Fiji, Yasawa Islands

As our 2 storey Boeing 747 soared through the sky above the south pacific ocean we hit a storm, the thunder flashed and the pink and orange clouds from the sunset below were illuminated.What we initially believed to be an 11hr flight actually turned into a 3hr flight!Not quite sure how we got it so wrong!2 hours ahead of Australia here, so minus an hour from UK time and switch from am to pm or vicea-versa.

We were welcomed by Islanders strumming their guitars and uculayleies, typical happy island music made my smile travel all the way across my face.We stayed in a family run hostel, the people are so unbelievably friendly and helpful.Dinner was served and was divine!Noodle mixture with a form off egg mayo, rice and bread!A little odd but they worked so well together!

The next morning we boarded Awesome Adventure's Bus to the harbor.The air was filled with Hawaiian sounds and smiling people.All aboard our bright yellow boat we set sail for the Yasawa Islands.We decided to go as far north as possible to cut down on boat time during out time here on Fiji.It took 5 hours to reach Coral View Resort which was on Tavewa Island.As our little boat drew closer to the island we saw a big long line of people, dancing, waving and cheering!We weren't too sure what this was, but a little alien to us we were instructed to shout "Bula" when they did!As we came of shore all of the resort workers and guests shook our hands and welcomed us with 'Bula, how are you?!'.We were quite simply ecstatic!I have since found out that Bula not only means hello but cheers and many other things to Fijians.A very useful word to know!

Our bags were carried on land for us and we were given a delicious cup of orange juice, quickly followed by lunch.When we were taken to our little hut, one of the Bures, and the bed had beautiful flowers and 'BULA' written in Shells.The lady showing us to our room told us to open the wardrobe door... hey presto!It was like Narnia - there was our bathroom! To top it all off we had somehow blagged the beach side hut!Right next to the sand!We were up watching sunrise from our uninterupted view.I knew we were simply going to love it here, we spent the rest of the day on the sun loungers looking out into the crystal blue sea (dodging the rain occasionally!! couldn't believe it!).The evening was filled with music and singing from the locals then dancing and games!We were over the moon - what a place, and what a first stop.

From there we visited Long Beach Resort on Matacawalevu Island.With only 3 other residents and ourselves tranquility was an underestimation.We passed the day by with strolls down the very long beach. dips in the bright blue ocean, sunbathing under the scorching sun and eating!Being on an all inclusive pass our days are clearly punctuated with meals!The islanders drum on a hollowed out log to tell all travelers grubs up!

We visited the village on the island which was about 30 minute walk from the resort.Traditional Fijian houses are just like thatched cottages with wicker walls.Fijian's have the custom not to ask for help, but if you walk past someone working you always stop and help.Everyone here knows their neighbors and everything about them, and would do anything to help them.They also don't have governments ruling their villages.The elders of each family take charge and settle any problems or disputes.On other islands they have Village Chiefs - but its so nice to see that they live and work alongside each other in such harmony with such compassion.

The people here have strong characters, they are quiet people who can look rather stern, until they catch your eye and beam at you like you are their dearest friend.One of the ladies on Long Beach Resort took me by the hand and introduced me to all of her family.We then sat together, with long quiet moments gazing out on the sea.When it was time for us to leave they hugged me tight and thanked us for visiting.I waved madly from the main boat, sorry to be leaving them, but so grateful for the insight into their lives.

We had a very short boat ride to our third island Nabua Lodge Resort on Nacula Island.The white sands greeted us once more as the little boat which collected us from the massive yellow one powered through the choppy waves.The workers from the resort ran down the beach and shouted "BULA!" which we returned with a cheer - "BULA!".We were definitely throwing ourselves feat first into the Fijian lifestyle!Sam's name has changed to Samo out here as that is the Fijian version, unfortunately Sarah is just Sarah - but at least I will remember to respond!

Nabula had once again flowers over the beds - somehow we had a family room with bunk beds and everything!The bathroom was a little grotty - but we had the sea to bathe in!After a couple of hours baking in the sun I needed an escape!I went for a beautiful stroll along the beach, climbed through a small cave and reached Safe Landing Resort.Their beach was even more sandy and beautiful.A quick dip there I strolled through the resort and chatted to the owners brother - they were both Australian.What a place to visit- never mind own!!He certainly couldn't complain about the office view!I stumbled upon a delicious beach side cake shop on my way back to our resort, I ran back to grab Sam and we indulged together!$2.50 for two massive hunks of cake - Banana Bread and Chocolate Cake! YUMMMMM!!

It was Party night back at the resort, we had a feast laid before us!Chicken, salads, potatoes, pork, spinach, sort of coleslaw salad, Travellia fish (i think!) and so many other dishes which added to the spread and rainbow of flavors!The locals were playing more of their beautiful traditional music and I migrated over to join them on their palm leaf mats to share their Cava.This is not however like any cava I have previously known!People had told us many tails of this Cava, but we found out that it was the root of a 'special' plant (someone told us it may have been the pepper plant) which they beat down in a giant pestle and mortar before putting in a cloth and mixing with water.It creates a grainy, slightly muddied water and they put it into a wee coconut cup before you down it!

The room started spinning, the hallucinations began, we were whirling across the resort on trip only lepricorns would know of... only joking! hahahahha got you going there then?!And we haven't been liking any frogs either!

