Well it’s the 9th Jan and I am safe and sound in Fiji, however my family and friends probably don’t know that, which I am truly sorry about, however when you are on a small Island in the middle of nowhere I suppose you cannot expect them to have a phone signal or Internet access?!?

Enough explaining my communication problems, I am very happy and well, what a gorgeous place this is. The people are so friendly and you have an instant go slow feel about everything! Which is probably a good thing after NYC?!?

So, I arrived at Nadi International airport in Fiji at around 5am on the 8th Jan after leaving LA at around 11.00pm on the 6th Jan. It was about a 10 hour flight (you do the math)! I seemed to flow through the airport with a great amount of ease. ‘Bula’ ‘Bula’, was the welcome from the natives! Swiftly through security to the baggage collection and there it was my bag mozying on round the belt. . . . How cool was that? 2nd in the (I assume to be) big queue, I put my bags through the scanner and that was that. . . . Welcome to Fiji Bobby-Joe!

Saw a cool lady who sorted my travel arrangements because if I am being honest I hadn’t really got a clue where I was going or what I was doing. I then chilled for an hour or so in the airport, before jumping on a bus for another hour or so, before jumping on a catamaran boat to take me to one of the furthest islands away from Nadi in the ‘Yasawa’ group of Islands.

http://www.fiji-island.com/pictures/yasawas/index.html

So after about 5 hours on the boat my first stop was Tavewa and Coral View Resort. On the way we went through 3 rainstorms, which was a blessing and I saw some of the most beautiful scenery. This also gave me a chance to see the potential islands for my other 7 nights stay! Some of the islands were so small, I couldn’t believe you could stay on there, was great to see!

So what’s new. . . ? I am totally sun burnt and very disappointed in myself, as I didn’t buy any sun cream and got caught out on the boat. So very red and sore! They also don’t sell any at this resort?!?!? Hmmmmm?!? So been borrowing some of many of the really friendly people I have met!

Coral View then. . . .

http://www.hostelz.com/hostel/3671-Coral-View-Island-Resort

Great little place, really friendly and happy staff, that have made everyone feel very welcome! Everything is very very basic, but I am more than happy with that!

This was the first night for me to stay in a shared dorm. . . ! hmmmm. . . . Wasn’t really sure what to expect. . . At first, I thought it was me and 9 girls. . . . ! But then a few more guys turned up. . . Let’s just say the girls weren’t that attractive anyway!

Not really sure where the day and evening went! Did a little swimming, but not so good on the island, due to the coral (Hence – Coral View) and I cut myself on the reef. . . I felt really chilled though, lay in a hammock reading and listening to music and just chatting to loads of people sharing stories. . .

There are probably about 30 or so guest here, some couples, some groups of friends and single Looney’s like me, so a good mix! There are Brazilians, Germans, Swiss, Canadians, Americans, etc and oh yeah of course a few from the UK, including a guy from Leeds! No, it’s not Boney!

The foods been good (Mum – No need for the digestive biscuits yet?!) and the beers aren’t too expensive, however the bar did shut at 10.30pm? Still, gave me a chance to try out my lower bunk bed and to get up early. Slept ok at got up about 6.15am (What do ya reckon to that Dave? We was comin home at that time in NYC?). . . . .

It is so peaceful here, and I am very relaxed. . . I check out today and leave around 1.30pm and head a short distance over the water to Nacula Island and Oarsman’s Bay Lodge.

http://www.fijibudget.com/oarsmans-bay-lodge.htm

It has been recommended as having one of the nicest beaches and good for swimming, so gonna have a night there. Also the coolio guys I have met are going, so should be fun! There is a nice couple that have done a fair bit of traveling (Claire & Nick), they are nice and friendly from Berkshire, I bought them a few beers last night, so I am in their good books!

Right, gonna go! Not done any trips off this island as I am trying to keep out of the sun for a bit, but will hopefully report on some good stuff soon. . . Enjoy the photos. . . It’s gorgeous here! Marvelous!