5 highs and lows of our journey so far

5 highs and lows of our journey so far

It's December 31st, so naturally we thought we'd add to the countless year-end lists floating around the social sphere.

We have been asked several times about our best experiences in the South Pacific; the absolute must-dos in this part of the world. After five months on the road there are so many, but if we had to choose these would be our top five.

Of course, not everything was peachy. To balance things out, we've also added our top 5 lows.

HEIGHTS

1. Mount Yasur Volcano, Vanuatu

Yasur is one of the most accessible active volcanoes in the world, meaning you can walk right to its edge and watch its fireworks light up the night sky. It is probably the most incredible natural wonder we have ever seen. Read more in the Jack Wolfskin Outdoor Blog or on Rough Guides.

2. Swimming with whales, Tonga

We can't think of enough superlatives to describe this experience: wonderful, humbling and majestic would be a good place to start. Read more in The Day We Almost Didn't Swim With Whales.

3. Diving in Vanuatu, Samoa and Tonga

Breathing underwater for the first time is strange and surreal and incredibly addictive, so much so that we decided to do a PADI intensive course. Peter passed with flying colors and I – well, more on that below. Peter's first independent dive between wrecks and turtles was a particular highlight. Read more in Diving with Turtles in Samoa.

4. Bora Bora Lagoon, French Polynesia

Surprisingly, French Polynesia ranks at the bottom in terms of places visited (behind Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu and the Cook Islands). The reason for this is that it feels a lot more commercial, but there is no denying that Bora Bora Lagoon is pretty much heaven on earth. Read more in Bora Bora Lagoon Tour: Money Well Spent.

5. Stay in a Beach Fale, Samoa

Samoa was probably our favorite country overall. We particularly liked Vaiula Beach Fale on the north coast of 'Upolu. Run by Dave, a local businessman and raconteur, these fale offer a stunning stretch of beach, easy access to amazing natural wonders, delicious local food and like-minded travelers. Read more in A Million Dollar View Without the Price Tag.

old=““>Atlas & BootsStunning sunset at Vaiula Beach Fale

DEEP

1. Camping at Beverly’s, Fiji

We recorded this video on day 1. By the evening of Day 3, I was in meltdown mode. The relentless dogs, the dirty dresser, the toad that landed on my foot in the bathroom at night, the lack of sleep due to an inadequate air cushion - it all added up. Luckily, the few times we've camped since then have been much, much better! Read more in City Girl, Country Boy: Camping Together for the First Time.

2. Leaving the PADI course, Vanuatu

I hate quitting so it wasn't what I expected. Quitting means I can't dive unsupervised and I always pay more than if I were qualified. I say publicly that I have learned to stop. Personally, I still hope to try again one day.

old=““>Atlas & BootsI'm doing my best impression of McKayla Maroney after I leave my PADI

3. Ruining our GoPro, Tonga

I really think that broke Peter's heart. We went diving in Tonga, me with my companion and Peter independently with his diving partner (a necessary safety precaution). After an incredible 45 minutes we came up. Peter's first words were "I think I ruined my GoPro" - just two weeks after he bought it. In fact, he did and he complains about it almost every day.

old=““>Atlas & BootsAh, those halcyon days before Peter ruined our GoPro

4. We lose our luggage, Samoa

We hadn't planned to stay in Apia for very long. Capital cities tend to be noisy, dusty and often charmless, so we always leave them as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, Fiji Airways lost our luggage, so we had to stay in our charmless hostel for two extra days, wearing the same sweaty clothes. Needless to say, we spent our first night washing underwear.

old=““>Atlas & BootsLook what you got us, Fiji Airways!

5. Water shortage at Mt. Matavanu, Samoa

If it weren't for three medical students driving down the trail, Peter and I would have definitely fainted not only from dehydration, but also from heat and exhaustion. Matavanu was a 6 hour hike and although it rarely got steep, the absolutely relentless Samoan sun left it teetering on the edge. Luckily, the paramedics made room for us in their car and gave us plenty of water. I think saying that you met Da Craterman isn't easy for you! Read more in meeting “Da Craterman – world famous in Samoa”.

Da Craterman realizes that Kia is his first visitor from Bangladesh

Mission statement: Atlas & Boots

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