Fiji

BULA, (welcome/hello/any other greeting you like in Fijian)
And so on with the story, next we traveled to the Islands of Fiji.
We arrived in Nadi, (second biggest urban area) and straight away we sorted out our travel needs for the next 9 days in Fiji. We would have liked to go another set of islands but time was such an issue that we could only make it to the islands that were close and best (the Yasawas). The 2nd day into Fiji we went to Nadi town and got a load of snacks and water to take with us as the islands we were traveling to were so isolated that it would be difficult to get any luxuries and cheap water. We also indulged in some Fijian Chinese which was very nice and most importantly cheap.

Nacula

The day after we woke early to get a bus to the ferry terminal where we would board the catamaran taking us to the islands. The journey took around 4 hours and was pretty choppy but we arrived at the first (Nacula - furthest and largest in the group) of the three islands we would travel to - safe and sound. Our first impressions of the islands was wow-wee so beautiful/stunning in fact. Amazing blues and greens in the ocean/reefs and luscious green foliage on the islands themselves with huge mountainous landscapes (due to there volcanic creation). The island only had 2 resorts on the island (well I say resorts but I mean huts - very basic but very Fijian) - very nice!! The first day we spent lounging in hammocks, swimming in the sea and opening coconuts. I thought it couldn’t be that hard opening it with my hands and a little rock. But I was so wrong, it took over 20 mins and it was really sweaty work in the baking sun. In the evening we were really lucky because we got all of the Fijian lifestyle in one night, some people didn’t get to see half of it the whole time they were there. First the food we had was cooked in the traditional (lovo style fashion). This is where they place volcanic rocks on the fire (which absorb loads of heat) then they dig a huge hole, put the rocks in the hole, cover the food in banana leaves, and place the food on to the rocks and cover it all over with dirt. When the steam stops rising from the ground the food is cooked and they take it all out ready to eat. It tasted soooo good it was just magical, so smoky and just um umm ummmm. After dinner we all made a fire on the beach. Once the fire was done we sat down crossed legs and joined in with a kava ceremony. Kava is a drink that very traditional to Fijian lifestyle. It is made from the root of a pepper plant and mixed with water. Before we arrived in Fiji people cursed the kava and said it was the worst thing they had ever tasted, but I don’t agree, ok so it doesn’t taste great, but it just tastes like peppery water (it does look like muddy water, so I could se why it really puts some people off). You clap, say BULA, down the drink in one (hast to be done this way, not just English tradition coming in here) then clap 3 times. It doesn’t do much at first, it just gives you a numb mouth, but after a while you start feeling drunk and if high doses are taken you can get a feeling of scaly skin and psychedelic effects.
On the first full day we chilled out in the morning, swimming, lazing in the hammocks (beachside) and playing some cards with the other guests. The night before we were asked if anybody would like to go to church the next morning. We both decided what a good idea it would be to go and check out the village (for free might I add, which could cost some travelers a lot of money). We walked maybe 10 mins to the church with a local from our resort. We arrived at the church and the service was brilliant,, the singing from all the Fijians was just fantastic, there voices were all totally amazing, especially the cute little children who all sang a few songs between them. Most of the service was in Fijian so we couldn’t really tell what was going on but I think we got the jist of it all. Some thing were said directly in English so the tourists would have some interaction with the church service. After the service we were invited to go and eat lunch with a family in the village. They don‘t have much money and they didn‘t ask for any money for the food that they gave us. Really true friendly people. We had the traditional lunch of fish in coconut sauce with bread fruit. Simone was so impressed with me, as I have just started eating fish, not only that I got the tail end of the fish and the tail and skin/bones were still on. Our visit to the village was really nice and showed us a little insight to the real Fijian lifestyle. These sort of experiences are hard to come by these days, seen as though it is so tourist driven in Fiji now. That afternoon we went to the blue lagoon to do some excellent snorkeling. Just a short boat journey to another island and we were there. Also it wasn’t too far away from the beach before we reached a huge reef running all along the island. As with ever island in Fiji there was a reef next to every single island in the whole Fiji group (unbelievable). After 2 hours of snorkeling at the blue lagoon (oh yeah which by the way was the film set for the 80’s film Blue Lagoon) we spent a pretty normal evening chatting with the locals and other guests
The next morning Simone, myself and another couple we met at the island all decided to go on one of the trips they organise to go see these underwater caves on the SE tip of the main island of Nacula. We took a 45 min boat ride on this little motor dingy. When we got there we took a short walk to the caves and it looked pretty mental when we first got there. We walked down these stairs in almost pitch blackness. The reflection of the water made the caves perspective look totally out and I nearly just fell straight in to the water (I just noticed before I approached it though). We all got in the water and made our way over to the underground cave. It was again totally mental, you had to swim toward the guides torch and he would tap your head when you can come to the surface of the water. I went first and I just couldn’t see anything so I came upto early and banged my head on the cave ceiling - ouch. Not to worry. So I swam over to a ledge to grab hold of the side. But the whole time I couldn’t see a thing because it was totally pitch black. Everyone else made there way through, most really panicing. The other girl especially. Simone and I had to hold onto her while she calmed down. When we all got through we had to swim a reasonable distance to the other end of the cave. After arriving the guide totally freaked out Simone and the other girl (Becky). First he started by telling us that there were two types of creature in the cave, the first was red snapper (normal sea fish - no worries) and the second is the eel. Becky freaked out, it was the only sea creature she didn't like and the guide knew this. Then he said look Simone there ones there right next to your foot. The guide was so funny but I don’t think he realised how scared the girls were when they entered the cave in the first place. When we got back to the other end we all swam back out through the swim through. At this point there were loads of other people coming into see the cave system. We were so glad that we got there before everyone else, so much better, and much more creepy with just one torch between the 5 of us. After finishing in the cave we did some snorkeling outside the cave area. It was really good conditions and saw loads of really nice fish, inc one I have wanted to see for ages. The journey back to the resort was crazy. The waves were huge and the boat nearly toppled over a few times, but the skipper had it all under control (I hope).
We got back from the caves and we had very little time to get our things ready and do anything else. But as Simone and I are really getting in to scuba diving/snorkeling we fitted in one more session of snorkeling just outside the beach at our resort. After which we had to go straight from the sea get our bags and get back on the dingy that would take us to the catamaran (i.e. next island - Niviti).

