Saa er min Fiji tur ovre, men hvilken ferie, det har vaeret. Noget saa afslappende - og solrigt :)

Mine sidste dage i New Zealand blev som sagt tilbragt i Christchurch. Overskyet og kedeligt, saa kiggede bare lidt rundt i byen. Ikk det vilde.

Landede i Nadi (udtales 'Nandi') den 17.jan. og tjekkede ind paa Horizon backpackers. Meget simpelt sted, men en seng og et toilet er vel alt man har brug for. Jeg stod tidlig op den 18. for at komme med bus til marinaen, hvor 'Yasawa Flyer' baaden tog mig til South Sea Island. Den foerste af seks oeer, jeg var booket til at besoege gennem Awesome Adventures's "Tropical Awegasm" tur. South Sea er den mindste af oeerne - det tager bogstavelig talt 4min. at gaa rundt om hele oeen. Men den havde bestemt sin charme. Og det venlige personale var super flinke. Vi blev velkommet af 3 syngende fijianere. Lavede ikk meget om formiddagen, da min solcreme blev nakket i lufthavnen, og jeg troede ikk, de havde solcreme paa oeen. Men man skal ikke tro, man skal vide. Jeg spurgte, og self. havde de solcreme - skod creme til overpris, men ikke desto mindre beskyttende mod solen. Jeg faldt hurtigt i snak med et engelsk par, Rory og Katie. Ved at sammenligne billetter fandt vi ud af, at vi var paa stort set samme tur, minus en oe. Saa vi hyggede resten af dagen. Vi snorklede og tog ud til en lille baad, hvor man kunne gaa under daek, og saa var der gladruder, saa man ku se korallerne og de farverige fisk gennem det klare vand. Det var super. Tog en tur i kajak rundt om oeen, og endte dagen med en god gang volleyball med de lokale - i styrt regnvejr. Dejligt afkoelende. Betoed dog at samtlige overkoejer i vores vaerelse var gennembloedte, og alle derfor maatte sove i de nederste. Heldigvis var vi kun 12 paa oeen, saa der var plads. South Sea strand bestaar desuden af en masse doede koraller, hvilket i bund og grund er lig med, Maria kommer til skade. Fik et godt, dyb hul i min venstre fod, som self. er godt betaendt efter at have vaeret i sand i 12 dage. Heler stille og roligt nu, men det har vaeret ih saa herligt og smertefuldt. Torsk! Om aftenen hang Rory, Katie og jeg ud, og snakkede ogsaa fint med en pige fra Wales, Alicia. Hun var ogsaa paa samme tur, og vi 3 har siden fulgtes hele vejen rundt, med den undtagelse, at jeg tog til Kuata efter South Sea, hvor de andre tog til Wayaleilei.

Den 19. jan. tog vi paa en baadtur med skibet 'Seaspray' - fri mad og drikkevarer var inkl. i vores Full Monty pakke, saa det var en kanon tur. Efter champagne og formiddagskaffe (ja, i den raekkefoelge) tog vi til oeen, hvor man i tidernes morgen filmede 'Cast Away', og saa stod den paa en times snorkeltur. Super nice. Der er SAA mange farverige fisk, det er helt fantastisk. Korallerne er ikk saa farverige som i Australien, men fiskelivet er overdaadigt. Efter en times tid var der kaempe barbeque frokost paa baaden, hvorefter vi tog til en landsby og besoegte de lokale og deltog i en kava-ceremoni. Kava er fijianernes lokale 'sake' om I vil. Pulver fra en toerret rod. Foej, hvor det smager, og det lignede aerlig talt, at de bare havde dyppet skaalen vi drak af i en mudderpoel. Men en oplevelse var det. Gik derefter gennem det lokale marked og koebte lidt haandlavede smykker. Og saa tilbage til South Sea. Kanon baadtur. Om aftenen fandt jeg hurtigt ud af, at jeg havde glemt solcreme paa den oeverste del af ryggen, og efter en times snorkel uden solcreme betoed det 4 dages godt grillet rygstykke. Torsk - igen!

