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Nadi (pronounced Nandy)
It took 2 days in Auckland to organise,
But one morning we made it to paradise.
The package we booked before getting to Nadi
Gave free hotel transfer which was pretty handy,
And a free night's hotel, which was very cool,
So we lazed for the day by the side of the pool.
We were leaving the mainland, so a good night's rest
Before sailing the Yasawas in the west.
Korovou Resort
Korovou Resort was our first destination,
Set in a beautiful remote location.
White sandy beach, lovely warm sea,
This is how all desert islands should be!
Electricity was on for just a few hours,
And only cold water - so no hot showers!
No internet, phones, and no TV,
This was as basic as basic can be.
But the Fijians were great, so made it worthwhile
As they never were spotted without a big smile.
All meals included, which were pretty nice,
As long as you're keen on a diet of rice!
The free demonstration broke up the day
As we helped them feed fish, and were then shown the way
To break open a coconut, and scrape the inside
To get milk out
of it, so of course I tried.
We went on a herbal medicine walk,
On forest remedies we were given a talk.
Every day they played rugby (they don't like football - fools!)
So I joined in with the locals and we played Fiji rules!
Soon, getting tired of running around,
We went to the beach to see the sun going down.
As it started falling, taking with it the heat,
And the gentle warm waves lapped at our feet,
And the clouds in the distance turned orange and pink,
It was just as beautiful as you might think.
After dinner they showed us a Fijian dance,
And then all us tourists were given the chance
To try it ourselves, though it was a bit quick,
Before playing the game of The Musical Stick.
We danced in a circle, always in pairs,
Except for the stick it was like musical chairs.
When the music stops, the only real aim
Is to not have the stick or you're out of the game.
The end of the dance was the end of the night,
We woke the next morning, the sun shining bright.
The island's 1 village we went to
by boat
And were met by three chickens, a pig and a goat.
Knees covered, no sunglasses, clean-shaven face
Is the most respectful way to come to this place.
The chief and two elders were knelt on a mat,
In front of them, nervous, our group was sat.
After placing a garland over everyone's head
He chanted and clapped; we don't know what he said.
Then he passed round some kava and we all had a sip,
Which caused a weird numbness to enter my lip.
Next we were offered a stroll through the town
And told that we could have a good look around.
Some houses were brick, some houses were straw,
Some were corrugated iron without a front door.
We went to the nursery which was rather tiny,
The hospital at least was modern and shiny.
Kids were all over playing games on the grass,
And "Bula!" was the cry from everybody we'd pass.
Once back at the dorm, no more could we stay
As we had to catch the boat to Manta Ray Bay.
Manta Ray Bay
The trip to our next place was not very long
And there we were greeted by a welcome
song.
With soothing harmonies and guitars in hand
Music wafted towards us as we neared the sand.
As I soon joined in with a volleyball game,
Eleni found out how the resort got is name.
In season, nearby, Manta Rays can be spied,
With a wingspan, on average, of five metres wide!
At dinner, we were treated to dancing again,
A war dance was fiercely performed by the men,
While the women chanted and clapped on the side
Before doing a dance of their own with great pride.
And as we sat there, digesting our ration,
We watched them sing one final song with great passion.
The next day we woke up for breakfast, yawning,
Before lazing around in the hammock all morning.
We watched demonstrations; one Fijian man
Broke open a coconut with one chop of his hand.
Another guy sat on the hot sandy beach,
Then we weaved (with his help) one basket each,
Made from a single coconut leaf,
Before exploring the colourful, cool, coral reef.
With snorkels and masks we dived into the sea,
And discovered just how strange sea life can be.
With fish of all colours, swimming with grace,
Hiding in coral,
or right in your face,
Gliding along, or in such a big school
That they looked like one organism which was cool.
So much life, it felt like I'd see
Nemo quite soon
'Cos the colour and mayhem made it like a cartoon.
I loved every minute, so good it was
That I can't wait to see the G.B.R. in Oz!
Nadi
Back to the mainland, to spend one more night,
And a day by the pool before catching our flight.
We've had one week in Fiji, we've had a great time,
We hope you've enjoyed our fun little rhyme.
Our love to you all, although you are many,
Bye-bye for now!
Eric and Eleni x x x
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Irene
non-member comment
aaahhh...
What beautiful sunsets and great baskets!! Lots of fun had by all :) Ixx