This trip of 9 weeks travelling was first thought of over a year ago. In fact pre Christmas 2012 when the words Australia and Cricket were put into the same sentence. ( Enough of that 'C' word, I dont intend to spoil what might be the final blog)

During the planning stages Fiji was high on the list of WOW I want to visit places, as its that sort of dream of paradise. Usually things we perceive as perfection turn out far from that. Once we decided it would be THE venue to relax and chill after our 3 week drive of New Zealand, the thing was where to stay. I honestly spent hours of 'homework' deciding what, where and when. Twenty two diferent stays, in 5 countries took time and a heap of decisions. But way back last March after the flights were booked, I found the Bedarra Beach Inn. Its right on a beach ( well to be completely truthful there is a village road between that takes around 1 car an hour!) The reef is around 700 yards from the shoreline, so we have a very calm piece of water, with tropical fish swimming in at the highest 3 feet of water. Its the temperature of a very warm bath. The hotel is around 30 rooms, a swimming poool and jacuzzi also a spa for massages and treatments. The restaurant is open air, with ceiling fans, fabulous food and the most wonderful staff you can imagine.

When we arrived into Fiji, after a 3 hour flight we were tired and frazzled. We hoped to fly through passport control, as its just a small international airport BUT we hadnt realisedthat the Fijian '7's Rugby team were playing the South African team on T.V.!!!!! Most of the Fijian airport staff were enjoying the match! We were already learning a lesson about FIJI TIME! Maybe Sir Alex was taught this rule. We now know what it means in Fiji. Simply, chill! Relax, do nothing in a hurry. We did eventually get through passport control and was met by our taxi for the 70 minute drive to Sigatoka, the village where we would be staying. Fiji is very tropical, similar in parts to the Caribbean I guess. Sunset was drawing in as Pilay our driver told us all about his Island and slowly we were falling into the spell that is Fiji.

It really is a magical place. So laid back it is horizontal. The staff sang to us when we arrived up the steps into reception! They are truly the loveliest people. Really caring and kind and we are both amazed by their hospitality. The bar/reception/lounge area is all beautiful dark wood. High ceilings, shiny floors, tropical flowers everywhere. Including in the hair of both male and female staff! Yes, the guys even wear skirts, very David Beckham, but they are wonderful.

Weve spent our days wandering the few steps from room to breakfast, to the beach (another few steps) back for lunch, a quick dip in the pool, inches from the dining room, then back to the beach to snorkel. Such a hard life, but its just got to be done! We even managed an hours Kayaking this afternoon, watching the fish as we paddled. I guess thats the busiest moment of the day, as ive said this is life in Fiji time.