Hi all from our Fijian hut, in the middle of the Pacific,

With my hair still damp from the salty sea's afternoon snorkel and before our 3rd scrumptious meal of the day, I write to you my dear listeners of our adventures...

We took a village tour, to the Chiefs house to drink Kava with him and be welcomed into the Fijian way of life. After his blessing of protection, and several bowls of Kava, we were able to (in our relaxed state of mind) explore the village around us. With the sounds of "Bula" and smiling faces greeting us wherever we looked, the villagers welcomed us into their life. Even though the homes looked rickety with their corregated iron surrounds, the people were happy. The local nurse told us disease was rare and no matter what, they would always have food in their bellies as the oceans, farms and jungle (where wild cows, horses, and boars) was plentiful. The school room took me back to the years of my youth with the old wooden lift-lid desks and the dust of chalk in the air. Funnily enough the nursery rhymes on the wall were the same as our own... twinkle twinkle little star in English and big bold letters. I glance at the school notice board which informed us to always speak English.

After waving goodbye to the Chief and his family, AJ eagerley set to his next challenge... to climb a coconut tree. After being shown the technique, and to give him credit, he did manage to get a metre off the ground, however my fearless hunter gatherer husband had to resort to asking a Fijian man for a coconut. The Chief came back to visit us in our lodgings and AJ gifted him with one of our (acquired) coconuts so he could assist in opening one so we could drink and eat.

To all those of you who are jealous of our pacific paradise, it's not all rainbows and butterlfies. We have hit dire times... as water is running low and thirst ravishes our every thought. We have resorted to only showering once a day and the Kava has been restricted to 10 bowls each... I am told it can get much worse in the days ahead. Although fear not, I still have half a bottle of wine which should see me through tonight.

For all of you back to nature buffs, you are not short of wildlife here. Watch where you step at night... least you squash a toad... and watch where you step during the day... least you bury a hermit crab making its way to the say... and for all you aviators, watch where you fly as you may run into a fruit bat or two. Beware of the crab traps also as they are hard to spot, however a nip or two to your toes will let you know you've found them.

For all you lovers of the porcelain throne, you'd be happy to note that you can enjoy the great outdoors here without leaving your seat. Enjoy the stars, giant moths and cockroaches flying around whilst you read the morning paper.

I hear the call of Kava so goodnight to you all. Check out the photos!

Lee-Ann and AJ