Den 20. tog de tre andre til Wayaleilei og jeg til Kuata. Det var mindre interessant. Maden var ikk noget at raabe hurra for, men vaerelserne var OK. Lidt primitiv badevaerelse - der var badeforhaeng som 'doer' til toilettet, og selve bruseren udsendte en lille straale af vand. Og ingen haandvask, saa tak for 'hand sanitizer'. Moedte to tyske piger og en amerikaner paa Kuata, som jeg brugte dagene sammen med. Amerikaneren, Katie, og jeg besluttede os for at overnatte paa stranden den foerste aften. Oprindeligt ville vi vaere i haengekoejer, men fik saa af vide af personalet, at vi gerne maatte tage madrassen med ud. Saa vi lagde os under den naesten klare stjernehimmel. Det begyndte dog at regne lidt og blaese. Vi flyttede ind under en slags hytte - tag var det, uden vaegge. Vaagnede af og til om natten, da det var lidt koeligt. Katie flyttede ind til sidst. Jeg vaagnede en time senere ved en hund sniffede mig i ansigtet. Satte mig op, og hunden sprang paa min hovedpude og madras og logrede halen og var klar til leg. "f*** af!". Da madrassen sikkert var fyldt med lopper nu, og jeg alligevel var lidt 'miserable', besluttede jeg mig for at gaa inden for. Det vil saa sige, at jeg proevede - for ku ikk aabne doeren, og aner ikk hvorfor de havde laast den, for det goer man ikke paa Fiji. Alt er aaben. Men ville ikk vaekke de andre, saa tilbragte resten af natten i smaaregn uden paa traedaekket med mit halvvaade haandklaede som madras og et stykke lagen som dyne. Skod nat.

Den 21. om morgenen stod den paa snorkling med revhajer. Det var mega cool. Dog noget kortvarigt, da en af drengene blev bidt i haanden. Idioten var dum nok til at dykke ned blandt hajerne, mens de blev fodret. En haj saa hans skinnende kamera og forvekslede den med en fisk. Revhajer er 1-1,5m. saa ikk saa store, og de aeder ikk mennesker, saa han havde bare et overfladisk saar. Men vi maatte sejle tilbage, da der nu var blod i vandet. Tak for det, spasser. Chillede resten af dagen i en haengekoeje, og spillede lidt volleyball igen.

Den 22. moedtes jeg med Katie, Rory og Alicia igen, da vi tog til Korovou. Fint lille sted. Igen blev vi moedt af syngende fijianere, og hilst med Bula! Selve stranden var ikk for super grundet en masse koraller, men der var en pool, og den var bestemt super. Vi tre toeser brugte det meste af dagen der. Moedte en dansk herre, som aabenbart har en vis form for halvpart i selve resortet, og derfor besoeger det aarligt 4-6mdr af gangen. Interessant gut. Jeg kunne dog ikk selv leve saa laenge i Fiji. Alt for afslappet og intet at lave. Og for varmt for den sags skyld ogsaa. Men kan forstaa hvorfor fokl er draget til det, da de lokale er super venlige, og oeerne er et sandt paradis.

Den 23. var endnu en chiller dag ved poolen.
Den 24. om morgenen, inden vi forlod korovou, tog vi i kirke, da det var soendag. En lidt anderledes oplevelse, og da bestemt interessant. Hoej musik og klapsalver, saa en kort fortaelling af praesten, og derefter en indsamling. Og igen musik undervejs med klapsalver. Efter kirken checkede vi ud og tog faergen til Coral view, som var absolut fantastisk. Allerede fra vi gik af borde fra faergen ned i de smaa baade, vi blev hentet i, var vandet krystalklart, og alt var bare laekkert og saa saa flot ud. Resortet var det stoerste og bedste vi hidtil havde vaeret ved. Og de havde ogsaa den billigste bar, hvilket var ganske udemaerket. Intet som at side i paradis paa den smukkeste oe i en haengekoeje med en tropisk cocktail til billig pris. Om aftenen den 24. var der dans og underholdning, og alle joinede. Det var super hyggeligt. Vi endte med at snakke med flok irere, og sad oppe det meste af natten.

Den 25. tog vi paa grotte tur. Ud til en lille grotte, som vi svoemmede lidt rundt i. Sammenlignet med Waitomo Caves i NZ var det her INTET, men det var da OK. Det var ogsaa dagen, hvor jeg begyndte at vaenne mig til 'Fiji-time'. I begyndelsen havde jeg svaert ved at acceptere, at der intet var at lave udover at snorkle og solbade, samt nogle faa gaature. Intet var planlagt, alt var paa Fiji time. Det eneste man ku gaa efter, var maden som altid blev serveret paa rette tidspunkt. Men efter Coral View blev jeg mere afslappet og indstillede mig selv til Fiji-time.

