Got up very early on 11 August in anticipation of my trip to the Yasawa Islands. A couple of days previous, I had spent 30 minutes with a travel agents planning which islands to go to, which resorts to stay at and determining how much it was all going to cost. I decided to go to Tavewa, Matacawalevu, Naviti and Kuata. I was being picked up at 7:50 am. The coach dropped us off at a place called Denarou, where the 'big yellow boat' called the "Yasawa Flier" was moored. I was travelling to the Northernmost Island first, meaning that I had a 4.5 hour journey ahead of myself. I found myself a comfy seat in the sun, switched on my i-Pod and enjoyed the journey through the Mamanucas and Yasawas up to David's Place on Tavewa. Tavewa (David's Place): Tavewa is by far the most beautiful island that I visited in the Yasawas - golden white sands, beatutiful reefs & fish, clear blue water...you get the picture. I spent lots of time snorkling, sunbathing and snapping away at all the wonderful sights with my camera. I met a girl, Caroline, on this island who had the same camera as me so she gave me a lesson in how it actually works. I can now take more 'artistic' shots with it using lots of different filters. Knowing me, I've probably cocked up some lovely views by trying to be too creative!! Anyway, spent most of my time with Caroline, lazing the days away, chatting about love, life, family and all sorts of stuff. When you're travelling alone through these islands, it's such a breath of fresh air to have intelligent conversation with someone other than a teenager about to go to university! I think I've closed that chapter of my life now and moved on. The food at David's Place was really good and they made a special effort to keep us happy in that department. We even had bacon and eggs for breakfast once - I thought I was hallucinating! Bearing in mind that Caroline and I had sampled some 'local tobacco' the night before, I probably was hallucinating! The problem with having god food on the first of the islands, is that it ind of sets you up with the expectation that all the food is going to be of similar quality - how wrong you could be. After 4 nights of relaxation and sleepy days I moved on to the next island... Matacawalevu - Long Beach Resort: Arriving on the island was a pleasant experience as Miri (who was kind of the Maitre'D, for want of a better job description) was there to greet us off the boat. The dormatory only had 6 single beds in it and I was saring with 3 English guys and one Italian girl. There were very few residents at the resort, in fact when it's full they only accommodate about 14 people,so the atmospere was close and friendly. It was also the only resort on the island, so very remote and very quiet. Whilst on the island I did a bit of handline fishing (over the reefs) with some of the other lads and caught one small snapper, but still the biggest catch of the day. We all caught fishes, oh...except for Kevin, who had to go back to shore with a tale of 'the one that got away'!! I was only on this island for 3 nights, so time was limited, but in addition to the reef fishing, I also managed to squeeze in a mountain trek, visit to the local Fijian village for tea and cake, and 'mastered' the game of "Flicky-Flicky" (even though the boys did lose to the girls - twice!!). Time went really quickly and it was soon time to get the boat down to the next island... Naviti - Korovou Eco Resort On arrival at the island we were greeted with the oh so familiar "Bula Song", which is a traditional Fijian song to welcome you to the island. You kind of hear it a lot on the islands so after the 100th time, the novelty wears off, but it's still quite nice. I couldn't really put my finger on it, but there was something about this resort that I didn't quite like, even though the accommodation was the cleanest and bug free that I had stayed at to date. I think it was a combination of the shelly beaches (which cut your feet), the surly staff and the clinical feel to the place that put me off. I thought I would give it a chance to redeem itself over the following 24 hours. The first evening I was presented with a slab of raw fish - grey, veiny, cod like fillet which had not even been attempted to be cooked. Most other peoples fish was cooked though but still cold and unappetizing. The portions were tiny also. I took my plate back to the kitchen to complain and got nothing back for 25 minutes and upon closer inspection I had got the same piece, warmed through with a load more sauce dumped on the top of it. This time I could pick around the edges until I reached the raw core of the fillet. I didn't have raw meat again on the island, infact some meat may have been nice to accompany the carb fest which followed every other night. I've certainly had my fill of pasta, potatoes, carrots, scones and multicoloured cake!! The next day, after a measly breakfast of bread and butter (no choice - that or starve!) I went to the office to see about bringing my flight to New Zealand forward as i was completely exhausted with the Fijian island hopping by now. I came to the conclusion that I had seen some wonderful places, met some wonderful people, caught a fabulous tan and was now ready for the next stage of my travels. I changed my flight and decided to continue with the 4 nights that I had booked at Korovou Resort and then head back to the mainland. As I had an extra 3 nights to stay on the island, I made the most of it by going on further fishing trips which were fabulous. I caught numerous baracuda and snapper, which were much bigger than the tiny fish I had caught on the previous island. I also took a snorkling trip to swim with the Manta Rays that lived on the island, which is one of the most spectacular experiences I have even encountered. I'm sure it will be bettered when I do my diving course, but for now swimming alond with those magnificent creatures will live with me. I actually quite enjoye my last couple of days on the island thanks to Caroline and Rob for keeping me entertained during the days, playing countless games of 's***head' and to Ruth (the barmy Kiwi) for getting me drunk on the last night - hope for more of the same in Wellington! I left on what must be the rainiest day I have seen in Fiji and we got soaked on the way to the 'big yellow boat'. But a few Rum and Coke's later we had forgoten about how damp we were and laughed all the way to the mainland recounting stories from the islands. It's still raining in Fiji and intends to continue until I leave for New Zealand on 25 August, so I doubt whether I will have too many stories to update you on by the time I leave. The next postcard will be from New Zealand. Miss you all. Stephen xxx