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We've finally made it to Fiji...one word = EPIC.
To condense two days worth of traveling, we left on Thursday 28th April and embarked on the following:
- 11 hour flight from London to LA (Al and I weren't sitting together which caused panic, but after making friends with everyone around us, we were able to persuade a bit of shuffling about. Having a pilot in our row helped calm the panic too! Al was happy to be moved away from the two barryatric i.e. obese men he was squashed between...)
- 4 hours in LA (where we ate a bag of illuminous orange Cheetos for our dinner)
- 10.5 hour flight from LA to Nadi in Fiji (Slept pretty much the whole way and occasionally peered out the window at a sky filled wiith stars)
- 4 hour coach ride from Nadi to Suva (the capital - luckily the coach had air con and we made a stop which saw us eating more crisps as a meal)
- 2 hour drama with bus/ferry tickets (when we arrived at the ticket office it was helpfully closed, but we met a guardian angel called Katrina who helped us - without her we would not have got to Levuka!)
- 2 hour public and sweaty bus ride to ferry port (made possible by Katrina and her friends, who are officially the kindest people on earth)
- 1 hour ferry crossing to the island of Ovalau
- 1.5 hour bumpy bus ride down mud tracks to Levuka (definitely off the tourist trail - an experience!)
We arrived at the stunning Levuka Homestay on Saturday 30th April at about 6.30pm, basically asleep with our eyes open and delirious with excitement, jet-lag and hunger. John and Marilyn, who own and run the homestay, gave us the most perfect welcome to Fiji by plying us with beer and making sure we had some dinner before collapsing into bed. They already feel like old friends and we feel like we've arrived in paradise.
After a comatose sleep, we enjoyed what can only be described as a feast for breakfast - pancakes, muesli, fruit, muffins, eggs, toast, jams, smoothies, coffee - all with the sun shining outside and panoramic views of the ocean. As we arrived after dark last night, we saw Levuka this morning with fresh eyes. It is green and beautiful and as a colonial town, appears very quaint and almost like a wild west town with its shabby chic buildings and quirky characterful houses.
The most outstanding quality of Fiji though is the people. We can't sing their praises enough - they are helpful and friendly and kind - everyone says hello (or Bula as the Fijians say) and it is all genuine. Bula actually means 'life' in Fijian, as well as 'hello', which we think pretty much sums it up - everyone seems to enjoy every aspect of their lives and doesn't take anything too seriously. All in all a great start to our trip and the attitude we will try to take on with us.
Off for a walk now with Nox, the gardener and local legendary historian of Levuka, to soak up more of the great little place. Signing off, sweaty but happy...
xx
p.s. Carly is already covered in mosquito bites...
- comments
Da Family What an epic journey - you must have been exhausted and hungry! Levuka sounds wonderful - keep up the posts - love you both Mum and dad xxxxx
Papa Vincent Liking the word "barriatric"...where did you get that from??!! Sounds like a REAL epic but worth it, we are jealous! Keep safe and we are thinking about you all the time. Loads of love ,Dad, Mum, Ruth, laurs and of course Alfie & Tilly
Sar Hi! Sounds like a fab start to the trip, hope you enjoyed the walk. We're just about to leave Newquay, tried our hand at surfing, the waves were huge and I now think there is less seawater this side of the Atlantic as I swallowed an admirable proportion. Keep safe and loving the first update, feels like we're with you! Lots of love xxx
Sue So good to hear how you are getting on.Hope the bites aren't too bad! xx
Clydings Wow! What a mammoth journey...I've got no hope in hell in getting Ruth on a trip like that and too be fair i would have struggled with that one too, so well done. Glad you've both made it there safely, I'd love to say that your missing out on so much back here....but no! Looking forward to reading more of your blogs, I feel I'm right there with you, Eating crisps as a meal reminded me of Karl Pilkington taking his pickled onion monster munch everywhere with him - Classic! Cant wait to see some photos. Stay safe. x
Mr Kemp Have a great time guys! And Al just to let you know I am not married! just winding up a few. Take care and Enjoy...
Ruthie Hey you two! Hope you are both ok, I can't believe your journey already. Stay safe and have an amazing time... I'm well jel. I sent an email to you guys by mistake just figured this thing comment board out. I love you both lots xxxxx