Den 26. chillede vi, mens vi ventede paa frokost og dernaest faergen, der skulle tage os til Manta Ray. Manta Ray er et virkelig laekkert sted. Stedet er bygget op i en lille tropisk skov med stengang op til vaerelserne, toiletterne og receptionen. Der var en beach bar og en indendoers bar. Masser af haengekoejer og aabenbart kanon snorkling - fandt jeg aldrig ud af, da jeg noed fiji time. Maden var helt formidabel. Gourmet anretninger, og baade forret og hovedret. Desvaerre var vi der kun en enkelt nat. Men det var nice. Noed godt af happy hour, hvor vi fik proevet de fleste cocktails. Og der var en super fimset bartender, boesse saa det skreg langt vaek, men han var saa underholdende!

Den 27. var igen ren chillerdag. Vi faar ikk bedrevet meget, naar vi ved, faergen kommer og vi har checket ud. Efter Manta Ray stod den paa 2 naetter paa Beachcomber, den berygtede party oe (dog afhaengelig af antal gaester). Stedet var virkelig laekkert, og de spillede endda up to date musik, frem for Vengaboys og Bob Marley, som vi var vant til fra de andre. Ikke at der er noget i vejen med det, men var da rart at have noget med lidt mere beat i. Paa Beachcomber chillede vi, udvekslede billeder og festede om aftenen, da vi nu skulle hver vores vej. Alicia havde endnu en uge paa oeerne, mens vi andre tog tilbage.

Den 29. kom vi tilbage til Nadi. Vi tog til byen, og fik kigget os lidt omkring. Holdt kaeft nogle faldefaerdige taxier og busser, de har hernede! Det hele ryster og knirker, saa man tror lortet falder fra hinanden midt paa vejen. Men endnu en oplevelse. Jeg var igen booket ind paa Horizon, hvor de havde dobbeltbooket den seng, jeg skulle vaere i. Saa jeg blev flyttet til 'familie' vaerelset for to naetter. Havde et helt vaerelse for mig selv den foerste nat, hvilket egentlig var nice. Om aftenen tog jeg med Katie og Rory paa Smuggler's Cove, hvor vi spiste og hyggede, inden de skulle med flyveren den naeste dag.

Den 30. fik jeg vasket toej og tog igen i byen. Denne gang med et tysk par, jeg lige var rendt ind i. Skoent som man bare moeder mennesker, og saa foelges ad. Desuden er det ikk fordelagtigt at gaa rundt i Nadi by alene, hvis man er blaaoeejet blondine. Oeerne er fine, men selve byen er lidt gusten.
Konklusion om Fiji: Super laekkert sted, men bestemt ferieophold frem for aktiv backpacker. Vil gerne derned engang i fremtiden - maaske, naar jeg har set alle andre steder, jeg vil se i verden. Og desuiden vil det ikk vaere for mere end 7-10 dage, da jeg tager lidt tid om at vaenne mig til Fiji time.
Stod tidlig op den 31.jan. saa jeg ku dele en taxi med en gut fra Oestrig., der ogsaa skulle til lufthavnen. Endelig tilbage til Australien, og tilbage til 'Lily'! Glemte self. at tage min lommekniv op af min rygsaek, saa den blev konfiskeret i lufthavnen. Dough!
Landede i Sydney i kun 26 graders varme, hvilket var skoent, da det ikk var saa draebende som varmen paa Fiji. Dog alligevel varmt, da jeg valgt at gaa fra lufthavnen til 'Maskot', hvor Lily var parkeret. Gik da ogsaa forkert i 1.omgang, hvilket jeg fandt ud af, da jeg pludselig stod midt paa motorvejen. Ups, saa maatte jeg backtracke lidt... Ville til Melbourne for at tage faergen til Tasmanien i den lille uge, jeg er i Australien inden Vegas. Saa spildte ingen tid i Sydney. Koerte mod Melbourne med det samme (tog self halvanden times tid inden jeg endelig kom paa rette vej!). Koerte ca. 700km den dag.

