Bula - Welcome to Fiji!

Although the photo is stolen the view above is our view from our final accom in Fiji - beautiful!

Evenin' everyone! Hope you're all well!

We've just arrived in New Zealand fully refreshed after a nice week long escape in Fiji! It really was / is a beautiful place. Crystal clear blue seas, sunny skies and cheap beer!

The week went really fast and was spent hopping between the main land and 3 main islands. We booked 'The Ultimate Lei' with Awesome Adventures Fiji and STA travel. Island visits vary with each booking but we were shown the delights of Coral View, Manta Ray, Kuata and finally Bounty Island (where they filmed Celebrity Love Island if thats your thing!).

Each island had varying levels accommodation / food standards but the whole thing works around the fact it is for alternative travellers (its pretty much hostel standards). One thing they all did have in common was plenty of other travellers who were more than willing to party! For the majority of the week we just relaxed to the max (much needed after the 3 weeks of intensive drinking and travelling throughout the US!), including us carrying out breath taking activities such as reading, sleeping, playing UNO and listening to music. There was plenty to do on the islands and we took part in a few of the available activities.

First up was Coral View. The accommodation here was really nice. We had a private Bure with its own bathroom which was cool. The only problem was the food on the island was a bit scarce. Pretty much everyone was in agreement that anymore than 2 nights here and we might have all turned to cannibalism in a fit of pure starvation. On this Island we went to Blue Lagoon (where the movie of the same name was filmed); Once there we did a bit of reef snorkeling which was amazing - found Nemo and a few of his good mates. After the snorkeling we sat on the beach with a lass we met called Zoe (Alreet!), cracked open a coconut and chatted until it was time to go back to the Island.

Next up was Fiji day on Manta Ray island (named after the Manta Rays who inhabit the waters around the island). Accom wasn't en suite but still pretty nice (except we only had a double bed when we first got there!). Had a huge feast in honour of the special day with a few beers and chatted to some Canadians we had first met on Coral View.

Next day we went to Kuata for 2 nights. This island was completely different; not as touristic which made it feel much more like the real Fiji. The accom seemed to be mixed in with the local village and worked as a big community. The accom was really basic but did include a family, or flock, of birds which was a nice added extra (!). We swam with sharks on this island which was pretty exciting except for the fact there were about 40 os us in the ocean at once. Shark swimming isn't half as exciting when you have someones flipper wedged in your face; but thats Fiji, its no worries - Fiji time! The food was pretty basic here, but came in big portions and big varieties which is always welcome!

Finally we spent our last night on Bounty Island. This was deffo the most luxurious of all the islands - it looked like it was used as an actual holiday resort with all inclusive customers etc. We had a fridge, air con and a beautiful breakfast. Sadly only for one night which meant we didn't really have time for the activities but we enjoyed our last day of peace anyway!

Just arrived in New Zealand today... its like a lovely little taste of home - Finally some cold weather! Going out drinking with some guys we met in Fiji so if we survive... MORE SOON!

Missin' you all x