One of the best dives of my life and that’s counting more than 150 dives over the past 33 years. Elena, Will, Violet and Bill Carmody scuba dive with Beqa Adventure Divers. It. Was. Awesome!

First sunny day in Fiji, so Elena and I head to The Pearl to get a day pass and enjoy the beach and pools here in Pacific Harbour, Fiji. Sun, we’ve missed you!

Bill Carmody and Elena walk to the Fijian Cultural Center and explore the sights including bure kalou, Fiji’s tallest traditional temple, built to honor the spirit and craftsmanship of ancient Fijian architecture.

Fiji has an endless supply of fresh coconuts. The only challenge is how to get into them. Luckily the AirBnb we’re staying in has a machete.

With Tropical Cyclone Urmil headed to Fiji, the rains are heavy (like buckets), bur rather than staying in doors, Will and Bill Carmody took out the machete and cleaned up the back yard jungle trails.

Pacific Harbour, Fiji is visited by Elena, Will, Violet and Bill Carmody after a short stint of being temporarily homeless when our original AirBnb flooded. It’s great to be settled here in Fiji.

As the flooded AirBnb saga continues, Will and Bill Carmody take some time to explore Sigatoka, Fiji. It’s beautiful here and the skies are less threatening in the morning without all the down pouring rain.

Imagine flying to Fiji, taking a cab for two and a half hours, and then discovering the AirBnb you booked weeks a ago is now flooded. Elena, Will, Violet and Bill Carmody test their resilience in a country without a home (temporarily, anyway).

Before the Carmodys head to Fiji, Elena, Will, Violet and Bill Carmody spend some quality time with Yvonne McLean and a few of her coach friends, including Sharon Spence and Julia Phillpot.

Elena, Will, Violet and Bill Carmody visit the Kelly Tarton's Sea Life — Auckland, New Zealand’s special aquarium.

Will, Violet and Bill Carmody travel to the island of Waiheke to explore with three other coaches: Mirjam Grayson, Mel Burdett and Cheryl Robinson.

Auckland Zoo hosts much, much more than the Kiwi we came to see (and successfully saw). Elena, Will and Bill Carmody planned on staying 2 hours and ended up staying 6. Long amazing day together.

Elena, Violet and Bill Carmody SkyJump (192 meters) in Auckland after SkyWalking around the entire perimeter for a 360 degree view of Auckland, New Zealand.

Violet and Bill Carmody experience Zorbing and then discover the World’s Coolest McDonalds right here in New Zealand.

Bill Carmody, wife Elena and daughter Violet visit the Wairakie Geyser and witness the base of the Wairakei Power Station — the first to utilize flash steam from geothermal water as an energy source.

The Great Lake Taupo, New Zealand is home to powerful Maori artwork and totems standing right next to a Hole In One golf range. Something for everyone.

Elena, Violet and Bill Carmody roll up to Taupo, New Zealand and check out the lake, wildlife, and epic playground.

Bill Carmody finishes listening to “The Kite Runner” and reflects on the powerful narrative of this book — one of Dave Barry’s wife’s favorite novels.

Bill Carmody and wife Elena check out the National Museum of New Zealand called Te Papa Tongarewa and get a deeper education and historical context.

Valentine’s Day in Wellington, New Zealand is unique. Elena and I spent the day together checking out wildlife and lunch at Zelandia.