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Published: September 15th 2006
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Hey All!
Glad to hear you are all wanting more. We wanted to get as many pictures as we could before updating the site, along with the pics come the stories. So we arrived on the 9th September, which was very confusing as mid air we passed the date line, so we left on the 7th and arrived on the 9th, and we were very very tired...Steve actually had an excuse this time. The flight was a hefty 10 hrs 45 mins which we were not expecting which makes Fiji a long way from home at a massive 23 hrs to get here. But we have to say its worth travel and wait. This place is idealic with the most amazing people. They are so welcoming and friendly. It started as soon as we walked off the Plane and through customs, at 3am in the morning we were seranaded by locals playing their guitars and banjos singing fijian music. Like most we had the nervous feeling of what our accomodation would be like, however as soon as we went to collect our baggage there was a rotating poster of Fiji's top 5 star resort..The Outrigger On the Lagoon, our worries
were gone and we enjoyed the ride to the resort. From entering the drive we knew it was paradise. We were met by the staff, handed a cocktail and shown to our room. We were given a full tour and told that we would have Champayne and Canapes delivered to the room daily..not really backpacking. It then got better, they even come up and do your ironing a your request, they let you do nothing, we were quite concerned about going to the toilet..just in case they stepped in and offered!!!...lol (Amanda's humour of course). Each day by the pool there is ice cold towels given and hospitality is at its upmost, the staff remember your names and its such a great atmosphere. We need to add here that as we booked everything in Amanda's name, we have been known as Mr and Mrs Porter for 8 days....and yes we have never corected them, Steve is even signing the name...and we have gone to far to correct them now. We just had our last dinner where the hotel staff serenaded us with a 5 minute harmonius farewell song to Mr and Mrs Porter!! Although embarassing, it was the final touch
to a great time here in Fiji.
Our first trip was the the local village which was a real eye opener, it was like something you only see on the tv. Shacks and no electricity. The toilet was a bowl outside in a tin shack which you can see in the picture. See the picture where one family lost heir home to a freak tidal wave that took their home..only steps remain.
Three local boys went up a very tall coconut tree to retrieve them for us to try. They seem sacred over here and once they had got them they cut them opem and gave them to us, there are pics of us drinking the milk. The flesh inside was like Jelly rather than hard. Which was suprising. We then attended a "Kava" ceremony, where we had to take off our hats and sun glasses. There was alot of chanting and a huge bowl in the middle. They put reminense of a root of a certain tree and put it in a hanky and crush it to a powder and mix it with water. They use it for tummy ache, colds, flu and we were told it numbs
your tongue and throat.Altough not alchoholic, it supposedly makes you happy and giggle...no not the wacky backy! We were dubious about taking it and you have to clap before drinking and say'Bula Vinake" which is "great thank you". You must also drink he entire cup as its seen as an insult to sip it. So what did it taste like?? S**t! We have to be honest here it tasted like mud and looked like it, also quite Peppery. We smiled and said Bula Vinake. However, see Amanda's face in the picture. You can clearly see she is about to heave. Also see Uncle Jim as he likes to be known with his grandson. They dont have cameras as they can afford it so I will be sending the hotel that picture for them to give to Uncle Jim as he asked if that was possible. Amanda bought a Fijan chunky wood bracelet for the Village which cost her $6 which to them was alot of money.Earning $100 dollars per week.
Our second trip was to an Uninhabited Island called Malamala, its Fiji's only uninhabited island, which made the decision for us to go, an easy one to make. Although
it was a 5.30am start, with an hour car journey then an hour rocky boat ride to the island it was well worth it. Once we arrived Steve put on the snorkelling gear and got staright it the crystal water and began to Snorkel. It felt like we were in Ship Wrecked and it looked just like it too. We were right next to the island where Tom Hanks filmed Castaway which was interesting. Steve said the snorkelling was immense, with loads of wonderful coral and many huge fish which he said I would have screamed if I had saw. I have decided that if I do snorkel then the great barrier reef will be where I do it. However, we then took a glass bottom boat out where we saw the brighteset of fish and bright blue huge starfish. We aslo went fishing, but caught nothing, others did, but we were not so lucky, but was so much fun. Back on the island we walked around it, on the clear shores with clear blue sea and white sand. It didnt take long as it was only 6 acres in size. We came across a gorgeous tiny cat, please see
the picture. It was so sweet and loved being stroked and didnt stop purring. We had a fantastic lunch and Steve played Volleyball. He has he marks to prove it, he ducked and dived and cut himself whilst doing it. But folks dont worry he did survive, although i am not from his constant moaning....it was a slight graze! There is so much to tell, but such little time ticking away on the PC, thats where the stories come in.
Eloise - Thanks for my message, hope you got my email, love you and miss you!.and hope you like the cat!
Mummy/Martin - Any news? Lots love, drop me an email
Daddy - Thanks for calling was great to hear your voice!
Mitch - The back drop was real!!!
Eg - Great to hear you will be living through us for the next few months... you nutter!
Nan and Margaret - Hope you enjoy this new update, lots love
Nan and Pops (The old Codgers) - I have stayed away from the burgers...crisps however are another story!
Mum/Anne - Keep the Chelsea scores coming
Dad/Lilian/Lee - Thanks for comments on the
hair, and yes I did pay for it, cheeky buggers!
Anna - If your envious, come and join us.
Lisa/Andrew - Have you been on the Bill Yet, how is Linda?
Golf Club - Any news on Dave?
Hewitt - Any news?
Zoe - How you coping being the one and only senior??
Lee - Hows baby?
Saffy - How is my Tigger? (my car)
Andy and Jan - Thanks for the message, hope you enjoy this one
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Mitchell
non-member comment
Bas*#rds
I wish i was out there with the pair of you. If only just to get away from Kate!!! You both look very well. I hope your both eating well and i want to see steve come back two stone heavier. (that would make him about 8 stone!!) Amanda you looked very nice in the picture where you are surrounded by about 5 blokes!!! You also looked very happy..... All is the same back here. Liverpool will beat Chelsea again this weekend and i have jacked my membership at the golf club. It aint the same with out my little Batty boy.... much love and keep it real hommies