We arrived in Fiji at 9pm and were ushered into our hotel transportation to Nadi.� When we pulled up to Tanoa International Hotel we were hesitant to get off the bus as it seemed too luxurious� to be our hotel?However, it was ours and we checked into our 5 star accommodation. A great start to our 2 weeks here.� After a day in Nadi which included our first Kava ceremony!� Unfortunately one of many, this stuff is yuk!

We booked a weeks BulaPass to travel the Yasawa group of islands and our first stop was Nabua Lodge. This resort (loosely so called) took some getting used to after Tanoa. Simply put Tanoa was 5 star and Nabua was no star!� It was backpacking at its worst. Boot camp structure, food rations and we eve had to pay for tea, Dawn was mortified!. That aside the island was beautiful as was the beach! We took a boat trip from here to the Blue Lagoon, where the film with the same name was shot. We snorkelled here which was great as the water was crystal clear. Jay had a slightly nervy encounter with a sea snake swimming between his legs which Dawn kindly pointed out to him (what is it with Dawn and snakes, they seem to find here everywhere). Anyway we later found out that the snake was more poisonous than land snakes.

Next stop was WayaIsland where we upgraded our accommodation choice and stayed in Octopus resort which was 4 star� The price reflected this but it was worth it, food was delicious and we had loads of fun and met some cool people. We partook in crab racing which was first for both of us, Jay picked the crab from the beach and the little beaut came 3rd which won us a $10 bar tab, nice!. We also took an island hike which was the highlight of our trip it took about 3 hours and at its summit gave us spectacular 360 degree views; just have a look at our pics.

The remainder of our first week was spent on Bounty Island, this was were the first series of Celebrity Love Island was filmed. Here we relaxed, ate fairly well, messed about kayaking, snorkelling and hobie cat sailing although we did run out of wind and we ended up circling ourselves for about an hour while nearly killing each other, Eventually jay swam us back into shore in time for tea and biscuits, couldn't miss them! The snorkelling here was unbelievable, thousands of fish, rays, cuttlefish, coral; we also saw a huge school of fish and some big black object/shadow which scared the pants off us so we did not investigate it further!

Back to the mainland and we headed to the pacific harbour where we stayed in Tsulu, where we were happy to be able to choose our own meals! We went to see a traditional Fijian show in the cultural village which included hot stone walking, traditional dancing/singing and a tour of the village and to see typical Fijian life. We had a day in the capital, Suva, did the touristy museum and had some wicked Fijian curries at mad dogs.

To sum Fiji up, great people, great beaches, great food (except for the Yasawas!) but expensive!� New Zealand here we come!  By the way New Zealand here we are, we are a little behind with these updates!