Holidays: Malolo Island, Fiji

Hello, I think I've fallen in love, with a resort! We are just at the end of spending a week at Malolo Island Resort and I thought I would write everything down incase you find yourself in the position I was 9 months ago, desperate for a family break but backing away from a big brash family holiday in a huge, soulless resort. And I found it, I tell you, I found it!

Who we are - we are a Mum, Dad and 2 year old from Sydney's East. Dad works hard, Mum works part time, and our little one is at daycare 2 days a week. You could easily say a beach holiday would not be our first choice, before kids we loved big cities and road trips. But sometimes, everything just has to stop. So this trip has ticked just about every box for us, at 'this stage of life.'

So I began my search, and it was hard! The Fijian islands are expensive, and many are adults only, worn out, or just way out of our league (a friend suggested Vomo Island, look it up! But not for us...)

And up popped Malolo. When I went to the Travel Agent to book it they had not even heard of it! And the website is terrible, which would put a lot of people off. But now I'm so happy this is the way it is, such a rare and serene part of the world!

Just thrilled to be at Malolo!

 Why did we pick Malolo?
- It's small. Only 40 or so bures.
- All bures face the beach. No hidden costs for a view and have their own balcony and outdoor seating. Private and comfy! There are also 3 different TYPES of bure, pick carefully. We didn't realise an upgraded room would have cost only A$50 more a night. Had we known, we would have done it.
- It's Fijian owned, so more of our money is going back into the local economy.
- Kids club (free) and babysitters (approx A$6 an hour).
- The meal plan was very reasonable and this included steak, crab and other seafood (not every single day, but certainly available).
- No TVs or WiFi in room, but available in common areas. This type of enforced technology break is well worth it!
- The island is covered by vodafone Fiji so no worries with that aspect of things.

What were some of the good things about being there?
- Malolo is one of the first islands away from the port of Denarau (the major port, a bus ride from Nadi airport). With a 2 year old it is not too much of a stretch to get there, and at Denarau you can pick up items you forgot from the mini mart and also a few cheap groceries (bottled water, mosquito repellant).
- Fiji is rather famous for its friendly welcome and at Malolo it's genuine. The majority of staff are employed from the local villages and seem genuinely pleased to be of service.
- The guests are spread out. Malolo rarely seems crowded so most of the time it is pretty calm.
- When we went on activities we were the only people there! We went on a snorkeling tour and nobody else joined us, same for our shell village trip. At A$30 per adult both were a bargain! I also went to a Fijian cooking lesson, was the only person there, and got my fill of mackerel cooked in coconut milk, a recipe I have since cooked at home with success!
- 3 restaurants to pick from, and all very decent. When we ate dinner at 'Treetops' on our last night another guest approached the chef while he was speaking to us, saying he has been coming to Fiji annually since 1963, and Malolo's food was the best he has eaten. I've heard island food generally leaves much to be desired, but not here.
- A decent wine list that I could not as a pregnant lady, take too much advantage of!

Feeding fish with Dad.

  
What would you do differently next time?
- I wouldn't book using a travel agent, it's really simple to book direct.
- I would go back in July, in mid-September it is the shoulder season and the overcast, stormy (read wet season) weather has begun. It wasn't too bad for us but keep it in mind.

What are some things you are really glad you took?
- Sard clothes spray and wondersoap: helped with small quick bundles of handwashing (particularly of kids clothes!)
- Ear drops, Panadol, Imodium (didn't use but glad we had) mozzie repellant, mosquito plug-in (Fiji has same power points at Australia). Mosquitos were no bigger problem there than in Australia, but if it has rained they do come out in numbers. The resort provides repellant in every room and also fumigates the gardens daily.
- A whole bag of nappies for 7 days (leave the spares with the local staff, so many have kids and really appreciate it!) Same goes with the 3 x packs of wipes.
- Chocolate as small thank you gifts for staff. It's true after all that Fijians are wild about chocolate! After giving out a few of these treats (Cadbury blocks, Kit Kats, Tim Tams - basically, if you save up the chocolate you are gifted during the year just take it with you!) to our babysitter and cleaning lady things became even more friendly and efficient, and genuine joy from them in return (if you find out the Fijian average hourly wage you will suddenly understand)!
- Boxes of chalk to give out to kids at the local village - really easy for them to use drawing on concrete around the place, and is also easily shared.
- Library books for my daughter. We took 4 but we should have brought double, it got so repetitive for us to read them to her!

What are some things you wish you didn't take?
- We sincerely only needed one pair of shoes per person, don't need more (Malolo is mainly barefoot).
- Same goes for underwear, most time is spent in a cossie!
- Toiletries. The toiletries provided at Malolo were excellent, the shampoo and conditioner were very good on my hair in particular! Make up? Ha! No. 

What are some things you wish you took but didn't?
- When in the kids club I noticed other guests had brought along a story book then donated it to the resort at the end of their stay, with a little message on the inside cover. I really wish we knew about this, would have loved to do the same!!

The beautiful beach at Malolo, you can snorkel right off the sand.

