Bula!

We've lost a day since we last updated the blog - and, no, there was no drink involved, honest!

We went snorkelling on our last day in Maui and also saw a pod of about 250 Spinner Dolphins - just amazing!

We left Hawaii at 8.10am on Sunday September 20 for a five and a half hour flight to Fiji which crossed both the Equator and the International Date line. Hence, when we arrived in Fiji it was already Monday afternoon.

We are staying at The Outrigger on The Lagoon, halfway between Nadi and Suva on Viti Levu - the main Fijiian island. The Fijiian people are so lovely and friendly and just can't be helpful enough. Their smiles transform their faces and they smile most of the time and greet you with a big "Bula" every time they see you. Bula means more than hello, we're told - it actually means I am delighted to see you and I wish you prosperity and a long life.

The hotel and food etc is lovely but it is basically a big resort and it does feel a bit like being cooped up so we hired a car for a few days and got out and about to see the island. The poverty here is just grinding. Average wage (for those who're lucky enough to be in work) is $80 Fijian - or about 27 pounds.

We can't phone from here - we have bought a phone card but it doesn't work in the hotel!! Go figure!

We are currently waiting for our helicopter ride to Castaway Island where we stay for three nights then back to Nadi for one night and on to New Zealand. Will update when we arrive in NZ

Hope everyone is fine

JandL
x

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