Niviti

The next island in the group we visited was a smaller island. This resort had no villages on the island and 2 other resorts on the same long stretch of beach (but reasonably split apart). We arrived in early in the afternoon, we had a little nap and sorted our bags out. I then went for some beach volleyball with many other guests/locals. Simone didn’t fancy it so she just stayed in the room and wrote her diary. In the evening we all met up at the communal area for some scrummy Fijian food as ever (as ever being that the food was really good the whole time we were in Fiji - they didn’t let us down once, not once). This evening was different to the last islands in that we were shown loads of indigenous Fijian dancing, then we were taught some of the dances and we had some music on to dance to afterwards. Great fun had by all, especially Simone and I, as we always aim to have a great time and join in with whatever activities are going on. It was such a funny night, there was this one really camp guy who just made everyone laugh all the time with his funny dancing. We did a huge congo round the resort and had some funny things to replicate.

On the first full day of the second island we had breakfast and went fish feeding just off the coral reef in front of the resort. A bit disappointing seen as though we didn't get one bite not even further out on the boat. Cheeky devils. After lunch we went for another legendary snorkel seeing so much reef life. Also the reef was only 25metres away from the beach edge - sorted! At one point we must have seen around 40 nemo's all trying so hard to protect their area, but they are all so shy. They act all hard then you swin near them and they quickly retreat back into the saftey off their anenome. Wussies!! We also saw these a group of crazy purple luminescent squid. You go towards them and they back off, but as soon as you turned your back they were right behind you again observing you. Very wierd!! Later that afternoon we went to play volleyball again but Simone got eaten alive by mozzies so she went for a rest while a played - Fiji vs The world. In the evening we had another joyious night of dancing with a lovely buffet (Fijian style). Also we played huge games of cards (multi packs) with a tournament of s*** head. Didn't win but it was fun.

