Bula Fiji

Ever since I first conceived my time in Australia, I conceived a visit to Fiji. I can’t even recall why, but no South Pacific experience would be complete without the holy trinity Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Is it the name? Fiji. Fidgee.There’s another thousand islands scattered all over the Pacific, but Fiji has a ring to it...
It also had a rare effect on my lips. I couldn’t stop smiling for the entire first day. It was warm, sunny, the people were nice and chilled out, and it had that smell of exotic fruits and colourful cocktails. It made me wish my parents were there. It was Africa all over, with a touch of the Caribbean and many memories of places like Brazil and Cuba. It’s the perfect mix.

Jon was the couchsurf host of hosts. Turns out he’s a hotel manager, and so we were treated to a hotel room and complementary tour of the main island! He also helped us book our days in the Mamanucas and Isawas islands. Fiji is composed of two main islands, where most locals live. It’s the agricultural centre of the country. However, the touristic epicentre is the island hopping, where carefully set resorts populate islands of idyllic beauty, with a sunset made for romance. The Blue Lagoon or Castaway are some movies set on these islands.
During my last night on the main island Viti Levu, at 2am I tried in vain to follow the tennis as Federer made history in the Roland Garros final, through slowest wireless connection ever. Needless to say I saw 1 second of moving image in every 10, but still found reason to celebrate!

The first island was Beachcomber, on the Mamanucas. It’s your typical very small atoll “party island”. I Did the limbo till I got a dislocated shoulder and met a very cool crew. 5 stars to Vinny Costello, the Fijian/Irish owner, who drowned me in Kavas (the non alcoholic local drink) and was a great company. 5 sacs of shite to the 100 bed dorm. I’m too old and grumpy for dorms and shared facilities. (Although it is an experience)

The second island was Oarsman’s bay, on the Isawas. It’s nothing short of heaven. A great Island full of surprises and the most chilled out place on earth. That’s the sort of place i wanna take my missus on a honey moon. 5 stars to the clear warm water and the view from my room. 5 sacs of shite to having moody Marcos there instead of my missus! :)

The last island was Manta Ray, on the Isawas. It’s a mix between party and nature. By this time I had no patience for socializing, but made the most of the kayak to explore empty beaches and the amazing reefs. 5 stars to the food, the moonlight (the best I’ve ever seen – watched the moon rise on the beach with The Dark Side of The Moon and Massive Attack for a company) and swimming naked on an empty beach. Apologies to the male fish in the region. 5 bags of shite to the shared facilities and cold shower.
In the end the Fijian people was my most enduring memory. Relaxed, happy and always smiling. They’re never late for anything: Even aussies can’t beat the “Fiji time”. Bula!!

The Mamanucas islands group

Beachcomber views

Vinny Costello in fire red

The Isawas islands group

Oarsman's Bay beach

Oarsman's Bay beach

Big Fish

The sunset

deserted island

Oarsmans Bay - The view from my room

Manta Ray - Marcos contemplates

Manta Ray - Ace and the wavebreakers

South Pacific sunset