/30 sec.
We will likely be leaving Fiji from Latouka around 15 September so our trips might overlap. When do you arrive in Nadi?
Michelle Hill August 25, 2015
Thanks Lisa. That’s really helpful. We arrive in Nadi on 11th and then head straight to Musket Cove. Perhaps you could join the Regatta. Lautoka isn’t far from Malolo Island.
Lisa Dorenfest August 25, 2015 — Post Author
The Captain so far is saying ‘No Way’ to Musket during the regatta. He runs from crowds.But who knows, maybe I can sway him (doubt it, but I’m trying)
Michelle Hill August 25, 2015
Nice of you to try. If it doesn’t work out there’s always Australia later this year (assuming that’s still the plan).
Lisa Dorenfest August 25, 2015 — Post Author
PS – What is the name of the boat you will be racing on?
Michelle Hill August 25, 2015
Phantom Mist. I think it’s currently at the Vuda Marina. It’s a 40.7ft Beneteau.
Lisa Dorenfest August 25, 2015 — Post Author
Love that name! Hope to get to see her in person. SY Amandla is also a Beneteau (473 Oceanis Clipper). As you say, if not in Musket then in Australia (it is still the plan)
Michelle Hill August 23, 2015
I also meant to say that I really love the first black and white shot of the two men looking at each other.
Lisa Dorenfest August 25, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you for saying so Michelle
Mabel Kwong August 23, 2015
Beautiful shots, Lisa. I can imagine you getting close to the action and good on you for not getting told to back down. The other onlookers and performers must have thought you were. Love the fire dancing shots – it must have been a bit warm when you took those photos 😉
Lisa Dorenfest August 25, 2015 — Post Author
Definitely one of those situations where to where it was better to ask forgiveness than permission. And lucky for me, no one asked me to ‘back down’ so I didn’t have to apologize ?. Well, I did have to say ‘excuse me’ once where my positioning put me unexpectedly in the middle of the Fire Dancers as they approached the stage from the beach (I was outside shooting in). Thank you so much for your comment. I am really pleased that you enjoyed the images Mabel.
Karen Thurman August 23, 2015
Oooh, how much do I love the first two images, especially the black and white one!! You would normally expect to see images like that in colour but it’s so effective in monochrome, really highlights the relationship between the men. Glad that you’re back at sea and enjoying what you’re seeing.
Lisa Dorenfest August 25, 2015 — Post Author
Yay! Thank you for the wonderful feedback Karen. And it is wonderful to be back at sea again. I hope to have some decent photos to send your way at the end of the month.
Frankie Beane August 23, 2015
Didn’t know that Robinson Crusoe was set in Fiji–I learned something today.
Lisa Dorenfest August 25, 2015 — Post Author
?Robinson Crusoe was set on a Tropical Island near Trinidad. According to Wikipedia, Likuri Island got the moniker Robinson Crusoe Island after a sailing yacht was wrecked on the nearby reef and the captain and his cat (coincidentally named Friday) took refuge on the island.
Janice August 24, 2015
(Sigh). Beautiful pics. Wonderful continued journey.
Lisa Dorenfest August 25, 2015 — Post Author
?Thank you Janice! Wish you were here! Hope all well on The Hudson
LDG luciledegodoy August 24, 2015
Wow Lisa, these are amazing photos. The black and white is a jewel. Moving to Fiji is
a fantastic portrait. Exceptionally shot. You captured every layer of detail. Worth the move to Fiji! LOL.
I also loved the Stuck a pose, Female fire dancer.
And a fire dancer on a jet packer? That perhaps is the only bit that it is more for tourists, right?
Thank you so much for letting us circumnavigate the globe and enjoy its beauty with you!
Lisa Dorenfest August 26, 2015 — Post Author
?You’ve got me grinning from ear-to-ear Lucile. Thank you for sailing with me through cyberspace and for inspiring me with your images.
LDG luciledegodoy August 26, 2015
Likewise, Lisa! Your life journey as a corporate fugitive, and every post of yours, is a daily reminder that I should stay the course! Even though I’m a corporate fugitive on shore!
Thank you!
