South Sea Wonderful

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We missed a day crossing the date Line on the flight from L.A. to nadi in Fiji. decided to dispense with the recommended 'orientation' day in Nadi and head straight for the yasawa Islands. Joined a catamaran full of locals and back-packers for the two hour voyage to Waya island, one of the most southerly of the yasawas. it is just perfect, despite some rough edges. Chris and I are living in a 'bure' (a thatched hut) on the beach. There is an average of 10 to 15 young backpackers staying with us in 'Sunset resort', the grand title for this tiny group of huts run by Kitty and Abo. A big extended family from the nearby villages helps to run the place. Lovely people who laugh easily and all the time and are really interested in us. the island is connected to the neighbouring island by a sand bridge, which is walkable at low tide. there is a small Fiji village and school on the other side. We soon meet the children, who board there five days a week at a cost of 2 Fiji dollars a term (yes, you got that right). They soon show us around and introduce themselves. Meanwhile, we are paying about 40 pounds a day for both of us for our accommodation, including three square meals a day and afternoon tea....very English. We also get fire dancing on the beach, Kava sessions (terrible stuff) and weaving lessons with Miliana.
The promised rainy season never really materialised with temperatures in the high thirties and sunshine most of the day. Snorkelling along the inner reef is just wonderful. there are so many varieties of fish and coral it is impossible to count and the sea is so warm that after three hours you still feel like you want more.
Not surprisingly, we decided to extend our stay and spend the entire week in our new home. A short walk over the hills to the nearby village is where we go to buy a phone card. This is the 'third world'. A lovely man unlocks the tin shed which acts as a supermarket in this self-sufficient community. Thankfully, we return by open boat, just in time for afternoon tea.....Fiji time.
On Sunday we go to church with sam, one of the family. It is a methodist service (the main denomination) Drums announce the start. We enter a simple, cool church and sit on the mats specially provided. During the service Chris and i are formally welcomed and i stand to say some words of theanks in english and then Christine in welsh. a lovely service, where we join in the singing. the language is surprisingly easy to read, so Chris and I sing with gusto. Afterwards, everyone comes to shake our hand and we have photographs by the entrance. the preacher invites us to a traditional Fijian meal of lobster, leather back fish and coconut sauce, spinach and noodles and breadfruit. All seated on the floor. Simply wopnderful.
Leaving was not easy. Some tears and lots of hugging. I am named 'Tai Jim' (Old Jim) and elected Kava Chief. Christine is taken to the hearts of the ladies of the village.
If we get the chance we will definitely return.

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Photos

South Sea Home
Chris and Jim Outside their 'bure' on the beach

Golden Gate Bike Ride
Christine getting ready to cycle over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. I made the trip with her, by the way.

San Francisco Bay
A view over the Bay

Psycho
Jim at Universal Studios Hollywood. Ignore the sign. Christine's humorous idea.

New skills in Fiji
Christine spent a pleasant afternoon in the shade learning to weave. Waya Island, Fiji.

Our New Friends
Taken after church on sunday in the village on Waya Island, Fiji.

Sunday Lunch in Fiji
We are invited to lunch with the preacher after church service. Lobster, leather back fish in coconut oil and bread fruit. Delicious.

Waya Island Wonderful
Christine wearing her round the world t shirt.

Farewell to Waya Island
As we left the island, two of our new friends serenaded us. Should have stayed longer.

The Welsh are here
Christine with Caenwen and Iestyn at Sue and Ian's house in Waiuku, North Island New Zealand.

Kite Fishing
We have learned to fish using a kite. Taught by Sue's parents, Jim and Phyllis. Caught 17. Not bad. Tasted wonderful.

Rotorua
By a volcanic lake in Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand.

The Haka
Evening entertainment at tyhe Maori village near Rotorua. Great fun.

Comments

[Dave]

Sounds wonderful...
Sounds like a very wonderful place...

[Kay & Keith]

Sounds wonderful
So glad it's all going well. You both deserve it. Choir is good, lots of new music for you to learn later, Chris. Love K

[jackie]

wow
it just all sounds brilliant. Hope that the next stage of the trip is just as good. You have no doubt heard That Rooney is back on song, 2 beautifully chipped goals in consecutive matches. Chelsea won today so we need to beat Spurs tomorrow. take care My new Mail address is [e-mail] Take care Jackie

[Ann Flatman]

HI!
Great to read your entries and imagine daily life for you. Struggling not to feel too jealous, but wishing you a continued special time. What stories you will have to tell when you get back. Where to next? To help you feel even better we are counting staffing periods, options requests and organising interviews - just think what you are missing. Lots of love to you both, keep well, have fun, God bless ann

[Paul Hazeldine]

Weather report
You both look very much at home under that thatch and palm tree. Just now snow is passing my window horizontally. Stay cool.

[Mike Chapman]

Green with envy
You seem to be slowing down well. The food and climate sound fantastic. England have just won the cricket one day series, life is full of surprises! I have a question. Why is Chris inflicting those nice people with the Welsh language? There is no need to do that to those fabulous people! She will give the British people a bad name. Enjoy yourself and take your time.

[Escapaders]

Welsh response
Chris says you are a cheeky sod (in Welsh of course) Just loving this. Met Pete Jones who seems well settled. Plenty of jobs if you are interested. We still are. Heading now to Southy Island.

[Janet again (cousin)]

Welsh
What do you mean, Chris inflicting the Welsh language on the South Seas people. I thought that was "Rhagorol/Da Iawn". Diolch yn fawr, Chris - give it up for the Welsh! We Welsh people are lovely. It's the English football thugs that give us a bad name - oh, yes, and ignorant people like A. Robinson on TV! Hwyl Fawr, Chris (I didn't even know you could speak Welsh!) Love, Jan. xx

[Janet again (cousin)]

Crafts
Hello, again, Chris, Have you come across any lacemakers on your travels? I am one such lacemaker and I'd love to hear about others on the islands. I notice you learned how to weave - I bet it was fun (wish I was there with you!) The latest pictures are lovely - you are really enjoying yourselves! Peter sends his love and all the rest of the gang. I will send your blog address to Aunty P, Dewi-bach and 'er indoors - my nickname for Jeanette!) xxxx

[Phil Drink]

Great Blog
Following your adventures with a mixture of delight and jealousy...fantastic