 Why would I want to go to Malolo above other Fijian resorts?
- It's not big and flashy, rather small and elegant.
- Everything is quite new, as the whole resort was destroyed in the last major cyclone (Cyclone Evan, 2012).
- It seems like a particularly great holiday for families with kids up to 10 years old.
- We met mainly Australians (all from Melbourne!) and New Zealanders here. A sprinkling of South Africans and Americans as well.
- It's casual but not slovenly. It's not 'linen shirts and tailored shorts' but I did not see any bogans here during our stay, with not huge amounts of drinking - most guests were polite and considerate of one another.
- Activities and food were not at out of control prices - although I'm not drinking right now a local beer was A$3.50, a cocktail A$10.
- You can easily access the mainland and other islands. A health centre (i.e doctor) is a 15min boat ride away, good if you need one!

We loved Malolo, and can't wait to return.

Love you, Malolo!

Flying with toddler

Last year I wrote about Flying with Baby, when I took my 10 month old on a trip to LA. Well in this part of 2015 year she is 2 and we took the obligatory Australian family holiday to Fiji, most fortunate were we! I'll talk about the Fiji trip separately, but here is some flight and flying info that may assist you from our experience, though I must admit I almost did not post about this at all as toddlerhood is such an individual stage and I warn you, all or none of this advice may help you!

This time we flew Sydney - Nadi on Fiji Airways economy (the old 'Air Pacific,' now a code-share with QANTAS). Our daughter, being 2 yrs and 1 month old had her own seat, even if she was under 2 I would be highly doubtful of making this trip with her on our lap.

Our daughter is a busy little bean that eats and sleeps well, and attends daycare 2 days a week. Partially toilet trained, she still enjoys the odd cows milk bottle and tantrums are part of daily life (screaming and crying, lying on the ground, refusing to follow simple directions).

We booked our trip as a package through Flight Centre Randwick though if we were to do a repeat trip we would book our own -  flights and accommodation separately (service generally underwhelming, a few unnecessary mistakes made and slightly more expensive).

It was a bit of a surprise to discover we were booked on a 6.30am flight, meaning we were up at 3.20am for our cab to the airport. Surprisingly, this was not such a bad idea as we let our daughter sleep to the very last minute, then whisked her off to the airport in her pyjamas and dressing gown.

The benefit of flying this time of morning was check-in and immigration was an absolute breeze. Not taking a stroller, we got hold of a QANTAS courtesy stroller easily at check in and walked quietly and relatively easily to the gate.

Once we got to the gate the first tantrums started so out came the iPad with headphones (and free airport WiFi) for ABC kids. We got our fill because there are no personal entertainment systems on Fiji Air 737 flights (Important! I almost feel like repeating this for emphasis!) We had not really prepared by downloading video onto the iPad so we sort of lost out with that one.

The flight departed on time and was full. It's a 4 hour trip, with a 2 hour time difference between countries - I'm honestly not sure I could do any more than that with a toddler this age. After lulling myself into a false sense of security (she slept for the first half hour of the flight!) the rest of the flight basically pushed our little family to the very edge of frustration - I'd love to say there some magical somethings that made it all easier but deep breaths, deep breaths, cuddles and distraction... that is all!

It only lasted half an hour!

 As the mum I basically got no time at all for anything on the flight. I packed 2 books and 2 magazines, and probably got 15min in total to glance at the inflight magazine. Be prepared to focus... On keeping your child (and possibly partner) on an even keel!

Mealtime kept the little one busy but Fiji Air food (Sydney - Nadi) was probably amongst the worst I have ever had, and no seperate toddler meal - bring your own food if your little one is fussy (our daughter got hooked on the rubber omelette, we were happy to also give her mum and dads).

One thing is you can take comfort in is the plane is packed with fellow families, and kids are playing up all around (sorry honeymooners!). Also, try and use the bathroom / change nappy before you get on the plane, the toilet queue on this flight was the longest and most ridiculous I have possibly ever seen.

One reprieve? At the very time when Carys was melting down under the seat in front of us the mum turned around and offered her a strawberry Chupa Chup. Now, this goes against all of my parenting instincts but I had a silent happy child for the following 20min. I'll be doing that again, no judgement at all!!

Did I medicate? No. I don't feel strongly either way about this, I just didn't have the time before the flight to consider it and make arrangements. If the flight were long haul... I'd be looking in to it!

Arriving at Nadi, it is only a short walk through the terminal to immigration and exit, so no real worry about a stroller. Although hot in the airport, immigration was quick enough, and we quickly changed her out of pyjamas and bare feet into a dress and sandals inside the terminal and onwards we went.

Flying back home Sydney - Nadi with a 6.30pm departure was an excellent choice for traveling with our 2 year old and I'd happily do it again without much worry (but with crossed fingers just the same!) Just over a 4 hour flight, we took off, ate (much better food this time, a Fijian vegetarian curry) then our little one shortly fell asleep for the rest of the flight home.

A quick note that Nadi Airport is undergoing renovation (completion mid 2016) and there is currently very limited food options upon arrival. Also, use the ATM there, it may be the first and last one you see on your trip (and much of Fiji is a cash economy, particularly if you wish to buy crafts from villages).