The next day in Niviti we decided to walk to the another beach which was on the other side of the island. The only problem was that we didn't realise that the treck was over the mountain and that it was muddy and rocky. Both Simone and I had no shoes on and it was a total mission. But we got there and it was worth. White sand from end to end and a really good reef for snorkelling. Another god thing about this beach was that we were the only ones in thw whole vicinity (very nice - high five). After some swimming, chilling and looking for cool shells/rocks we decided to head back for free tea! Yeah! One quick more snorkel in the amazing reef right on the door step then back on the little motor dingy to take us to the bigger boat (and on to the next island). Boohoo sad to see that island go to be fair, lovely food/people/everything really. Oh well.

Waya


When we got close to this island we realised that we were going to a different island than planned. A bit disappointing but nether the less we wouldn't allow it to spoil the time we had there. From the start this island I knew it wouldn't be as good as the other two. The guy driving the boat was real mean looking (like a silver back gorilla), there whole attitude towards the tourists was different. They didn't even say hello/bula when we got on the boat transfer across to their resort. We had a warm welcoming from the manager type woman when we got there which helped a little. The other Brits that were came on the boat with us were manic depressives. Always complaining about anything and never a happy smile on their faces. Then there were 3 others we had previous met on the 2nd island. The blokes were cool, but this girl wasn't very nice at all!! Didn't get on from the start - the only person I've not got along with in 4 months!! Oh well you are obviously going to meet these type of people. That evening we had a nice meal and just played poker afterwards (which I finally taught Simone how to play - get in there). The next morning we woke up had a hearty breakfast and got started with the first and most difficult activity in Fiji possibly in our travels. We went on a hike up a volcanic mountain with the two blokes, Simone a guide and myself. The guide was bare foot till we reached the far end of the village. Then he put some good (well ordinary) old flip flops on - ready for a mighty hike (yikes). Crazy! We stared off walking up a marshy/muddy river bank, then it turned to a little forest and then the rest turned into solid jagged rocks all the way up the mountain. It took us two hours from the forest area and it was very hard indeed. Often climbing small rock faces with very little to hold onto. At times if you slipped you would be a gonner for sure. The other two London boys found the climb so tough I didn't think they would make it (fitness and climbing wise). At last we made it t to the summit. The view was unbielevable. You could see all the other islands groups on the west coast of Fiji - including thewhole main land. Beautiful. After some funny pictures and poses we headed back down for lunch. The climb down was almost as crazy as going up. I orignally thought it would be harder but it was not too bad in the end. Everyone was happy to have got back in one piece and we were all pretty tired and well ready for some Fijian lunch. Again after lunch we snorkelled the amazing reefs (so many nice reefs all over Fiji - every island has a reef with out doubt).
In the evening we just played some cards and went to bed easrly - knacked.

Starting from that evening till the time we had to leave it rained and poured down nearly the whole time. We only came out of our room to have food and talk with the new arrivals (2 Brits - blokes). So if we hadn't done the amazing hike up the mountain this island would have been really terrible. We were happy to be leaving the place so it couldn't have been too great, hey. Getting back on the big boat was a relief knowing we were going to be going to the cook islands soon. Couldn't wait. I have been looking forward to the Cook islands for as long as we had been planning the trip.

BAck in Nadi, we just spent an evening having some nice food in the resteraunt (pie and chips) while listening to some quality live Fijian musicians. The watched Borat for the second time on our travels (hilarious)!! The next day we left on air NZ for the Cook islands....

laters

peace out xx