Ians Incorporated

No Getaway for us

Ian Cole — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 04:39:21 +0000

A crew from travel show Getaway is here filming for a segment for next year. Yesterday afternoon they were filming in the bar while we were having a beer. They asked if we would mind if they filmed us while they were filming a shot of the bar. But then because we were having a cigarette they said they couldn’t film anyone smoking. Bad boys! They’ll have a hard time to get a shot of anywhere here without someone smoking! So they went off to film other angles and said they’d be back, but they never did.

We saw them around today but I think we managed to avoid being in shot. I expect that we may see them tonight.

Today has been more of the same. Pool/bar/beach. Tonight is lovo night. Looking forward to that! The sunset cruise has been postponed to tomorrow night.

And the theme continues

Ian Marks — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 21:41:20 +0000

I would love to report that we have been out and about doing lots of things but I can’t. We’ve spent more time at the pool bar, in the pool or sitting around admiring the view. Last night for something different we sat in the Terrace Bar and watched all the happenings from there.

It was fun, relaxing and a little intoxicating after we switched to cocktails. Tonight is Lovo night so we might wander over to have a look at the unearthing of that. Other than that I think it might be pool time. For doing little of nothing we sure are sleeping a lot!

A whole lot of nothin’

Ian Cole — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 02:58:36 +0000

Not much has changed since the last post. We’ve spent time in the pool, at the pool bar, relaxing by the pool, on the beach looking out over the ocean. And yes, the girls at the pool bar keep playing ABBA!

Last night we went to the firewalking demonstration and kava ceremony at the appropriately named Sunset Point at the end of the island. In this one they weren’t walking on fire or hot coals, but on hot stones that had been heated under a bonfire for several hours. They were hot! The kava ceremony was as we’ve seen before, but the kava was even more mild than usual.

Tonight we were supposed to be taking the sunset cruise, but it’s been overbooked so we’re moved to tomorrow. Hoping for good weather.

The pool bar is evil

Ian Cole — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 02:47:26 +0000

So, after yesterday’s post we headed off to the pool. Swam about a bit then swam over to the pool bar. Yes, a bar in the pool. Life is perfect!

So we had a beer, and then another, and then another. Subjected to yet another hour of ABBA! Lots of people swam over to the bar, singing and bopping away.

The weather was turning cooler and threatening rain, so we got out of the pool but perched ourselves on the barstools on the other side of the pool bar. Had a few more beers, the slight rain passed, so we got back in the pool and yes, straight to the pool bar.

We finally left the pool and the bar because that night was the Manager’s cocktail party, a regular feature we have found on Monday nights at resorts like this.

Needless to say it was an early night and a sluggish start this morning. We’ve been enjoying the pool today but not the pool bar quite so much.

I haven’t downloaded any photos from the camera yet. Maybe tomorrow.

Bula!

Ian Cole — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 21:50:53 +0000

Here we are at the beautiful Sonaisali Island Resort in Fiji, for our second fly-and-flop holiday this year. The resort is lovely, just as gorgeous as it looks in the photos. Despite long-range forecasts predicting rain almost every day, so far the weather has been sunny and warm. Well, fucking hot actually!

Double bonus: we travelled over upstairs on the 747. Neither of us have ever done that before! Very exciting. Much better than downstairs with the rest of the cattle. We want to fly up there always. But where was the bar, the lounges, the grand piano and the blind pianist?

And then when we got to the resort we were put into a bure (boo-ray), when we’d booked and paid for a much cheaper (and even more discounted) hotel room. We’re not complaining! Hopefully no one will notice and make us move.

Today is our second full day since arriving Saturday night. Yesterday after breakfast we wandered around the resort, checking where everything is. Then we lathered up with sunscreen and headed down to the pool for a swim, a drink at the pool bar (Vonu is the beer of choise this trip), another swim, another beer. Gotta love a pool bar, you don’t have to get out of the pool to get a cold beer.

One of the girls at the pool bar like to play ABBA (selections from The Definitive Collection, for those who were curious). We had some songs yesterday, they’ve just been booming out again as I write this. The other Ian was very happy (not!) to hear one ABBA song after another as we had another beer or cocktail. It really is like I wrote on Facebook a couple of days ago – ABBAWORLD is wherever I am

Better go, it’s time for a swim!

