Bula (Hello) from the tropical paradise of Fiji.

Well actually we are both very lucky to be writing that as we were very close to not being aloud to board the jet in Sydney airport. We were waiting in the 500people long queue for check in with 1 person checking us all in and when we finally got to the desk, the lady said we could not check in as we did not have any Visa's for our return back to Australia. Our 1Year Holiday visa was up the following day so our plan was to apply for a Free 1Year Tourist Visa when in Fiji as if you apply for it whilst still in Aus it carrys a $250per person fee. However the Check in lady advised us under law they cannot check in someone that has a return flight booked to Australia and no applicable Visa for there return so leaving us right up Sh*t Creek.

The only thing we could do was book an onward flight from Fiji to somewhere that has no Visa requirements but this meaning we would prob lose alot of money by booking a flight we would not use. There was only 15mins left to Check In when we were told this so it was a mad dash to the free Internet kiosk to book a flight from Nadi to Singapore with Korean Air (Was first flight that came up). The flight cost us over $2000each so we knew our Travel Insurance would cover it but would still lose something. The flight was booked so it was another run back to the hopefully still open check in desk. At the desk we were then told they needed to see a Confirmation email which hadn't came through to us yet and with the Boarding Gates near enough closing we looked doomed. By miracle though the minute before they were packing up the email thankfully came through. They began doing the paperwork and told us we were 4kilos to heavy on bags which would cost us $25 per kilo. So we chucked half our clothes in our carry on bag and the unhelpful Aussie idiots processed our boarding cards. We darted for Security where thankfully we were aloud to skip the queue and then sprant all the way to our boarding gate. WE MADE IT.. Just! Out of breath, sweat dripping we both boarded the plane to Fiji. Nothing like this has ever happened before and could not believe it had to us as are both very well organised. Anyway cut our loses and could now apply for the Auz Visa in Fiji which hopefully will go through alot smoother than the farse we were put through.

We landed in Nadi mid-afternoon and instantly felt the sticky heat as we got off the plane. Going through the terminal building it was amazing how friendly the Fijians were. Everyone from the cleaning staff to the security guards were wearing flowery shirts and had the biggest smiles saying 'Bula' to everyone passing them! Going through Customs there was even a band singing traditional islander music whilst playing Ucalele's. We caught a cab outside the airport and headed for our Hotel. The Hotel was really nice, basic but again the people couldn't have been nicer. The lady that checked us in pretty much organised/mapped out plans for our entire stay here. We also managed to cancel the flights to Singapore we booked which luckily enough we were fully reimbursed for and applied for our Auz tourist Visa which were granted within half an hour of applying for lol :). We had lovely food, tried some of the local beer which was pretty damn good if i don't say so and got an early night as the next day we were up at 6:15am for our boat across to our first island Nacula Island in the Yasawas Group.

We arrived back in Port Denarau around midday off the ferry from Beachcomber early than expected as luckily enough we were aloud to transfer our ferry ticket to the earlier trip. Was a good feeling leaving Beachcomber as was just a dire place that would look better underwater. We shared a taxi to Nadis new town with a pair of Israelis who were very nice and knew the people Jonny worked with in Melbourne, Small World! Checked into the same hotel that we stayed at the first night we arrived and jumped onto to check our mail/facebook seens have been away from it for past week. We had a few things to get so grabbed a taxi to the centre of Nadis old town. The old town was very much like India but a hell of alot cleaner and friendlier people, alot friendlier. Our taxi driver recommended a Curry House we could grab some lunch at. We both had traditional curries and all the trimmings which were superb. After our dinner we walked around the streets and was just amazing how nice the people are over here. Near enough everyone smiled saying 'Bula' or 'Enjoy your holidays' to us, so nice. We grabbed a few things we needed from the Pharmacy and checked out all the souvenir stores. Brishay bought two necklaces, Jonny wanted to buy a Fiji rugby top but couldn't find any. Grabbed the same taxi driver to take us back to the hotel who is taking us to the airport tomorrow also, name was Kula and was an awesome dude.

Our last night we headed out to a nearby restaurant where had some good grub, Jonny having Fish and Chips Fiji style which was superb. Right into his seafood now! After our meals we chilled out at a nearby bar called Bamboo Bar. We had a few beers and relaxed under a typical thatched roofed Fijian Hut listening to the Fijians playing their guitars. We had some Kava which is Water with scrapings from the Fijian Kava tree roots. It is a very low form of Narcotic suppose to be lol. In Fijian tradition you clap your hands once before you drink and three after. Its also pretty rude to refuse so lets just say we had our fair share of Kava lol. It kind of numbs your tongue for a few minutes after you drink, makes you sleep like a baby also haha.

Have sumed up Fiji in other blogs so have a gander at them but Fiji truly is the most incredible place with the nicest and friendliest people we both have ever met. In Nadi you feel that people are a little bit poorer but it does not hamper thier welcoming open personalities at all. Hopefully be back to explore again later in life.

Bye Bye Fiji

J + B