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Published: November 9th 2006
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It was a very exciting build-up to Mark and Carl arriving in Fiji and because we had arrived early, we had more time on our hands than we could wish for! We were trying to lie low, spend little cash and soak up some Fiji sun before they arrived (the comment "we're lying low" always raised eyebrows. No we are not wanted criminals!!). However, the weather wasn't too chirpy for the first few weeks so we did lots of reading and eating - we backpackers have it so tough!
We made a small trip to the Mamanuca Islands (we did lots of crab racing where Erin won and as a penance had to endure drinking a beer through a snorkel - not what she had in mind!). We visited Beachcomber Island which is supposed to be a big party resort (we thought it was what you made it) where we had a few free sailing lessons, did some snorkeling. Then we went to South Sea Island which was TINY. You could walk around the island in 1 minute! Needless to say, we got pretty bored early on here so headed back to the mainland and Nadi. The islands really are beautiful,
they just look more wonderful in the sun and there wasn't any!
Carl and Mark both arrived within a few hours of each other in the early morning and we met them at the airport. We were both so excited we could have burst!
The plan was that we would all head off to our separate resorts and make our way to the Yasawas in a day or so. Fiji has over 300 islands and the Yasawas are supposed to be some of the most beautiful. We certainly thought so! We all stopped in Nadi (pronounced NANDI) for a few days and arranged to meet on day 6 at the Octopus Resort on the island of Waya. Nadi is one of the major towns on the main island of Vitu Levu. It is also nearest the airport and the 'gateway' to the Yasawas via the Yasawa Flyer (the boat everyone uses to island hop and get around).
After 4 months of backpacking and staying in youth hostel dorms we were both really quite enjoying staying in nice resorts (The Sheraton and Sofitel), sipping cocktails, eating nice food, playing golf and lounging around infinity pools! Carl and Mark
were welcomed with fervor! ha ha...We really were having an amazing time and it was SO nice to see them.
On meeting in the Octopus Resort, which is really quite something, we all had huge cause for celebration. Sarah and Mark announced their engagement! Everyone on the island was excited to see the ring (nearly everyone! I think a few people missed it) and we had a few more delicious cocktails to celebrate the happy couples delightful news. Hurrah! Hip Hip Hooray!
After the island of Waya we all headed north. We had arranged to meet up again on the island of Nacula (one of the northern-most Yasawa islands and pronounced Nathula) and celebrate some more in 3-4 days...Before this Sarah and Mark enjoyed some exciting cave diving on the island of Nanuya Lailai (where the famous Blue Lagoon movie was shot) and Erin and Carl embarked on some much enjoyed snorkeling with Manta Rays off the shores of Naviti... We could see huge Manta Rays right beneath us!
The Oarsman Bay resort on the island of Nacula was nothing short of paradise. The accommodation was beautiful, the sand pure white and the sea crystal clear and
warm. We all did some kayaking, sunbathing, exploring and thoroughly enjoyed our stop-over here. The photos hopefully give you an idea as to how utterly beautiful this beach haven is. Hanging in those hammocks was obviously very tiresome! he he
Here, at the Oarsman Bay we even had the honor of meeting one of the big chiefs! The Bose Levu Vakaturaga (BLV) is the highest assembly of the traditional chiefs of Fiji. They meet at least once a year to discuss matters of concern to the Fijian people. Currently, the BLV consists of 55 members. We were lucky enough to meet the big chief of the Yasawas which was VERY exciting. Carl even asked him for the key to his room! (This was before he knew he was a Fijian VIP - they're very down to earth these chiefs, as you can see).
Also, whilst we were at the Oarsman it was all excitement and preparation as in only 1 week the Mataqali would have paid off the loan they were lent for the financing of the Oarsman Bay Lodge and be total owners! Hurrah! (In 1999, Richard Evanson from Turtle Island funded the entire construction).
We also saw,
on arrival to most resorts, a special display from staff called the 'Meke'. This is a dance performance that enacts local stories and legends. It was all good fun. We saw one which included fire throwers - see pics.
On most islands there is an additional "welcome" ceremony, involving the traditionally drunk kava. Most people say, after trying the root drink, that they experience some numbing of the gums. At best they like the taste!! (it tastes a bit like mud-water) It is supposed to be a hallucinogen but I don't think anyone we met actually drank enough to see anything out of the ordinary.
Fiji was for us, and most visitors, a place of relaxation. The local people are very friendly and welcoming and we found adjusting to the much talked about "Fiji-time" no problem at all. (In Fiji don't expect anything to happen fast). The climate is warm and fresh and the beaches and seas breathtaking.
As a multi-racial, multi-cultural nation, the population of Fiji is made up of significant numbers of followers of all major religions. We saw Christian churches, mosques, and Sikh and Hindu temples throughout the country. However, everyone speaks English since tourism
is one of the largest, if not the most important, industry in Fiji since the collapse of the sugar cane trade. Fiji is also a part of the Commonwealth.
Sadly, after 2 very wonderful weeks it was time for Carl to fly home to London and Sarah, Mark and Erin to head to Sydney. (But not so sad because we will all get to see Carl very soon in Australia for Berryl's (Marks Mums) world-famed Chrissy spectacular! Cannot wait!).
Words of Wisdom from this Blog - Fiji is one of the most beautiful, peaceful, friendly places in the world! You really should visit.
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Vicki
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Wow.....
Looks amazing! Congratulations once again Sarah, you look blissfully happy together. Have a wonderful time in Oz all of you xxx