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Published: August 2nd 2006
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''BULA!'' (Hello in Fijian - we've learnt all the lingo!)
It only seems like yesterday I was writing my last blog when we were leaving New Zealand- it was over 2 weeks ago now! We arrived into Hawaii on Sunday but Ive still not told you about our great time in Fiji so here goes..
Going to Fiji definitely brought back the appreciation of travelling for me. Although Australia and New Zealand are fantastic countries and we had an amazing time you kinda forget your travelling the world and how lucky you are. I think its mainly because theres no culture change, no change of language, sometimes I very much felt at home!
I was so excited about going to Fiji the night before I could hardly sleep! We were that excited we nearly went to airport a day early - we got our dates mixed up! I only realised by accident the night before when I was looking at the calendar! First time we've done that.
Anyway, when we arrived into Fiji airport we were greeted by 3 Fijians singing and playing their guitars and wearing flowery shirts - it was a really nice welcoming. When
we were walking aout of the airport everyone was so friendly shouting ''Bula'' with their smiley faces - now you know your on holiday! We drove through their town which consisted of little run down looking shops, it was a complete change of way of life - that what I want to see when Im travelling. Although of course, there was a McDonalds! They're everywhere!
We booked a tour that took us to 5 islands within the Yasawa Islands. We were told that if you want to see the beauty of Fiji you need to see the Islands. They were definitely right!
We were picked up early in the morning and boarded a typical Fijian bus with its own air-con - no windows! There was no where under the bus to put your luggage like usual so everyone had to take their big backpacks ON the small bus! So you can imagine what a nightmare it was getting on and off! We eventually got onto the boat that would take us to our first island...
* 1st Island - Bounty Island (2nights)
Bounty was a beautiful Island. It was very small and you could walk around it
within 30 mins. Our little hut was really nice, right on the beach. It was so peaceful there, there were very few people around and infront of our hut we had our own secluded part of the beach which was really nice. It was lovely, the sun was out, it was so peaceful and chilled - we got the IPOD out and speakers out and listened to good old Bob Marley - this is what you call being on holiday - not a care in the world! We later found out this island was where Celebrity Love Island was filmed last year. We walked to the other side of the island and found the 'Love Shack' where the couples used to go. It was really run down, it had just been left there. It looked a right mess. But hey, at least Phil can say he's been in the same bath as Abi Titmass (not sure if thats good or bad!).
* 2nd Island - Kuata (2nights)
Kuata was a nice little island. The first day we got there we did a Village Visit and went to one of the local schools and visited the village market. The kids
were so cute in the school. They were so friendly and their English was brilliant, there was a notice on the wall saying ''Always speak in English'' no wonder their English is so good. They kept wanting their picture taken so they could look at it on the screen! They were fascinated with digital cameras. I ended up taking loads of pictures coz they kept asking me to! They would hold your hand and show you around their classroom and wouldnt let go of your hand until we were asked to move on. When we walked into one classroom the kids were all stood up singing ''I believe in Angels'' So cute! They wanted to exchange addresses too so I must remember to send them a postcard when I get home.
We went to the village after and I bought some (more!) jewellery, it was only cheap and it really helps them out so it was worth it. I even got to weeve my own bracelet and ring!
* 3rd Island - Yaqueta (Sanawai Resort) (2 nights)
This island was the smallest resort and most basic. There was no electricity in the huts, no lights, cold shower and he
eating/bar area seating about 10 people, the food was always flavoured rice but it was our favourite place. The resort was situated right next to a village so all the locals would come and speak to you and let you join in with their Kava drinking and the resort was owned by a family so it was really laid back. They were so friendly and welcoming and it really didnt matter that it was so basic. The woman who run the place was called 'Appy' and she tried her best to remember everyones name - Phil often got called Bill and she couldnt quite get my name I was either Collie or Kylie!! but she tried her best - bless!
In the day we would sunbathe or sit around chatting with the Fijians, one day I even weaved a basket out of leaves!
Most evenings we would sit around with the locals and drink Kava whist the sing along and play the guitar, we used to sit there for hours, drinking and listening to them. Kava is a drink they make from the roots of a plant. Because they cant afford beer they make the're own drink which apparently if
you drink enough of it will make you go a bit weird! One of the Fijians was telling us that most men will drink it every night and wont go home until 4am which is why most of them are divorced!!
* 4th Island - Sunrise (2 nights)
Again this island was really nice - they all are! The first night we played bingo and the second night we had a crab race which was really funny. In the day we would sunbathe on the beach or walk around to the other side of the island to the 'Blue Lagoon' this is where 'The Swiss Family Robinson' was filmed (one of my favourite films as a kid!) although I didnt recognise any of it! But is was beautiful. So blue. There were loads of starfish on the beach including bright blue ones! It was lovely.
* 5th Island - Manta Ray (1 night)
We were only here for one night so we didnt see much - just sunbathed as usual! Phil played volleyball, whilst Id sit in the hammock reading yet another book! Its so realaxed. Oh, I did make a bracelet out of a coconut!
*
Wana Taki Cruise
We also stayed on a boat for 2 nights which was included in our tour. It wasnt much of a cruise though! It took you from one side of the island to the other side and back to where you started! But hey, it was a nice change. We enjoyed it. Just so glad the sea wasnt rough!
All in all Fiji was great! It was beautiful. The islands were impressive. So glad we chose our tour. I think we would have got bored if we stayed on one island. It was nice to move on, meet new people and see different things. The accomadation was always very basic, we always had cold showers and very rarely had electricity but it was nice, you dont mind as much coz its so relaxed and chilled out. We always had little huts on the beach which was something we've not really had before. The weather was great everyday apart from one day of overcast although I have to admitt I think its been hotter in England! The Fijians are lovely people, theyre are so friendly and smiley!
Fiji was a perfect time to relax and chill
out a bit before we get home. We didnt get drunk once and were in bed by 9pm everynight! Hard to believe I know!
Cant believe we'll be home next week! It seems so strange. Im really looking forward to it now though. I miss my mum and dad!!
We are now in Hawii and have 3 nights left already! It didnt start off too well here - but hey that story is for another blog!.....
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Hannah
non-member comment
paradise!!!
Great blog! what a lovely experience,it certenly look's like paradise!! I'm so jealous!! Glad you guy's are having a fab time, enjoy! see you soon Hannah x