Den 1.feb. koerte jeg det sidste stykke til Melbourne. Havde ikk foretaget nogen form for research ang. faergen, men besluttede mig for at tjekke prisen, inden jeg steg om bord. Min. $270 pr. vej da jeg skulle have bilen med. Glem det! Alt for dyrt. Saa grundet manglende research fra undertegnede, havde jeg spildt godt 1200km benzin for intet. For ikke at naevne, at jeg ikk blev i Melbourne. Virker som et fint sted, men idioten her kan jo knap nok finde rundt i mine egne bukselomme, saa hvordan i alverden tror I det gik, da jeg skulle koere rundt i Melbourne?! Rent helvede, og var godt traet af mig selv grundet de mange spildte km, saa besluttede mig for at koere mod Sydney igen - ad en anden vej. Saa koerte godt 900km den dag. Skal ogsaa naevnes, at man ikk kan vaere nogen steder uden at skulle betale p-afgift. Saa af sted med mig.

Den 2. koerte jeg gennem et par byer, Bruce havde foreslaaet mig, men der var ikk det vilde at se, saa jeg koerte videre. Var en lang dag, og jeg kedede mig gevaldigt. Selvom det er skoent at vaere mig selv, efter at have haft de tyskere paa slaeb sidst jeg var her, saa er det nu noget kedeligt, naar man ikk har det vilde planlagt, og bare venter. Tiden skal bare gaa, saa jeg kan komme til Vegas. Glaeder mig sindssygt meget! Desuden har jeg heller ikk de vilde penge at goere med laengere, saa kan ikk gaa ud og opleve hver dag. Og eftersom jeg li har spildt godt $300 paa benzin for ingenting, saa er det ved at vaere lidt skod. Koerte videre til Canberra den 2., hvor jeg overnattede ved en soe, ikk saa langt fra det gamle parlamentshus. Troede ikk jeg maatte overnatte der, men sov fint natten igennem uden politiet kom.

Den 3. koerte jeg lidt rundt og ledte efter et hostel, da jeg ikk havde badet i et par dage. Traengte godt nok til det! Fandt YHA i Canberra, men de ville have $30 for en nat, hvilket er aandssvagt i mit hoved, da jeg har en bil at sove i, og egentlig bare ville derind for at faa et bad og komme paa nettet. Saa spurgte paent til om jeg maatte laane et bad. Maatte jeg uden bekostning, og fandt en internet cafe, saa har da sparet $30 om ikk andet. Gik rundt i Canberra Shopping Centre. Fik bl.a. manicure og pedicure. Skoent at forkaele sig selv lidt. eller ja - for mig er det nu lidt bittersoedt. Tror det er den 2. eller 3. pedicure jeg har faaet i mit liv, og den 1.manicure. Jeg er ikk stor fan af negle. Og de redskaber, der blir brugt til et saadan formaal, minder for mig om en blanding mellem noget du bruger paa en hest (kaempe fil) og saa et besoeg hos tandlaegen! Men massagen var da udemaerket. Tog ogsaa i bif om aftenen og saa "Its complicated" - super god film.

Den 4. ville jeg have vaeret ind og se House of Parliament, men blev frustreret over de manglende skilte, saa smuttede igen. Mod Sydney. Er ikk meget for at skulle tilbage til Sydney. Vil som sagt bare gerne, at dagene gik lidt hurtigere, saa jeg kan komme til Vegas. Desuden kan jeg jo heller ikk rigtig have Lily nogen steder uden at skulle betale p-afgift. Koerte gennem nogle byer uden at goere holdt inden jeg kom til Cooma. En lille by, hvor jeg fik koebt nye vinduesviskere til Lily, hvilket viste sig at vaere godt timet, da det siden har staaet ned i staenger og lynet og tordnet. Valgte at tage kystvejen i haab om lidt solskin de sidste par dage og maaske en strandtur eller to, men igen - vejret har ikke tilladt det. Overnattede paa en rasteplads i Nowra.

Den 5. koerte jeg saa til Wollongong, som virkede som en OK by. Naaede li et par timer paa stranden, inden regn og torden tog over igen. Gik lidt rundt i shoppingcentret, og saa brugte jeg ellers resten af dagen ved stranden - i bilen. Overnattede der ogsaa, hvilket gik fint. Havde dog placeret mig ret dumt, da jeg havde parkeret lige ved siden af en omgang madrester, som jo tillokker maager - hold op hvor de skraepper! Og saa var det fredag aften, hvilket aabenbart betoed, at halvdelen af byens unge moedtes til hoej musik og mindre fest kl. lort om natten.

