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Published: December 7th 2008
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Terry relaxed
View from Tavewa Island So by seaplane did we set off for Yasawa Islands and the resort of Otto and Fanny's. We were joined on the plane by a charming couple, Gary and Louise. Gary is a banker and they are both from London, but living in Sydney where they have gone to work for 4 years.
It was a nice day, we were all excited as we had a 21 years old Canadian pilot who looked only 14 and that he should have been doing his paper round. Halfway into the 40 mins flight it went misty and then started to rain. Soon we could see nothing in front, nothing to the right and then nothing to the left where we expected to see the Islands. We knew of some concern when our pilot kept looking out of each window for a landmark. Nobody could speak because of the noise but the tension could be felt in the cabin. Then we dropped from 1000 ft to 400 ft and fortunately we could now see the sea below us. Memories came back of the Harrison Ford film, 7 Days and 6 Nights where the sea plane was forced to crash land on a desert
Leaving Otto & Fanny's
Garlands they made for us on leaving island. Then the compass heading suddenly changed from 345 deg to 165 deg and we headed back where the sky became clear and we landed safely back at Nadi. "Sorry guys, I could just not take the chance". Two hours later the flight was abandoned for the day and they put the four of us up in a local hotel. On the plus side we had a free, if a bit nerve racking, sea plane ride and an evening meal and drinks with the good company of Gary and Louise.
7.00 am the next day (yes, there is one!) we were picked up and met also with an American couple who were staying at the 5* Turtle Island Resort. This time it was a real squash and our boy pilot told the Americans that one of their bags must follow the next day (despite the fact that they had paid double what we had). This time the flight was uneventful and we landed at the 5* Turtle Island Resort. We came to a halt in 18 inches of water and were met by about 20 staff, all singing, together with a "Welcome Back' banner. The Americans were first out and immediately were met by 2 big, strong Fijian men in grass skirts, who carried them to the sand where they were given glasses of champagne. Terry was next and waited to be carried, but it was pointed out that the rest of us must get into the water and no champagne!! However, there was soon a boat to whisk us off to Otto & Fanny's and we waved goodbye to Gary and Louise as they waited for their boat.
Our resort is idyllic, with a white sandy beach, clear blue water and no waves due to the other islands. 800 metres away and directly opposite is where the film Blue Lagoon with Brooke Shields was made. Our bure (chalet) is in the middle of palm trees and 10 metres from the sea. Meals would be communal, however, we were the only guests at the resort. When the meal is ready, they summon us by beating a drum. Meals were fantastic, no better meals at any 5* resort. Monday night we had lobster and there was plenty of it. Being the only guests, though, does not make for a social occasion and after our meal we retire to our bure!!
The staff, whilst helpful and polite, were not friendly or maybe just shy. We had no conversation.
Wednesday, though brought a visit from Otto & Fanny's younger son, Ron, and there was a celebration of drinking kava, to which we were invited. Kava is a herbal drink, non-alcoholic, but narcotic and makes your mouth go numb. It is normally only men but the 21st century is even reaching here and now women are able to join in. We drank kava, which tastes like dirty water, all evening whilst the Fijians played love songs on guitar and ukelele. A memorable night.
Our last 2 days were spent on the wonderful Blue Lagoon beach, where we did some snorkelling.
When it came to leaving Losena, the 'waitress' had made us both hibiscus garlands and put them round our neck. An old lady that we had once helped in and out of the boat made us fans from coconut leaves.
We then sailed off for Mantaray Island on the 'Flyer' (inter-island ferry).
Oh! and our super new camera has stopped working, so no photos of the sea plane ride.
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Julian
non-member comment
Nice Shades !
I like Terry's pointy ones best. Oh and the flowers are nice too.