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Published: August 27th 2007
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Our last 5 days in Auckland we're pretty uneventful, we seemed to spend most of our time taking advantage of the free internet on offer at our hostel and counting downt the days until it was time to head for Fiji. After speaking to a few fellow travellers the general advice that we were given was to spend as little time as possible on the mainland and head out to some of Fiji's 333 Islands as soon as possible. We were also advised to sort some accommodation before we left as many of the resorts are often fully booked. We eventually decided to spend 3 nights on 1 Island and 7 nights on another. It worked out to be a lot more expensive than we had budgeted for but we were assured that it was the only way to see the real Fiji.
We waved goodbye to New Zealand on Wednesday 15th August and touched down later that day at Nadi airport Fiji, greeted by warm temperatures, brilliant sunshine and a Fijian band welcoming us to their country. We spent our first night at the Nadi Bay Resort, not far from the airport and quickly dug our summer clothes out of
our backpacks. We relaxed by the pool and tasted the local beer - Fiji Bitters... not the best beer we've ever tatsed but any beer works when you're drinking it in the sun. We had also been advised to take some alcohol with us to the Islands as it can be quite expensive out there, so we paid a visit to a local shop and treated ourselves to a big bottle of Bounty rum. The next morning we were up bright and early to board the Awesome Adventures Yasawa Flyer to take us to our first Island. Four hours later we arrived at Nanuya Island Resort on Nanuya Lailai and in typical Brit fashion, we realised we had already got sunburnt on the boat! After the transfer from the Yasawa Flyer to the resort boat we were welcomed on the beach with a cocktail and a shell necklace, before being shown to our room, a bure (wooden hut) up amongst the trees overlooking the Blue Lagoon. We were told it was the same lagoon used in the film 'The Blue Lagoon' starring Brooke Shields but neither of us had ever heard of it! Our room was much nicer than expected
and the small resort was probably not a place that many backpackers choose to stay at. We spent 3 days snorkelling, relaxing in hammocks, establishing a respectable base tan and enjoying our bottle of Bounty rum. The small resort was probably the nicest place we have stayed in and the local food on offer was also some of the best we have had, especially the local fish. The only thing that spoilt our stay was having some money stolen from our room but luckily the management reimbursed us, although it was obvious that they thought we had made it up.
On our fourth morning we boarded the Yasawa Flyer again, this time heading back towards the mainland to the Island of Naviti, the largest of the Yasawa Islands. We arrived at Korovou Eco-Tour Resort where we were planning on spending our last 7 days in Fiji. We probably should have spent less time at Korovou to allow us to visit another Island but after speaking to other travellers it seemed that all of the islands were very similar and ours had the added bonus of a swimming pool. We definately learnt how to live by 'Fiji time' like the locals
(it will happen when it happens!) and had a very lazy week. We spent the majority of out time lying by the pool but we did find the energy to play some volleyball and go exploring in a kayak. Our time at Korovou revolved around sleeping, sunbathing and listening to the sound of the drums... this was a significant part of the day as it meant we were about to be fed! Our evenings were spent out on the deck, overlooking the sea, playing cards and watching the locals perform the Bula dance. When the locals had finished it was our turn to get involved by doing the conga and playing musical statues! We were also treated to a fire show and got the chance to drink some Kava - the traditional Fijian drink made from the roots of the pepper plant. It is a mild narcotic, used to de-stress and unwind although it looks like muddy water and tastes like cold tea! At least we can say we tried it!
The Fijian people are very friendly and are always smiling and saying 'Bula' (hello). We were made to feel very welcome wherever we went. We've now arrived in Hawaii...
only 3 weeks until we're home!
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Becca
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What a way to end your trip.
Those pictures are beautifull. It looks as though you chose the right way to go round the world, what a perfect end to what im sure you will describe as the perfect 9 months. You have done loads of adventure stuff and are now chilling big time. You've had such a hard 8 months, you deserve the rest!!!!! Can't wait to see you both, you look so very happy and relaxed and healthy and tanned. Lots of love Becca x