Hi, first time we have had access to the internet in around a week! I think that's the longest time, makes you realise how much you rely on it!
We are in New Zealand now, flew in this afternoon around 1pm local time. We are now exactly 12 hours ahead (behind??) you guys at home. Just posting to update about our adventures in Fiji.
The hotel we posted from last time was pretty decent for the price, nice room and good food. The bus to the sea port arrived at 7.30 am and we had to be on the boat to the islands for 8.30. As we got outside we saw the bus had a flat (good start!). But in their typically relaxed mode the organisers got another one soon enough. Everyone is so chilled out here! Most schedules run on 'Fiji time', i.e when they can be arsed, haha.
We got to the port, checked in our luggage and got on the catamaran which was to take us 5 hours into the ocean to the furthest island in the Yasawas (a group of islands). The first two nights at coral view island were good. Good party atmosphere but we chilled out a bit to keep it cheap. Not too many drinks. Lots and lots of songs and crazy dances the locals either perform or make you take part in. On this island we went to a place called the blue lagoon, to snorkel. The sea is so crystal clear its amazing and the coral and fish were good to look at.
Our next stop was Manta Ray island (no Mantas tho as it was out of season). One night here, they tried to give us a double bed in our room. We requested another (cos we paid for two!!) and I ended up with a prison bed. Fine so long as you dont move around on it. Nice island tho.
After that, two nights on an island called Kuata. Here the food was really good (Steve wasnt so keen lol), but the accom was the worst. It was an old shack which seemed to be a local's house as there were kids knocking on the door in the morning looking for people. The electricity was only on for a few hours a day so night time toilet breaks were a bit hit and miss (literally!!). The "bathroom" was open to the wild so we had birds flying around the place. And there were ants on my bed. But in a way it was my favourite island, as I imagined Fiji to be pretty basic so it seemed like an authentic experience. Our first night on this Island was a Sunday so there were no activities. We just chilled in hammocks. The Monday morning we went on a boat about 45 minutes into the ocean and when the local guy found the shark area we jumped out and went snorkelling. The sharks weren't huge (maybe 3-4ft), but it was cool to be in the water with them. There were 3. And about 40 of us, so finding space was hard! That was alot of fun.
Our last day before returning to the mainland was at Bounty Island. By far the best accom (AC, fridge and hot shower!!) Again here we pretty much just chilled out (the theme of the Fiji trip). I have never slept so much in a week before. And was really looking forward to upping the pace a bit in NZ.
As I said, all the locals are really friendly. I think it has something to do with a drink called Cava. On our first day we ventured into the local town on the mainland (Nadi). It was a really poor looking area, the type of place you might get robbed. A guy came onto the street and ushered us into his shop. He sat us down for a ritual.....(was getting concerned by this point). The ritual was apparently a Fijian tradition. We sat on a mat, he had a bowl where he made a brown looking drink and said some words. We all clapped and he handed us a cup
full of brown drink. Feeling pretty adventurous we drank it and so did they. Sort of numbed my tongue a bit but it wasnt so bad. Having been on the islands we found out all Fijians do drink this Cava every day. We also found out its from a root which has hallucinagenic and calming properties, which definitely explains the relaxed attitude around Fiji. You can buy the root but its not legal in Europe so didn't get any. Was an interesting experience to see the islands perform the ceremony each time in traditional dress etc.
I think this is the longest post so far....so now as I say we are just in New Zealand, checked into our hostel which is a pretty nice one. 2 days here then we get on our bus to travel NZ. Should have lots of access to internet in the hostels so will try and keep up to date on here.
Hope everyone is well.
Speak later.
We are in New Zealand now, flew in this afternoon around 1pm local time. We are now exactly 12 hours ahead (behind??) you guys at home. Just posting to update about our adventures in Fiji.
The hotel we posted from last time was pretty decent for the price, nice room and good food. The bus to the sea port arrived at 7.30 am and we had to be on the boat to the islands for 8.30. As we got outside we saw the bus had a flat (good start!). But in their typically relaxed mode the organisers got another one soon enough. Everyone is so chilled out here! Most schedules run on 'Fiji time', i.e when they can be arsed, haha.
We got to the port, checked in our luggage and got on the catamaran which was to take us 5 hours into the ocean to the furthest island in the Yasawas (a group of islands). The first two nights at coral view island were good. Good party atmosphere but we chilled out a bit to keep it cheap. Not too many drinks. Lots and lots of songs and crazy dances the locals either perform or make you take part in. On this island we went to a place called the blue lagoon, to snorkel. The sea is so crystal clear its amazing and the coral and fish were good to look at.
Our next stop was Manta Ray island (no Mantas tho as it was out of season). One night here, they tried to give us a double bed in our room. We requested another (cos we paid for two!!) and I ended up with a prison bed. Fine so long as you dont move around on it. Nice island tho.
After that, two nights on an island called Kuata. Here the food was really good (Steve wasnt so keen lol), but the accom was the worst. It was an old shack which seemed to be a local's house as there were kids knocking on the door in the morning looking for people. The electricity was only on for a few hours a day so night time toilet breaks were a bit hit and miss (literally!!). The "bathroom" was open to the wild so we had birds flying around the place. And there were ants on my bed. But in a way it was my favourite island, as I imagined Fiji to be pretty basic so it seemed like an authentic experience. Our first night on this Island was a Sunday so there were no activities. We just chilled in hammocks. The Monday morning we went on a boat about 45 minutes into the ocean and when the local guy found the shark area we jumped out and went snorkelling. The sharks weren't huge (maybe 3-4ft), but it was cool to be in the water with them. There were 3. And about 40 of us, so finding space was hard! That was alot of fun.
Our last day before returning to the mainland was at Bounty Island. By far the best accom (AC, fridge and hot shower!!) Again here we pretty much just chilled out (the theme of the Fiji trip). I have never slept so much in a week before. And was really looking forward to upping the pace a bit in NZ.
As I said, all the locals are really friendly. I think it has something to do with a drink called Cava. On our first day we ventured into the local town on the mainland (Nadi). It was a really poor looking area, the type of place you might get robbed. A guy came onto the street and ushered us into his shop. He sat us down for a ritual.....(was getting concerned by this point). The ritual was apparently a Fijian tradition. We sat on a mat, he had a bowl where he made a brown looking drink and said some words. We all clapped and he handed us a cup
full of brown drink. Feeling pretty adventurous we drank it and so did they. Sort of numbed my tongue a bit but it wasnt so bad. Having been on the islands we found out all Fijians do drink this Cava every day. We also found out its from a root which has hallucinagenic and calming properties, which definitely explains the relaxed attitude around Fiji. You can buy the root but its not legal in Europe so didn't get any. Was an interesting experience to see the islands perform the ceremony each time in traditional dress etc.I think this is the longest post so far....so now as I say we are just in New Zealand, checked into our hostel which is a pretty nice one. 2 days here then we get on our bus to travel NZ. Should have lots of access to internet in the hostels so will try and keep up to date on here.
Hope everyone is well.
Speak later.
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