I hope there is something here that may help you if you are traveling with your toddler, and wishing you the best of luck and the patience of a saint! Most of all, Fiji is absolutely worth it, particularly now the Australian dollar is losing value against the greenback, making Bali trips and similar more expensive. Look into it!

Bula Fiji!

Killer Recipe: Peach Melba Slice

I love this recipe because it is so fresh and versatile, the mix is a good base for all types of fresh fruit, I look forward to experimenting with apple, rhubarb and pear as the seasons change. Plus - no creaming of butter and sugar, a real winner!

INGREDIENTS

• 250g pack unsalted butter
• 1.5 cups golden (or raw) caster sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1 2/3 cups self-raising flour
• 1/2 cup ground almonds
• 2 just-ripe peaches, stoned, halved, then each half cut into 16 slices (just do the best you can!)
• 120g punnet raspberries
• handful flaked almonds
• 1 tbsp icing sugar, to finish

METHOD

1. Heat oven to 180C.
2. Line a lamington tin or similar with baking paper, about 20 x 30cm (if you scrunch up the baking paper before fitting it to the pan it will fit nicely without jumping out).
3. Gently melt the butter in a large saucepan, cool for 5 mins, add the sugar, vanilla and eggs, then beat until smooth with a wooden spoon. Stir in the flour, almonds and ¼ tsp salt.
4. Tip the mix into the tin, then lay the peach slices evenly on top – that way each square of slice will have a bite of fruit. 
5. Scatter the raspberries and almonds over, then bake for 1 hr (approx, I actually find 35min is enough in my current oven, so keep watch). Test with a skewer: the middle should have just a tiny hint of squidginess, which will firm up once the slice cools. 
6. Cool in the tin for 20 mins, sprinkle with icing sugar, then cut into squares.

Adapted from: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/11266/peach-melba-squares

Greek Yoghurt Banana Bread

  
 INGREDIENTS

• 115g butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup banana pulp mashed (about 3 ripe bananas)
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup almond meal

For Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

• Reduce sugar to 1 cup
• Add 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees.
2. In a large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed, cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time and mix well. Add vanilla extract, banana pulp, and Greek yogurt, mixing well after each ingredient.
3. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt to combine.
4. Gradually add flour to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined on low speed.
5. Mix in almond meal until well combined.
6. Pour batter evenly into lined loaf pan and bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.

For Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

1. After the dry ingredients are added to the wet ingredients, fold in chocolate chips.

 
Adapted from: http://lovelylittlekitchen.com/greek-yogurt-banana-bread/

'Three to Sixer' - Guacamole and Fish Tacos

Our little one is now 18 months old, and our social life is practically in the graveyard - but life is still beautiful! A few months back my husband's boss (who has 3 kids of his own) invited us over for a 'Three to Sixer' - that is a mid-afternoon, early meet up with other families that ends at around 6pm so the little ones can get home for bath and sleep. At the end of it I felt renewed! So, in 2015, I'm hoping to do a few of my own.
Here is my first menu, of course it needs to be fresh and simple:-

CLASSIC GUACAMOLE

Ingredients

• 4 avocados
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tomato, seeded and chopped
• 1 jalapeno, minced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• Coarse salt and ground pepper

 Method

In a medium bowl, lightly mash avocados, then stir in lime juice, tomato, jalapeno, garlic, red onion, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper, serve with corn chips.

Note: This is a large serving, I find a half serving works well for our needs.

From: http://www.marthastewart.com/872700/classic-guacamole?xsc=soc_pin_classicguacamole_08152013&crlt.pid=camp.RYGdSRGF8IWl


SPICY FISH TACOS WITH SLAW AND FRESH CREMA

Ingredients

• 900g snapper fillets
• salt and pepper
• 2 tsp paprika*
• ½ tsp cayenne*
• 1 tsp garlic powder*
• 1 tsp ground cumin*
• 2 tbsp canola oil*
• For a quick fish seasoning I just use the 'taco seasoning' freshly made at Green Valley Spices

Slaw

• 4 cups (loosely packed) shredded cabbage (I use chinese cabbage as its a smaller size and convenient to slice)
• ⅓ cup chopped coriander
• 2 green onions, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp white sugar (I use coconut sugar or even maple syrup)

Crema

• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• juice and zest of 1 lime
• salt, to taste
• warmed tortillas, for serving

Method

1. Season fish with spices.
2. Heat grill pan or bbq (I use the Weber as it's nice and smoky) on medium-high heat. Add half of the fish and cook until the edges are opaque, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook until fish flakes easily with fork, and is just ever-so-slightly translucent (it will finish cooking with the residual heat). Transfer fish to a plate and repeat with remaining fish.
3. You can warm the tortillas on the bbq too! Just spray lightly with olive oil.
4. To make cabbage slaw, toss all ingredients together in a large bowl.
5. To make crema, whisk all ingredients together and season to taste with salt.
6. Serve fish in warmed tortillas with cabbage slaw and a drizzle of crema.

Adapted from: http://foodess.com/9032-spicy-fish-tacos-with-cabbage-slaw-lime-crema.html