I dag er jeg saa kommet til Sydney. Oev...stadig skod vejr, og har nu afleveret Lily tilpobevaring hos "Mascot" endnu engang. Der er ikk det vilde at lave, og i morgen blir endnu mere kedelig, da det er soendag. Men hva, snart er jeg paa vej til Vegas, saa jeg overlever. Min mobil er dog vaek nu. Rimelig skod. Checkede ind paa Wake Up! hostel og gik saa ud til frokost, og da jeg kom tilbage, var mobilen vaek. Haaber den blir fundet. Har et parumre i den jeg gerne vil have.

Til vi ses igen, hej hej

ENGLISH

My Fiji trip is over, but what a holiday it has been. So relaxing and sunny.

My last days in NZ were spent in Christchurch. Cloudy and boring, so just trotted around the city. Nothing much.

Landed in Nadi (pronounced 'Nandi') on the 17th of Jan. and checked in at the Horizon Backapckers. Very simple place, but I guess a bed and a toilet IS all you need.
I was up early on the 18th to catch the bus going to the marina, where the 'Yasawa Flyer' ferry took me to South Sea Island. The first of six islands I was booked through Awesome Adventure to visit. South Sea is the smallest of all the islands - it literally took 4minutes to walk around the island. It certainly had its charme, though I'm happy I was not to spent too many days there. But very friendly staff. We were welcomed by three singing staff members. Didn't do much in the morning, as my sunscreen had been confiscated in the airport, and I didn't dare go in the sun without sunscreen. Didn't think the island sold sunscreen, but I got wiser. Finally around midday I went down to reception and found they DID sell sunscreen, so I could go out and have fun. I quickly met an English couple and a Welsh girl, Rory & Katie and Alicia. We all had the same "Tropical Awegasm" pass and where going to see the same islands, except from the next island, where I was going to Kuata and they went to Wayaleilei. We spent the day snorkelling, chilling, kayaking and visiting this little submergable boat, where we could see the corals and fish from the boat through glass windows. Ended the day in pouring rain playing volleyball with the locals. It was good, except the beach is mainly made of dead corals, which are pretty sharp. So got a good cut/hole in my foot, which has been infected ever since, as 12 days on sandy islands doesn't really keep a wound clean. Doehead. Still had fun playing though. Because of the rain all top bunks were soaked, so all of us had to move to the lower bunks, which was OK - there were only 12 of us on the island, so plenty of space.

On the 19th the 4 of us went on a boatcruise on 'Seaspray' - food and drinks incl. What a trip. After the champagne and then morning tea we went to the islands, where 'Castaway' was once filmed. Went snorkellling for about an hour, which was awesome! So many colourful fish, it's amazing! The coral is not as beautiful as in Australia, but the marine life is more amazing down here. After about an hour in the ocean we had a huge BBQ for lunch. It was delicious! After that we went to a village and visited the locals and took part in a kava ceremoni. Kava is their native drink - kind of what Sake is for the japanese. Kava is made of powder from a dried plant and then mixed with water. Looks like they just dipped a bowl in a mudpool and then served it, and it didn't taste that good either. But yet another experience. After the ceremoni we visited the local marked where they had all sorts of handcrafts, some of which I bought. Then we headed back to South Sea. What an awesome trip. At night I quickly discovered that I had forgotten to put on sunscreen on my upper back, before we went snorkelling. So, 1hour of snorkelling without sunscreen = 4 days of welldone backpiece - doehead! again.

On the 20th the 3 others went to Wayaleilei and I went to Kuata. Less interesting. The food wasn't that impressive, but the rooms were OK. A bit primitive bathroom - just a curtain as a door to the toilet, and the shower was just s sprinkle. And no zink, so thank God for hand sanitizer. Met two German girls and an American who I spent most of my time with on Kuata. Heide, Angche (?) and Katie. Katie and I decided we wanted to spent the first night under the stars on the beach. To begin with we wanted to sleep in the hammocks, but the staff told us we could bring our matrasses if we wanted to. So we got our matrasses out and went to the beach. It did start to rain a little, so we moved under this little shelter thing. After a while Katie moved inside. I tried to stay outside, though a bit cold as my feet were wet after the rain. Then in the middle of the night I wake up, because a dog is sniffing my face. I sit up and the dog literally JUMPS on my pillow and matras, wagging its tail, ready to play. "f*** off!" I was sure the matras was now filled with flees, and being a bit cold and miserable anyways, I decided to move in. Well, I tried. COuldn't open the door. Don't know why the others had locked it, as doors are always unlocked on Fiji. But I couldn't get myself to wake them up, so I layed down on the woodden porch with my semi wet towel as a matras and a thin sheet. Not a very good night.

