Chapter 15: Bula! Is It Me You're Looking For?

Bula! Or 'Hello' from Fiji. Quite the interesting start to life in the South Pacific when our plane lost power about 10 seconds after touchdown. Strangely this was the first flight we have taken when I forgot my annoying superstition (thanks Becky) of touching above the door on the outside of the aircraft before boarding. Someone must be looking out for us.

The airport town of Nadi on the mainland has little to offer so it was off to Mana Island to indulge in some of the relaxation that 'Fiji Time' promises. For the most part of our stay all our time was spent on the beach, in the bar and on the pathway that connects the beach to the bar.

We both agree that at Mariani's backpackers we had our favourite roommates to date. Not to go on about them, but lets just say 3 Swedish girls waltzing in just their string tangas ;)

On our second night we tasted some of the Fijian culture with a Kava festival, the national drink of Fiji. The sensation is not so much drunkness as it is paralysis. Kind of like the feeling in your mouth when you have a Strepsil. One shop keeper told me he drinks it everyday but the one drawback is that it's easier for his wife to chase and catch him when he is not working as he should be!

For each Kava festival someone is nominated to be the Chief:

Chief Running Mouth

As Richie was the Chief it meant that he cannot refuse a drink at any time, but he can order when the next round of drinks for everyone else begins. This was followed by a limbo dancing competition. We did surprisingly well, but then considering we had spent the last 48 hours bending over backwards for the Swedish girls then maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise!

Cushion on Stand-by

The final activity of the night was a musical chairs tournament. I fell at the last hurdle whereas Rich was eliminated due to a shocking call from the official and I have never seen him look so furious.

We befriended 2 girls from Yorkshire, Becky and Rosa, and a Danish guy called Nick. The 5 of us took a boat out for a tour around some of the surrounding islands. One of said islands was the location for the film Castaway (Wilson! Wilson!) but on approach to the island we could plainly see a 5 star luxury holiday resort on one of the beaches. Everyone lost a bit of respect for Tom Hanks who was clearly making a mountain out of a molehill.

Fijian Paradise

We stopped off at some of the more populated islands to relax in their resorts. Had a BBQ of something that resembled sausages and something that resembled steak down by the sea. Did a little snorkeling and a little....

...Swingin'

Our last day in Fiji turned out to be a belter. For $50 (20 squid) we went to the Sonaisali Holiday Resort and this place was outstanding. Free use of tennis courts, watersports, pool with bar attached, darts, table tennis and TeenNick on the TV! All this plus a two course dinner - anything from the menu - this is where we really won our money back! Curry with all the trimmings with Baileys Cheesecake to follow! Mmmmmm. None of that pasta and beans travellers crap for us!

Fiji Time, for Bed

Our time in Fiji has been short but sweet. There are many things I would like to take away from our Fijian Adventure. The culture, the attitude of the people, the outstanding scenery, but most of all I would like to take those 3 Swedish girls....