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Bula Vinaka!
We've really enjoyed being off the radar for the past couple of weeks, you guys have no doubt been fraught with panic - don't worry we are alive, well and bronzed. We're not even going to try to explain in full our time in Fiji (that would even bore us) but we did want to tell you about the 'Fijeelings' we've developed for this place.
When we planned the trip, we included Fiji because we wanted to kick off with a chilled out break in the sun. What we have actually done is unexpectedly fallen in love with Fiji. It's easy to sell the idea of two weeks in paradise with sun, beaches, reef etc but we've also seen a different side to this country by running away from the well trodden tourist trail and imersing ourselves in village life through the people we've met.
We both came here not really aware of the fact that Fiji is a third world country and that people, although very positive and happy, do lead hard lives if they live in rural villages on remote islands. Many live solely off the land and live in sheet metal houses with no electricity or running water (not what you see in the holiday brochure). Although poor in terms of bank balance, they are rich in terms of their attitude to life. What we'd regard as 'community' is a world away from the genuine community lifestyle which we've witnessed, where not only friends and family are very close and supportive of each other, but the whole village work and socialise together. We've also learnt that people here are completely connected to mother nature and rely on her to survive - there are plants and trees that cure all manner of things including asthma, Hep B, and there's even a natural pain-free birth remedy (but it can leave your pupils mentally massive for a while)
Ok lesson over, basically we've learnt a lot and we bloody love it. Here are some other Fijighlights:
- Drinking insane amounts of Kava with the locals and listening to old Fijian songs accompanied by numerous guitars
- Hiking into Levoni Village, the original heart land of Fiji next to a volcanic crater
- Staying with Bobo on his Bush Farm, we will need to talk a lot about Bobo on our return. He's up there with Ghandi. EVERYBODY has to go and stay with him once in there lifetime. He's also got a German wife, which makes for some very entertaining banter and light hearted arguments.
- Island Life: Living in thatched bure's on the beach with hundreds of insects, gecko's, bats, spiders, fish etc. We also had one of the Islands to ourselves for 2 days (no other guests) so we enjoyed a candle light dinner under the moon and stars - its the material dreams are made of
- 'Ben'... a Fijian man moutain who we befriended in Nadi and who helped us locate and buy all the Fijian CD's we've become fans of
- Staying in a haunted hostel room, no we're not joking. Our beds violently shook in the middle of the night, Carly's first then Al's on seperate nights and there was an unexplainable bang on the door ... too weird
- Nadi Muncipal Food Market, got friendly with a Kava seller... he wouldn't believe that Al was English and was certain that Carly must be teaching him English. He's not on Al's Christmas card list...
- Listening to R&B music being played at a significant volume while we bounced around trying to stay in our seats on the local bus, which all seem to have odd names, sauch as Village Boy, Hungry Eye and Cool Boy
We arrived in Auckland, New Zealand this morning after a very bumpy ride with no vallium. Unfortunately this was due to Auckland being cold and cloudy. We can see the bright lights of the city from our window too... quite a contrast to the previous two weeks but we're excited about the next chapter.
We'll update you again after Thursday when we've picked the campervan up!!
Still trying to figure out the whole picture upload on here, it takes ages but we'll keep trying.
Love to all xx
- comments
Clydings Glad you made it to NZ safely. I said to Ruth only the other day, "theres been no update from Carly and Al...I hope their ok." Fiji sounds incredible! An island to yourselves - you only get that in movies.......right? I feel like dropping everything and catching the next flight out to join you. Perhaps the Fijian people can teach the 'Basingstoke Community' a thing or two about looking after one another...it'll make my job easier. Great post guys - looking forward to reading the next one. x
Papa & Mama Vince Trust you two to find what was probably the only haunted house in Fiji!!We are particularly interested in the "Man mountain", he sounds like someone who is very useful to know and Bobo too!!.Sounds like heaven, so happy for you both. Can't wait to hear about your road trip in New Zealand in the Camper...Drive safely (that's from Mum, by the way). Love you loads xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Ruthie WOW! All I can really say is wow. It all sounds amazing and you two must be having the best time. I'm so happy for you both and very jealous... Well maybe not about the haunted room, I think I would have cried to death if that happened to me so well done lol! I can't wait to hear about everything it all sounds unreal, no wonder you fell in love with the place, I did just by reading about it, sounds perfect. Can't wait for your next update, have fun and be safe!! Love you both xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Missing you
Cousin Paul Hi guys. I trust you'll be regaling me with an "old Fijian song" when you get back? x
Drez Good blogging! I'm already in talks to get this published! Keep it up! Looking forward to hear more about the haunted hotel. Lots'o'love!