Our beautiful friend Pride

Ian Cole — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 23:07:28 +0000

19/10/92 – 16/4/93 – 28/8/10

Last day

Ian Cole — Sun, 16 May 2010 00:57:50 +0000

Saturday was our last full day here in Vanuatu. The weather was crap, constant rain again. Se we spent much of the day of sitting around reading and watching TV – some bizarre Sci Fi channel movie starring James Brolin as an ocean salvager in the future when the oceans have risen hundreds of feet. Amazingly all the buildings in all the cities remained intact despite now being under the ocean.

Later in the afternoon we headed over to the Anchor Inn for a few Tuskers, then to the Flaming Bull Steakhouse for our last dinner. Happily tanked on Tuskers we wandered up to the casino for a while, then back to Iririki for a nightcap.

Now we’re checked out and sitting in the Bali Hai bar having a couple of Tuskers while we wait for time to leave to head to the airport. Ross Wilson is performing here this afternoon – yes, the Ross Wilson of Daddy Cool/Mondo Rock fame. We’ve seen him around the resort a few times over the last few days.

And now the fucking sun is coming out for the first time in days!

So that’s about it until he next holiday. We’ll be adding some photos when we get home.

All good things…

Ian Marks — Sun, 16 May 2010 00:34:12 +0000

So I’m sitting here in the Bali Hai Bar and Cafe for the last time (this trip) enjoying a Tusker. Our time here at Iririki Resorts and Spa has come to an end. Its raining but still very warm. Despite some serious flaws in service and maintenance this place is just amazing.

This morning started with a bad hangover as a result of sitting in the Anchor Inn, having steak at the Flaming Bull and spending far too much time in the Grand Casino last night. It was a really nice way to spend our last night here in paradise. There’s a mist over the mountains again today but the airport looks clear so we’ll probably be able to leave.

This holiday was everything I expected and this is truly one of the most beautiful and unspoilt places in the world. The people and sights are just amazing, every corner opens to another beautiful scene filled with happiness the likes of which I have never seen before.

It is with a sense of disappointment and regret that I have to now leave. But be assured I shall be back to enjoy the tropical wonderland.

And as the saying goes: All good things must come to an end!

Snorkeler’s cove

Ian Cole — Fri, 14 May 2010 23:14:25 +0000

After the around the island tour on Thursday yesterday was a quiet day. And the weather was overcast. In the morning I went over to Vila to get some gifts and supplies from Au Bon Marché.

Back to Iririki we headed down to Snorkeler’s Cove, a good snorkeling spot on the other side of the island. I went out while Ian stayed behind to watch. Visibility wasn’t too far due to the weather, but I did get to see lots of lovely coloured fish and huge coral outcrops.

After that it was back to the Sunset pool for a Tusker at the swim-up pool bar, followed by the usual drinks at happy hour in the Bali Hai bar, then dinner at the Watermark Restaurant.

This morning it’s fucking raining!

Sorry there aren’t any photos yet. I tried to upload some yesterday but the broadband wifi connection here couldn’t cope

Around Efate

Ian Marks — Thu, 13 May 2010 22:52:00 +0000

Yesterday we took and around the island bus tour. This meant that for he first time since arriving we had to be out of bed and active at 6:30am – bit of a struggle when we’ve been waking up hours after that!

So we boarded our mini-bus and headed off. A very nice guide talked us through various sites around Port Vila before heading out into the country. The thing to know is the “country” is about a 10 minute walk from the heart of Port Vila, so we were in the country very quickly. After a stop for morning tea and a look around at a blue lagoon, we arrived at the village.

The village was a tiny village and we were greeted in traditional style by James, the chief and some of his warriors. We then spent the next few hours wandering around, chatting and doing some activities. It was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had in a long time. It was so personable and enjoyable I could have spent more time there. James and Mary were wonderful hosts with the whole tribe working to make the experience of these 6 white folk lots of fun.

So we left the village and headed off to our last stop and a swim in the ocean. I can now say I have been to Vanuatu and swam in the ocean. Given my concerns with things that live and swim in the ocean it was no mean feat!

And today… not sure. The weather is not the best today but it may warm up enough to lie by the pool and enjoy a Tusker or 2.