Hi all,

Well we finally made it to Qamea Island in Fiji! After spending 2 horrific nights in Nadi, we are glad to be here (noisy, hostel next door to a 24 hour nightclub and cockroach infested). Picture a deserted island, with pristine white sand and palm trees swaying in the breeze... that's exactly what I am looking at out the window whilst typing this blog. Jealous yet? You should be.

Although the journey here wasn't without its trials. After take off, in a rickety little plane, that only seats 20 people, we were forced back by bad weather. We waited for 2 hours whilst the storm weakened then onwards through some wicked turbulence and a bumpy landing, we arrived in Taveuni. Our driver took us along a dirt road filled with holes to our waiting boat... a little tin boat with a tiny motor. We were taken across the channel while the waves broke over the boat drenching us. On approach to the our island, we had to switch to an even smaller boat mid-water to navigate the reef ahead. Our poor driver had to jump out several times and tow us through the shallow reef as our little boat was constantly stranded. This has to be the coolest airport pick up we've experienced yet!

The locals have already greeted us warmly as we took part in traditional kava bowl, cocomut bracelet making and texas hold 'em poker. We are eagerly awaiting the kava party which has been organised in our honor for this evening.

There are many more acitivites we look forward to participating in during our stay e.g. crap trapping, snorkelling, jungle walks, spear fishing and village tours.

Our accomodation is a lovely hut on the sand of the beach. Can't wait for the sunsets.

Now I have to go and put on some aftersun as I have been burnt already and the sun has not even appeared yet.

Photos will come when we arrive in Australia, and perhaps another blog.

Lee-Ann and AJ