The home stay in Sanasana turned out to be Tiki’s mother!- Liku. We got the boat back to the mainland , a taxi to town, a bus to a junction, and a taxi to the village. Our home was a corrugated metal room with 2 double beds a bunk bed, 3 piece suite, a table, fridge and gas stove. There was a long drop toilet and outdoor shower down the hill. We arrived late on Saturday. On Sunday we didn’t do much as the Fijians are strong Christians and go to church 3 times on a Sunday. There are lots of rules and customs that we are trying to learn so not to offend anyone. A few are- No hats or sunglasses in the village Long skirts and shoulders to be covered Carry bags in hands ... read more

Just a quick one to say I've had an amazing week- Diving with sharks, laying on the beach and meeting fun people while being cared for by Tiki (the receptionist). I'm heading down to the coral coast now with 4 others. I'll show you photos and tell you all about Mana and the coral coast next week as the bus leaves soon. Love to all T... read more

Hello I have arrived in Fiji- not much more to say than that- I arrived at 6am after a 10 hour flight but there was no one in the next to seats from me so I got to lie down and sleep. I got picked up from the airport and taken to my hostel- seems nice enough , free continental breakfast- well 2 pieces of toast! Kind English girl lent me 1FD to get the bus into town. Have now made it to the cash point and the internet cafe. Cant say much more than that- Its is fairly obvious that most people stay here for a short time as poss so I will try and book a boat trip through the islands that leaves tomorrow even though I booked 2 nights at the hostel. The ... read more

On Thursday we traveled out to Whidbey Island, Heather in the car and Joe (my cousin) his 7 month old daughter Stella and another family (Vlad, Nat and Joey ) in Joe’s boat. The house we rented was amazing; right on the waters edge, sound system in every room and a lift even thought there were only 3 floors. The owners had built it about 4 years before on some land his grandparents had. If we had to be really picky we would suggest a hot tub in the yard and a bath, especially one on the top floor overlooking the sea. By the end of the weekend there were 9 adults, 2 babies and 2 dogs: a very packed but happy house. Most of the time we just chilled out, through balls for the dogs ... read more

Hello all, I have been up 20 hours but I have made it to my first destination- My cousin Joes in Seattle. After all the security panic I was aloud to take normal hand luggage on the plane but no liquids. This wasn’t really a problem for me but I had fun being nosey in Amsterdam Airport watching everyone have their bag searched and panic as their mascara and other liquids were through away. One elderly American couple had no idea about what was going on and started to blame the Dutch and even said that they should bomb Holland - a little harsh I thought!! Anyway off to the Islands (just off west coast of US and Canada) in Joe’s boat tomorrow so will update you when I get back - the beginning of next ... read more