On the 21st in the morning we went snorkelling with reef sharks. Really cool experience. Though it was cut short as a Brazilian guy was bit in the hand. Well, the dummy was stupid enough to dive down with the sharks as they were being fed. They saw the shiny camera and thought it was a fish. Reefies aren't that big and they dont eat people, saa he only had superficial punctual wounds. Nothing bad. But we had to sail back as there was now blood in the water. Thanks a lot, doehead! Chilled for the remainder of the day in a hammock and played a little volley. At night we had some dancing. Laerned the bula dance.

On the 22nd I met up with Rory, Kaite and Alicia again ,as we went to Korovou. Again we were met by singing Fijians and greeted by Bula! The beach itself wasn't that good because of the many corals, but they had a pool which was awesome. Us three girls spent most of our time there. Met a Danish guy, who apparently has some sort of share in the resort, and therefore comes to visit 4-6months at a time every year. Interesting guy. I couldn't live that long on Fiji though. Way to relaxing for me. Nothing to do. Everything is on Fiji time and it's too hot. But I can still understand, why some may be drawn to this sort of lifestyle. The locals are friendly and the views and every island is a little paradise in itself.
The 23rd was another chilling day by the pool.

The 24th in the morning before we left Korovou, we went to church as it was Sunday. A bit different but yet an experience. And interesting. Loud music, clapping people, brief story telling by the priest, then a donation round, music again and more clapping. After the church we checked out and got on the ferry to Coral View, which was absolutely amazing. Already from the sec. we boarded the little ships to go to the island, the water was crystal clear and everything had a certain amazingness to is. The resort was the biggest and the best we had been to so far. And they also had the cheapest bar, which was definately a plus! There's nothing like lying in a hammock in Paradise with a cheap tropical drink. At night we were all dancing and enjoying ourselves.

On the 25th we went on a cave trip. This little cave we got to swim around in. NOTHING like Waitomo back in NZ, but it was alright. As we were on Coral View I also started adapting to Fiji time. In the beginning I had been a bit annoyed - had nothing to do and got bored easily. But all of a sudden I found myself accepting the snorkelling, chilling and lying in a hammock for another day without nothing to think about.

On the 26th we chilled while waiting for lunch and then the ferry, taking us to Manta Ray resort. Manta Ray is a really nice place. Inhaled in a little tropical forest with a rock path leading to the bar, dorms and reception. They also had a beach bar. Lots of hammocks and apparently awesome snorkellling - I never found that out as I was on Fiji time chilling in the hammocks. The food was extraordinary! Gourmet settings and both starters and mains. Unfortunately we were only there for one night. But it was nice, and we enjoyed happy hour, where we tried most of the cocktails. Then they had this super gay bartender, loose wrists and everything, but he just cracked us up - so funny!

The 27th was another chiller day. We don't get much done when we know the ferry is coming and we have already checked out. AFter Manta Ray it was Beachcomber for 2 nights. The renouned party island (all depending on number of guests). The resort is really nice and they even had up to date music, compared to Vengaboys and Bob Marley which we were used to from the other islands. Not that there's anything wrong with that - just nice with a little change. At Beachcomber we chilled, exchanged pictures and partied at night, as we were about to go each our way. Alicia had another week on the islands, while the rest of us were going back to Nadi.
The 29th we got back to Nadi amd went to town to look around. Damn, the busses and taxis are pieces of s***! Everything is shaking and making funny noises, and you think that anytime now the vehicle will fall apart on the middle of the road. But yet another experience. Once again I was booked at Horizon. They had double booked the bed I was in, so I was moved to the socalled family room for 2nights. First night I had the room for myself, which was nice. AT night I went to Smuggler's Cove with Katie and Rory to have dinner and enjoy our last night together. They were flying to NZ the next day.