Lisa Dorenfest August 26, 2015 — Post Author
?
LDG luciledegodoy August 27, 2015
Likewise Lisa, I feel the same way.
Michele August 24, 2015
How fun! Your photos capture the spirit here. Crusoe island-I never thought of it as a real place!
Lisa Dorenfest August 25, 2015 — Post Author
? It was fun indeed Michele! Likuri Island was nicknamed Robinson Crusoe Island after a sailing yacht was wrecked on the nearby reef and the captain and his cat (coincidentally named Friday) took refuge on the island. The book was set on an island off Trinidad.
Sue Slaght August 24, 2015
Lisa we are headed to Fijiin March! So fun to see your photos.
Lisa Dorenfest August 24, 2015 — Post Author
OMG that is awesome! I can’t wait to see the images that you capture here. Are you heading anywhere in particular?
Sue Slaght August 24, 2015
We are staying on Denerau and hope to do some day trips. I would welcome suggestions. We are just there for four nights after two weeks in Australia.
Lisa Dorenfest August 25, 2015 — Post Author
If you are passing through Sydney on your 2016 adventure, give me a shout. We will be sitting out the cyclone season in Australia (November to May).
With regard to day trips from Denarau, in addition to Crusoe, I have enjoyed visiting the city of Nadi and the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple (take the Westbus)
I will be better able to provide suggestions after we return to Denarau in early September to have our Bimini redone, but here is what is on our agenda
1_River rafting on the Upper Navua
2_Garden of the Sleeping Giant with a possible trip to the neighboring hot springs
3_Sigatoka Sandunes
4_Visit to Suva (we may stay overnight because its a lot of bus riding for one day, but doable)
I’ve attached a link here to a guide that we’ve used for sailing through Fiji that you may find useful. Its scope is much larger than day trips from Denarau, but it has some good insights that I thought you would find valuable.
Sue Slaght August 25, 2015
Wow thank you for all this helpful information! We will be in Sydney at the beginning of our trip. Feel free to drop me a email at traveltalesoflife@gmail.com and I can pass on the dates and where we are staying.
Fingers crossed our paths can cross in the ‘real’ world. Thanks again for the help!
Lisa Dorenfest August 25, 2015 — Post Author
Will do! Would be a treat to meet in person.
Faraday's Candle August 26, 2015
OH MY GOD! Magnificent…..how can you ever go back to a “normal” life after this amazing adventure. Your photography speaks volumes. Absolutely beautiful.
Lisa Dorenfest August 26, 2015 — Post Author
For me, adventure is the new normal. It is a state of mind. Wherever I go, whatever I do, I will find it. And I think you know that. For you are a kindred spirit. Whether you are enjoying two lovely weeks in The National Parks (loved the photos in your most recent post) or exploring the wonderful world of science in your own backyard, you are an adventurer. Thank you so much for your lovely compliment on the photos ?
Cardinal Guzman August 27, 2015
Cool flame show!
Lisa Dorenfest August 27, 2015 — Post Author
Glad you liked it ?
badfish August 29, 2015
Lisa, you are making me feel bad about chilling so thoroughly this summer–“adventure is the new normal.” I LOVE the B&W first shot. Their expressions–priceless! And the fire twirlers. The jet pack is actually a cool shot, and something I’d like to try…but not what I’d expect from Fiji dancers. Although…this is the 21st century, so anything is possible, as we can see by the male dancers pulling a Michael Jackson pose, hand in groin!
Lisa Dorenfest August 31, 2015 — Post Author
You were out there adventuring more than most Mr Badfish! I wish the Jetpack photo had turned out better but the action was so over the top I just had to share it. Really pleased you liked BW and the Fire Twirler images ?
dunelight August 30, 2015
Ooooo I gotta get out more.
Lisa Dorenfest August 31, 2015 — Post Author
?
Indah Susanti September 14, 2015
Great images – I can even feel the fun of the dance and the event. I wish I could be there to witness it myself! Thank you so much for linking on Monochrome Monday 🙂 Truly appreciate this!
Lisa Dorenfest September 14, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you Indah! Am really pleased you liked the images. And thank you for hosting the link-up ?