So after the slightly depressing air of my previous blog, I feel some joviality sound be dispensed into my future attempts at enlightening the world, or rather my parents (and anyone else crazy enough to waste their time reading my ramblings!), of my latest escapades. The place to start is ‘BULA!’ After all, it is the Fijian word for hello and when in Rome and all that…..
Fiji isn’t what I initially expected. I realise I am geographically challenged (as many people constantly remind me!) but I hastened to add that what I am about to say was echoed by my father! I was under the belief that Fiji was one island, not a collection of them. Imagine my confusion when, in my emotional state due to ‘Traumatic Tuesday’ (as leaving New Zealand day shall from hereon be known), Amy asked me which Island I wanted to go to.
‘I thought we were going to Fiji?’ I replied
‘We’re in Fiji,’ She says, looking at me confused.
‘Then why aren’t we staying? I’ve only just got here!’ I blubbed.
Needless to say, the misunderstanding (or rather my geographical thickness) was put to rights and explained. Yet, it was only when I headed out on the boat that I realised just how many islands there are. It really is surreal. Combine their ‘island’ status with the blue skies, turquoise seas and beaches and you’ve envisioned paradise and consequently Fiji. However, as we discovered not every island can be paradise.
Wednesday morning, Izzy, Amy and I hopped aboard a ship from Nadi to Bounty Island, our island of choice (thanks to a persuasive agent) for the next 6 nights. Being the location of ‘Celebrity Love Island’ (a show that plagued the UK for two full seasons when all contestants should have been shot after one episode), we expected paradise. White beaches. Turquoise sea. Somewhat decent food and accommodation. Did we get that? No. Instead, we were met with a beach decorated by exploding bin bags; a wooden shack as a dining room; a sketchy looking pool complete with ‘Out of Use’ sign; and food that would make even the strongest stomach crawl. Shockingly, we moved on.
Walu Beach was our destination and what a difference a day makes. From the second we stepped onto the island we felt more relaxed. After our confrontation with the staff at Bounty, the receptionist here immediately restored our faith in humanity by upgrading us to a Bure (a private room instead of a Dorm) for no extra cost. The reason? Because Amy made an impression the last time she was here. Without sounding too much like a Colgate advert, you just can’t beat that Canadian smile!
So Walu is where we are and Walu is where we are staying. The weather is, as is typical with Amy and I, hit and miss. We have managed to catch a few rays though which, becoming a pasty whilst serving coffees to businessmen, is music to my (quickly tanning!) ears.
Our girlie holiday is going down a storm (hopefully not a literal one) and I am thoroughly enjoying righting the wrongs of the world with my sister (Amy for those of you who can’t keep up) and Izzy. I can’t say we have been the most sociable of butterflies, but when you’ve got your girls – who cares?
Fiji is a beautiful place, but extremely expensive for what you get. I imagine that had you enough money to stay on a more upmarket island and the right person to share the dazzling sunsets with, Fiji could compete to be one of the most romantic places on earth.