Jan. 30th I did laundry and went to town again. This time with a German couple I had just run into. I love how you just meet people and then hang out. Besides it is not a great idea to walk in Nadi town by yourself if you're blue eyed and blonde. The islands are good but the city is a little creepy.
Conclusion on FIji: Super nice place, but for vacation only, not active backpacking. Would love to come back one day - when I have seen all the other places in this world I wanna see - and not for more than 7-10 days. Takes me too long to get back on Fiji time.

Got up early on the 31st so I could split a cab with a guy from Austria, who was also going to the airport. Finally back to Australia and back to 'Lily'! Forgot to take out my pocketknife of my backpack, so they confiscated it in the airport - dough! Landed in Sydney where it was considerable cooler than in Fiji, which was nice! Still hot but not killing as in Fiji. I chose to walk from the airport to the carparking company where Lily was. Took me about an hour as I walked the wrong way to begin with. How I found out? Well, when you're in the middle of the highway with oncoming traffic you know this is not a place for pedestrians! So backtracked a bit. Wanted to go to Melbourne to get the ferry to Tasmania and drive around the island for a few days, so I didn't waste any time in Sydney. Headed straight to Melbourne (well, after an hour and a half anyways - had to do the mandatory "Maria gets lost" driving around the city thing. Correction, not lost, temporarely misplaced!). Finally got on the right way. Drove about 450 miles that day.

Feb. 1st I drove the last part to Melbourne. Hadn't done any research about the ferry, so got on the computer in melbourne to check out prices before boarding. Turned out to be way too expensive, so I wasn't going anyways. So, just waisted 800miles of petrole! Brilliant! Was a bit upset with myself for being so stupid. Wanted to check out Melbourne, but with my navigation abilities and being irrate I just headed out of town and didn't go back. Headed back towards Sydney.

The 2nd I went thorugh a bunch of cities but didn't stop too often. They didn't seem that interesting. It was a very long day I was bored to tears. Eventhough it is nice to be just me, after having those Germans around last time I was here, it is still a bit boring when you have nothing scheduled and have about no money to go experience. Not to forget just waisting $300 on petrole for nothing. Went on to Canberra, the capital where I stayed the night at a lake not too far from the old House of Parliament. Didn't think I was allowed to sleep there, but slept all night without the police coming.

On the 3rd I drove arund the city to find a hostel as I hadn't showered for a few days and I needed it. Found the YHA hostel, but they wanted $30 for a night which seemed stupid to me to pay that much for a shower and some internet, which was all I wanted. So asked if I could just borrow a shower, which I could for no charge. And then I went to this internet cafe, where I did my emails, so all good. Parked all day at a p-lot, where I spent the night without any hassle. Spent the day in shopping centre, where I had my nails done. Nice to spoilyourself every now ad then - well, to me it was a bi bittersweet. Think it is the 2nd or 3rd pedicure I have had in my life, and my first manicure. I'm not a big fan of nails, and the tools hey use to make them look as they do, reminds me of the tools you us to clean out a horse's hoof and a visit to the dentist. Bu the massage was alright.

The 4th I wanted to go to Parliament, but I got frustrated over the lack of signs, so just drove off - headed for Sydney. Not much for going back there - just wanna the days to o by, so I ca get to Vegas. Besides, I can't eally have Lily anywhere without having to pay for parking. Went towads the coast, hoping for a sunny day or wo to spent on the beach. Drove through Cooma where I bught Lily some new windshield wipers, which turned out bto be a good buy as ithas poured down ever since. Spent the night in a little town called Nowra.

The 5th I drove t Wollongong, which seemed like an OK ow. Had a fe hour on the beach before rainand thundr took over once again.. Wet to the mall and then spent he rest of the at the beach, inside the car. Slet there as well. Went alight except from he screaming seagalls, that were fightig over food. And then in wasFriday ngt which apparenly meant that half of the city's youth cme along fo loud music and a party at s*** o'clock in the morning.
Today I've arrived in Sydney...darn...still terrible weather and I have now turned Liy in for storage at "Mascot" once again. Not uch to o tday nd toorow will be even more boring as it is Sunday. But oh well, soon I'll be in Vegas, so I'll live. Lost my cel today though. s***. Checked in at Wake UP! and then went out fpr lunch. It was gone hen I got back.Hope it gets found.

Till next time, take care