Hey everybody. Sorry we haven't updated the site for a while. We've spent the past week island hopping and we had no internet access or phone signal, very strange!! Anyway we'll get to that later. This entry is all about our day trip to a real genuine not at all for the tourists village up in the "Sleeping Giant" mountains of the Fijian mainland. Probably sounds a bit naff but bear in mind it was only the 2 of us taking the trip, no such thing as safety in numbers! the trip started with our 'guide' inviting us to try sugar cane, considering that he was wielding a machete we decided to give it a go. We then made our way to a hot spring and mud bath. Gem had a great time, Phil hated it because it was too hot but in no way did he sulk or look like a little wimp, honestly. After this trying experience we got taken up to a little village in the Sabeto Valley. It was amazing seeing the way the Fijians really live, we thought they looked like they were living in poverty but it dawned on us that they just had no need for modern amenities. Anyway we were told that we would be shown around the village and surrounding hillside, unfortunately the guide was 'off work' resulting in us being given a guided tour by the Chief of the area!!! Phil was fairly intimidated until he emerged in jeans and flip flops. The tour was fantastic, the Chief was keen to point out all the sites where his grandfather had committed various cannibalistic acts. On more than one occasion Phil managed to convince himself that the Chief was going to slit his throat. The best part of the day was yet to come (from Phils point of view). Following the guided tour we then fulfilled the traditional kava ceremony, yuk!!! This in turn was followed by afternoon tea with the Chief, his aunty and a toothless simpleton. We were served with the most sickly cup of leaf filled muck we've ever come across partnered by a plate filled with potatoes, bananas and papya. It was at this point that the Chief let us know it was customary for the guests to eat and drink everything they were given and it would be rude to leave anything. Phil set to work and gulped down the drink along with his share of the food. Gem was not so fortunate (ha ha ha), she hated the drink and Phil knew it. Just to make sure she couldn' get away with it Phil asked her (in a very loud voice) several times whether she was enjoying her afternoon tea. Anyway she managed to pull through the ordeal and Gem ended up with the last laugh as Phil left his Reebok swimming shorts in the Chiefs house, probably not the parting gift he expected but no doubt he will still be wearing them should we return in 20 years time. We'll get the pics up in the next couple of days. Thanks for all your support, its fantastic reading the message board although Phil thinks that there are a few too many messages for Gem and not enough for him.