Bula!
We arrived very uninformed to Fiji 12 days ago and soon discovered that the Islands were suffering from the effects of 2 cyclones in the area. We could not get to the port from which we were to head to the Yasawa Islands as the town of Nadi was suffering from the worst flooding they have seen in many years.
We were therefore stranded for 3 days in the torrential rain at a guesthouse near the airport. Very depressing, cheap and nasty place, often without power and running water. The only redeeming feature was the wonderful landlady Amelia. She was so friendly and a great cook. Luckily the people we were stranded with were great too, but by day 4 we were pulling our hair out.
Thankfully 24 hours of sunshine (which I didn’t see, having been confined to the room with the first attack of jelly belly of the trip) had reduced the flooding enough to get to the port, and the boat to the Yasawas was running again. So after a last minute dash, we arrived 30 mins late but luckily the boat was runnng on Fiji time and left 45 mins late! We made our way to a resort called Safe Landing on Nacula. The location was stunning. On a peninsula overlooking 2 bays, and our bure was right on the beach. Again we had great company from the Netherlands, Norway, Italy and Sweden. The problem was that cyclone number 3 was on its way – so again we were stranded for a further 4 days in torrential rain. We have however learnded lots of new card games from our companions as this was pretty much all the entertainment we had. Power was on for only a couple of hours each evening.
As soon as the sun came out again and the boat was running we escaped to Waya Lai Lai and discovered Fiji as it should be! A beautiful beach, super friendly staff, amazing food, great sunsets, and lots of activities. We snorkelled off the beach and we think we saw a small reef shark! We walked to the island summit at sunrise for the awesome view down to the village below and of the other yasawas around us. We have already met so many cool people on long travels and are getting lots of advice and lists of places we must visit.
We had 4 great days at Waya Lai Lai and I really did not want to leave. Of course being British and having spent the last month and a half in either snow or rain, at the first sight of sun we both got burned. And before you say anything Mums, we were smothered in factor 30 and 50! But its not enough and you really have to stay in the shade for most of the day.
Matt somehow managed to drag me away from Waya Lai Lai and back on the boat to Nadi ready for our flight tomorrow. We are staying in a bit of luxury (read air con and hot water!) at a small hotel called Smugglers Cove. We are really excited about New zealand and collecting our WICKED campervan (the whole fleet are spray painted with graffiti type designs) although Matt is panicking because we spoke to a couple who had a WICKED van in Oz that was painted with naughty naked ladies!
We will post a pic of the van we get in the next couple of days – keep your fingers crossed for us!!
10 comments
Hello at last, you have been missed. What a shame about Fiji. I must say that we were more than concerned when we had not heard from you for a while until you txtd Fee and mentioned flooding. That prompted me to go online and WOW!! Then I was really worried. You know what I am like, brain on overload!! Glad that you both at least had a couple of days of sun and fun and met some good people. It is such a shame for Fiji, no doubt a disaster for their economy. Hopefully you will have a much livlier time in NZ. Re the Wicked Camper Matt – I did suggest that you might like to order one of the “Tame” campers. Getting your first nights rental free if you turn up NAKED to pick up the van should tell you something!! Lets hope you dont get the one I saw, named something like – large cockrell!! Enjoy xx
Hi Guys, was worried too when not heard from you guys. Thought you might too good of a time, ran off and forgotten about us.!!! Shame about Fiji and and you guys being stranded there.
Matt, it must be the lack of entertainment whilst your stranded. Your IT skills have been lacking again…. the Fiji page on your Photos section seems to be blank.
Look forward to seeing them soon.
Alex
The internet here must be powered by hamsters, its that slow.
Everything here is on Fiji time!!
Pics now fixed.
Hope you like them.
Pics are stunning mate…… very jealous now!!!
Keep up the good work with the pics mate.
bah.. have to start some work now.
Having spent time in the Philippines when it rains, I can imagine Fiji! At least it’s warm rain LOL. Are you going to turn up naked for a free nights rental of the van?
I think turning up naked for a free night is a good deal! Pictures are awesome, very jealous to see you and Rachel sipping on cocktails. I love the pic of Matt in the hammock, beach bum! On less exciting news, Matt I sold things on eBay and made £70! Not bad for a newbie. Hope you enjoy NZ, I think the jealousy may really start to kick in now as I am desperate to go there. x
Glad you managed a few nice days in Fiji following the floods. The Fijians at work reassured me ,when l became concerned about you folk that ‘It happens from time to time,nothing to worry about! It was lovely to hear your voice again just the same!! Well you now have to wrench yourselves away from those Polynesian fire dancers and grass skirts.Keep on trekking,miss you,take care. xxx.
Hi,
Anyone else think that the photo of Matt on Page 2 of Bula holding a stubby resembles Joe Absolum?
All sounds good!
Wicked campers are great! We had a Cocaine one – Gods way of saying you have too much money!!!!
So jealous of you being in NZ!
Best times seeing these pics – I would go back and dive in a different diving site now i got my padi! It arrived 2 weeks ago 🙂 I would also pluck up the courage and swim with the sharks. Oh by the way glad you didnt get naked ladies on your NZ campervan! Wicked batmobile or what!
Glad you both are having such a fun time!! advice do not get burnt in Oz – very easily done!
Till next time…ciao x
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