On a bit of a whim, I decided to travel out to Levuka, the old Fijian capital. It is a very quiet, colonial town on the coast of the Ovalau Island. I've half an idea to spin anticlockwise around the islands, finishing back at the more tourist'y Nadi for my flight out in October.

Rather than flying to Levuka, I decided to go by bus and ferry. Such journeys are routine for the locals, but a bit of adventure for the first timer. Where does the bus go from? The bus is 15 minutes late! - or have I missed it? Do we stay on the bus as it drives onto the ferry, or do we board on foot? WIll I get the right stop? Are we in some kind of race, or does the bus driver have an appintment? Needless to say, it all works fine and the local people were all very helpful in setting me right.

I have been very fortunate to find a beautiful place to stay at the Levuka Homestay (http://www.levukahomestay.com/). There are 4 rooms which lead back in to the hill with the main building at the back. The rooms are fitted with the conveniences you would want, and no TV (Yippee)! Breakfast is served in the main building and is plentiful and delicious. John and Marilyn are very generous with their time explaining all that's going on in and around Fiji. Later in the week, I am hoping to go for a walk further up into the hills with Nox (Guide and Gardiner), but today John has been able to get me a berth on a new Ferry between here and Koro Island. We leave at lunch today and arrive back at lunch tomorrow.

Levuka itself has several churches and schools, a library, 3 restaurants and 1 big employer (Pacific Fishing Company). However, the thing I have noticed most is the landscape which is much younger and less weathered than back at home. As a result there are much sharper peaks which are just asking to be climbed.

Other than this, it is really nice to just stop in the peace and quiet. Yesterday, after a quick walk around the town to get my bearings, I spent the entire day reading. I think that this is exactly the 'antidote' I needed for my constant travels up to now. I can feel Fiji way of life beginning to take hold. Maybe in a couple of weeks I'll be properly laid back and de-stressed.