Fiji time

Bula! We are welcomed to this beautiful country by a band, dressed in traditional Fijian outfits and playing guitars, far removed from the arrivals at Manchester airport. Immediately the laid back attitude of the people is apparent and we are told that things run to Fiji time here (basically things happen/arrive/depart when they do, no rush). Arriving in Nadi (or Nandi as the Fijians say) we were warned to get out and explore the rest of the country as soon as. Due to the recent floods, however, our plans were altered. Like sheep we followed the crowd to Beach house. Beach house is on the coral coast, south on the main island Viti Levu. As the name suggests it is on the beach and for those of you who care it played host to itv 1 'Celebrity Love Island'. Palm trees and hammocks adorn the white sandy beach.Even though it is still raining it doesn't deter us from having a good time. We partake in a jungle trek, which in hindsight Paul and I did not have a clue what it entailed: knee deep in mud, wading through rivers with leeches and four hours later we return exhausted, the trainers are immediately binned. We meet a great group of people here, hang out, eat and drank. One night was particularly messy drinking games commenced, injuries attained, fun was had. Sad to leave the beach house we travelled further east towards Suva, the capital of Fiji. Paul was impressed with the city I however would have rather been by the pool on our first day of Fijian sun. Our intentions were to head up north to the unspoilt, less touristy island of Tavenui but after some bad advice and rude staff we cut our losses.

Paul and I were both keen to gain our SCUBA diving certificates whilst travelling and so in Raki Raki we began our SSI Open Water Course. In order to pass you need to complete both practical and theory work. So we hit the books and began studying for our exam, naturally we passed with flying colours. In the water after a minor panic from me and a lot of reassuring by our SCUBA instructor we were ready to go and dive the reef. Fiji is known for its soft coral and it is absolutely stunning, the underwater world is filled with vibrant marine life. After finding Nemo, we had bigger fish to fry and went in search of a shark. On finding one we were intrigued rather than frightened and the shark was not the least bit interested in us. I must add that these are reef sharks and not great whites, one step at a time.

Open water course completed and back to Nadi, for one night only though. We were off to Manta Ray Resort, in the Yasawa Islands. The place was paradise white sand and turquoise water, the sea was like being in a bath. The sun finally came out and the blue sky and sunshine was a beautiful backdrop for this already stunning island. Obviously Paul and I took advantage of the inclusive breakfast, lunch and dinner, ensuring we got our money's worth! We decided to stay here for 7 nights, it was nice to not be in transit for so long, a luxury we haven't had since October.Meeting fellow guests and hearing complaints about other places in the Yasawas we were glad we struck lucky with Manta Ray.Our reason for choosing here however was for the diving and even though it wasn't the season for Manta Rays we still managed to see some sting rays, octopus, eels and sharks. Doing a night dive was fun to try however it was scary being out in the dark vast ocean with just a torch. Paul convinced me to do a shark dive and he was anticipating to see lots however we only saw two, not to worry I've heard there's lots off the east coast of Australia. Enjoying relaxing, reading, making bracelets out of coconuts, spear fishing, jungle trek, snorkeling (which was incredible just off the beach in the reef), kayaking all of which was overseen by Solo. Solo's specialty however is games, of which he has hundreds. His enthusiasm must be admired every night he was encouraging the guests to join for free cocktails. I discovered that Limbo is a skill of mine winning two contests, the voyage of self-discovery has thus begun. Had a fabulous time here great people, great place, stunning food and yet again back to Nadi, sigh.

Last few days here, let the cava drinking commence (nope, not Spanish sparkling wine but a local narcotic drink made from a root vegetable).

Vanaka!