SUVA

​

Fiji is a relaxed place, the reason we are here is for our tropical island getaway.  Set up a base Suva, this provides a great place to enjoy the beach, get some supplies and meet the locals.  We need to understand the Bula spirit! Bula means hello, and to good health and all positive vibes.  So, with that in mind it's time to get our traditional dance on, repeat after me! Shoulder, shoulder, hip, hip, bula, bula. It's easy to remember.  After a breathless dance with everyone, it's time for a light refreshment. Cava is the traditional drink here, it supposedly can make you hallucinate. After extensive research on this theory I can dispel that rumour, your tongue goes numb and it taste like the root of a plant, unbelievably.  It's effects are sort of similar to alcohol, although again, through extensive drinking, the effects are more subtle.  Don't look at me like that, it's research.

​

​

ISLAND HOPPING

​

Pick an island, any island. As long as there's no 5 star hotel on it.  You have the option of choosing your route around the islands of Fiji. Do you want to go cheap and cheerful, and experience the dorms and log cabins of Fiji? Or experience the 5 star luxury that is on offer here? All you need is an island hopping ticket and the schedule for the boat times.  Please remember that ATM's on tropical islands do not exist, mad I know, but take out money on the mainland as well as a credit card.  Do that, or provide other services for your purchases.  My go to was a complimentary Bula dance, this filled the locals with awe and wonder.  I think the term they used was Mr. Rhythm, Fijians are a sarcastic bunch.

​

​

YASAWA

 

One of the larger islands, in which you could spend the day fishing with the locals.  Poles are not necessary, all you need is the fishing line over your finger, and the reflexes whenever you feel a bite on the line.  Ohh, this is a big one! Ohh, it's coral, I do apologise.   Staying in the local village is one of my most treasured memories of Yasawa, there are many fantastic characters.  I recall waking up and having a shave with Debra, we would have chats about how this island hadn't moved with the times and she needed to move to one nearer the mainland to be accepted for her change.  

​

 

NAVITI

​

Along with most of the islands outside the mainland, you can look out and see pure ocean, don't be fooled into thinking you can see the curvature of the earth like we did.  It's simply an optical illusion, stupid eyeballs.  Fiji is has so many islands, with all of them having the same plus points. Tropical, check, beach, check, coconuts, check

​

 

KUATA

​

Have you ever wanted to pet a shark, they are adorable I know, well here you can go for a quick snorkel and snuggle with these Cheeky Chompy McChompersons.  You'll laugh at how they feel like sand paper, and they will remember the time you petted them when they were youngsters.... And hunt you down for the rest of your lives.  It's the beginning of a magical relationship.

​

​

BEACHCOMBER

 

Some islands are so small you can walk around them in 10 mins, Beachcomber has a 100 bed dorm room and a bar.  That's it. Incredible design.  Sunsets are great on this island, just don't do what I did. On the first night I had discovered that you could run up a large bar tab, and as I was in a tropical Island, relieved myself at the waves edge.  Little did I know that there were many people taking pictures of the sunset. I may have ruined their magical experience. Meh...

​

​

MONURIKI ISLAND

​

Wilson? Wilson! Wilsoooooon. Time to get our Castaway on, and bring out the method actor hiding in yourself.  You will say to yourself that you could totally be a castaway whilst enjoying the beers and buffet served on board the boat.  You survivor you... Monuriki island is the place it was filmed. NOT castaway island.  The best thing the captain of our ship ever did was stop the boat and tell you to jump off and swim to the island.  After eating too many biscuits, I got a stitch halfway through the swim and just made it to the beach.  I was instantly in character.

 

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

​