We are back safe and well! Two whole weeks on the Yasawa Islands, natural beauty, cold showers and very, very interesting food...

We took a boat trip upto the Northern Islands (around 5 hours away) and stayed at the Choral View resort for two nights. The beaches and sea are spectacular and we did lots of snorkling. Lots of lively traditional Fijian entertainment including a BULA Dance that we knew back to front by the fourth island. Our second destination was the Sunrise Lagoon resort, right next to the Blue Lagoon which was amazing. We were staying very close to where Robinson Crusoe was filmed apparently, and the beaches were unlike anything I have ever seen. Our dorm was right on the edge of the sea and you could almost feel the waves crashing against the rocks underneath. I have never seen so many stars at night! We were entertained by two guys called Queen and Britney Spears who did the same dance to about twelve songs. JULES-You would have loved every minute and would probably have bared one breast before joining in! LUCE-You dance a bit like the Fijian girls, who instructed us on numerous occasions to 'shake shake shake'!

Long beach was next. All in the name really. We visited a village and went to the primary school where most children on the island attended. It was fascinating but so so basic! We chatted with one of the teachers for a while and took pictres of the classrooms. The children were so friendly and were fighting their way to the front of every photo. We also played Volleyball. I am amazing. I am considering taking up Volleyball professionally. We met two really nice girls from London called Jenny and Kate. It turns out that they are doing much of the same route as us only one day earlier. We all went to White Sandy beach on the Matacawaleveu Island next. Everything about it was great. We drank quite a lot and enjoyed the lovely food. We also met Dennis and John from Amsterdam. They were also great fun.

Next was the worst Island, Sunset Waya. If you ever visit Fiji I urge you not to go there. The food was horrific. They didn't understand the point of vegetarianism and basically could not cook to save their lives. The chef (Kimmy) needs to have a serious word with herself. We found many hairs in the food and Carol was presented with a dead fly resting upon one of her salad leaves. Everything was stone cold and the chicken came from a tin. Mmm.

Carol and I went on a mountain walk which was the most challenging yet. We had to crawl some of it on our hands and knees and both decked it a few times. I had to slide down a steep part at the top, but I lost control and skidded right into the tour guide, who also decked it right onto me. It was all very rewarding at the top and the guide (Abu) climbed a tree and fetched all three of us a coconut to drink.

Kuata next. We went swimming with sharks. One of the most amazing things I have ever done. I was quite nervous to say the least, but the sharks were friendly, the choral was beautiful and the sea was very deep. Final night-Beachcomber (party) Island. Very British/American. Luxury compared to the other islands but full of Deansgate Dog types. One night was plenty. Cracking food and hot water!

Back on the mainland now. I have just had my first hot shower and done my washing for the first time in two weeks. What a relief. We fly to New Zealand tomorrow.

Hope you are all well! Keep the messages coming, I want all your news. Loads of love! x