I just returned from 2 1/2 weeks of meetings and appointments in Sydney, Auckland and Fiji.  When I tell friends and family that I have a long business trip to the South Pacific, they respond with envy.  Don't kid yourself - it is not a fun trip, and it can be exhausting.  But, despite the hectic schedule and tons of travel, I was able to sneak in a bit of fun here and there (of course!).

Sydney remains one of my favorite cities of the world.  The sites are cool, but the people are great fun.  There is an easy going attitude with my friends from Sydney and I just really enjoy the vibe hanging around this great city.  Several days of long meetings was capped off with an amazing dinner at a waterfront restaurant in Darling Harbour, followed by some fun drinking and dancing at local clubs.  I was lucky to have a morning off and was able to walk as much of Sydney as my feel would allow.  Great place, amazing sites, and a fun atmosphere.

I had one free weekend and I took advantage.  I hopped a flight to Melbourne to spend exactly one day in this city on the water.  Long ago, my friends in Melbourne invited me to visit the city and stay with them, and I am so glad that I did.  I arrived on a Sunday morning at 7:30a (WAY too early).  A quick driving tour of the city was followed by a breakfast in a very cool neighborhood.  And then it began.  A pub crawl.  First beer at 10:30a.  Last beer - I just can't remember.

We walked, took the light rail, explored the city one bar at a time.  It really helped that the weather was fantastic - not a cloud in the sky, and loads of people out and about enjoying the beautiful day.  It felt like a shame to have beers in the pubs, so we enjoyed quite a few of them in outdoor patios.  Loads of beers and laughs later, we ended up at my friends house for a BBQ and more beers.  A very memorable time in Melbourne, and I made a promise to myself to return soon.

Next stop: Auckland.  I had been to Auckland 3 or 4 times in the past, and every time I went I go I enjoy it more and more.  Instead of hanging out in the CBD, I was able to visit some of the outlying neighborhoods, enjoying some great cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs.  I was so lucky to catch up with some old friends for dinners, and even was able to pull off a secret Happy Birthday celebration for an unsuspecting friend at dinner - it wasn't her birthday, but we at least were able to enjoy a free dessert!  

As usual, the food and wine in Auckland did not disappoint, nor did the sites.  This is a great walking city.  Tons of coffee shops, great shopping, more restaurants than you can imagine, and a waterfront area that is so charming.

Just a few days in Auckland before I was off to Fiji.  Ah, Fiji.  Still have meetings there, but a little down time thrown in.  

I was so lucky to stay at Crusoe's Retreat.  My Deluxe SeaSide Bure was just what I needed - a thatched roof bungalow, steps to the beach, and even an open-air, river rock outdoor shower.  Food was, as usual, very good.  And it was wonderful to see old friends and spend some time with the amazing staff.

What I was not expecting to do was so much scuba diving.  I was very lucky to enjoy three separate dives with Don and Narrelle.  I was joined by some very happy guests.  My last dive was the best - we saw some clownfish, anemone fish, turtles, and plenty of sharks.  Just before we were about to begin our safety stop, we saw a handful of black tip reef sharks, and directly underneath them were three beautiful spotted eagle rays.  The three rays swam with amazing ease, and it appeared as though they were 'flying' though the water.  They stayed in a formation, and after swimming around, were gone in a second.  Just amazing.

Two and a half weeks of travel is tough on the body.  Too many meetings.  Too much food and drink.  Too little sleep.  While I was excited to return home, it was with a bit of melancholy that I was leaving.  These are some of my favorite places in the world.  I know I will be returning very soon.