The Cava slightly numbed your tongue and gave you a warm relaxed feeling, but that was about it!Apparently after a while your tongue doesn't go numb - hey presto we just need to drink more!They give the drink to pregnant women to help calm and send the baby to sleep.One of the other guests did tell us they were told it may cause liver problems in the long run though, but not enough medical investigations have been carried out..... best not drinnnk toooo much then!

After all the activities and fun from the previous night we dragged ourself out of bed for a breakfast of mainly delicious pineapple and cakie bread for Samo.All ready for the Reef Jumping we buckled up our life jackets and bounced above our seats as the waves sent our tin boat leaping.We arrived in the first snorkel location and everyone jumped in.I however, carefully lowered myself across the side of the boat, still donning my very stylish luminous yellow life jackets.Everyone else wanted to be lame and take off these fashionable items, but I was the clever one! hahah I bobbed above the surface with almost no effort at all!Samo occasionally hung onto the back for an 'express' ride across the reef as I pathetically kicked my legs and flailed my arms around!

The reef was beautiful, so many fish, electric blue star fish that had me gulping in sea water in excitement!The waves were rather fierce on the first snorkel which caused some issues but certainly added giggle. What a perfect morning!3 snorkel sights, all with different amazing parts, god we were buzzing!Before we knew it we were back on the big yellow boat hedding to Wayalallai Ecohaven Resort on Waya Lailai Island.A 2 hour 30 minute journey this time so a little longer than yesterday. Waya Lailai, what can I say?Another perfect little island, but this time there was a giant rock!There were summit walks to the top which we discussed doing, but unfortunately never made it!Due to the tight boat timetable we only ended up having a very short time on the island.We spent our time hunting for shells - some of the most incredible and beautiful I have ever seen (Samo has adopted a pretty impressive eye for finding the extra special ones). Climbing a giant rock in the sea and lapping up the incredible, hazy, ball of orange and yellow fire for sunset.

Kuata Natural Resort on Kuata Island had to top the whole trip... everything we wanted and felt we perhaps missed a little on the other islands was made true here.It was the eve of Samo's 2 day long birthday.The day was spent lapping up the sun, as we had learnt to do so well, and topping up the tan!Dinner was a 2 course feast that blew us away, followed by drinking games and other interesting games that were lead by Bill, the islands Activity Organizer.What a ledged.Playing ring of fire he seemed to make up the rules and occasionally tell you to get under the table where you had to annoy the others whose legs were encroaching your space!Hilarious! As the other island visitors reclined to bed Sam and I stayed up with the villagers drinking Cava and learning about their cultures.All our questions which had been whirring around were finally answered.

Happy Birthday! Samo's birthday had finally arrived, up bright and early all the locals wished him a happy birthday and we put on our wetsuits, flippers and snorkels before heading out onto the wild sea.In the smallest tin boat we flew over the waves, crashing down the other side.The boat slowed and stopped in the middle of the vast ocean, we were getting out.Samo leapt over the side like the water child he is while I tried to maneuver my flippers over the edge of the boat.Once in there they were.The reef sharks.The most incredible, powerful and threatening looking creatures circling around under us, 5 at one time!Swimming closer and closer to us!INCREDIBLE!Our guide was swimming down to the ocean bed with his spear gun killing little fish and feeding them to other fish.The sharks began circling, coming in for a bit of the action!Then oh my life he has the shark in his hand! He has grabbed the back of his neck!Holding him out for us all to touch.It's so hard to tell distance under water that I kept reaching and never made his skin!Before we knew it he threw the shark away ... but not into clear water!Into Samo!The shark hit off his stomach and swam away as fast as he could! Ahhhhh!! Haha.

What an invaluable experience.After Samo had a go at a wee bit of spear fishing and we ogled at the sharks for a little longer we were back on the boat heading inland.A rather sweaty summit walk later we were looking over the entire island, feeling on top of the world.

We have both really enjoyed moving to a different Island each day, our time here in Fiji has been too short.But we have been so lucky.The islands that we stayed on were all so different, but had reasuring and welcoming simalarities that we welcomed each time our feet touched new ground.The people of Fiji certinally make the place.They are so kind, willing to do anything to ensure your stay is perfect (apart from on Bounty Island, we have heard only bad things and it is defo one to miss if you are coming this far out!).The people are striking and very attractive.Most of the locals I have met, whether young or old are very good looking, espically the men ;pI just find it incredible that so many of this race are truely beautiful people..... no English scallies mixed in!

We really found our relaxed, stress free happiness again on Fiji and I am truely sad to leave. Anyone looking for a perect holiday where you are treated like Kings and Queens - Fiji is calling.

The birthday continued as we had our final ride on the Awesome Adventures Ferry back to the mainland.Checking in at the airport Samo tried to blag us a first class flight, but unfortunately the seats were all booked out!Then, I heard it was a 2 story plane.We were on it!We had blagged getting upstairs but the guy said there was a dress code!Frantically we pulled out any clothes were thought were 'suitable' (they really did stink thou!We hadn't managed to do a wash since Myall Lakes in Australia!).and got dressed in the loos!Once on board we were itching with excitement... but oh no.There was no dress code, not that we could see, and I swear the seats were smaller than those on the bottom deck!I did however have a nifty box under the window, but didn't really amount to much.Once again, the in-flight entertainment was poor, the films were on a loop, so if you missed the start you were stuffed!