FEE-JEE

    If you have ever seen the movie Blue Lagoon, then as a child you too may have also dreamed of finding the same place. And, it’s always been a joke that I would run away from home and live in a hut in Fiji. Well my dream came true in April when I decided to take a week journey to these fabulous islands.

    It all began by making the 4 hour journey from Sydney, flying on possibly the most comfortable and friendly airline, VirginBlue. Once we reached Fiji on a humid afternoon we were greeted by locals at the airport the size of your local corner store. They dressed us in shell necklaces after passing customs, and I was assured this would be a fabulous holiday. 

    Our plan was to stay at a hotel the first and last night while the other 4 nights would be spent hopping the Yasawa Islands. So I only booked at the Hilton for the first and last night, and we had to make moves on booking our other accommodation. After we settled in at the Hilton, we decided to head to the Denarau Port to book the ferry and out accommodation, it was almost 7pm at this point. We lucked out and booked four nights at two different budget accommodation resorts. One called The Blue Lagoon (i mean had to live the dream right?) and the other called manta ray which was somewhat in the middle.

     We embarked on a 5 hour ferry ride that next morning making our way up to the top of the Yasawas to travel them backwards. You stop along many resorts almost cursing yourself for not booking there but they seem to get better as you go. Some were on their own private islands others nestled on beaches between cliff sides. When we reached the last stop you are docked in the middle of crystal clear water with magical islands surrounding you on all sides. And then you have your ‘resort’ transportation ready to pick you up in a boat that looks over 20 years old. As they trade passengers for bananas, melons, and coconuts we went aboard the Blue Lagoon pick-up boat. As they read out our names it was funny when they read mine and the director chuckled as he knew we were the last minute bookers. As we floated towards the beachside of our resort we were greeted by staff singing a welcome song and they grabbed our bags and traded us for a welcome drink. I was loving it already.

   We settled into our garden side bungalow which was simple and charming. Then we went exploring. Over the next two days at this particular resort we made a trip to the only baker on the island which was a little shack with a stove in it that produced the most delicious coffee and cake. We hiked up the cliffside, watching the sunset, played volleyball on a sandbar which just names a few things. Auntie Lily to local Grandma, showed us how to make bracelets and napkin holders out of dried palm leaves. After finishing my bracelet it didn’t fit, oops. Some nights we did things like crab races, and nighttime games of volleyball. Dinner was spent every night together (meaning the entire resort along with owners)  in the sand floored  beachfront restaurant. And being a fairly new resort we opened a bottle of champagne one night to celebrate the opening of the restaurant bathrooms after the owner proceeded to knock down the door with his bare feet. Our last adventure was exploring the caves  which was my favorite. Taking a small little fishing boat about 30 minutes away from the resort early morning into this pristine, teal paradise. Even more of a paradise from where we stayed. Entering the caves was creepy, and it was still early so inside it was a bit cold.  The caves were also featured in Blue Lagoon. We were told to get into the ‘actual’ cave you would have to first swim under a large rock formation which was protruding  aprox 5 feet. Our Fijian guide that little fish swam under like it was a piece of cake and held a flashlight under for us to follow when it was our turn. I have a fear of suffocation and did this test my abilities. Once you do make it to the other side its pitch black, and there is nothing to hold onto , so you doggy paddle trying to keep a float. the guides then lead us to the end of the caves where light does come in from the outside and I am sorry to say I don't have pictures but the experience was amazing.

    Manta Ray Resort was where we would spend the next two days, and while the next two days were less-activity filled. Our itinerary was as follows: breakfast, snorkel, lunch, sun, snorkel, kayak, snorkel, dinner. Repeat. Having a bungalow footsteps from the most beautiful reef I have seen to date isn’t so bad. Manta Ray was more of your backpacker type of place but it still exceeded my expectations of Fiji and what that place has to offer.   Manta Ray is also known (duh) for their sightings of Manta Rays, which are these massive sting-ray type of species. When one is spotted they hit this type of palm tree drum and everyone starts screaming manta ray! manta ray! then here is the catch you have to take a boat for 15fjd to go and see the creatures who likes deep water, in sea lice infested areas. So at 7am one morning falling into the trap of seeing these creatures was worth it, but I wasn’t going to go again. They look like fat mermaids who try and dance with you while you swim next to them. And when they fold over their wings, your faced with their teeth, quite a scary scene and thoughts of steve irwin pop in your head...

     One more day left in Fiji we made it back by sunset on the ferry ride, and back for one more night at the Hilton. Our last day before our flight was spent lounging resort style, mojitos in hand, and reminiscing about how amazing it would have been to spend another week or lifetime exploring the real Fiji. I would go back in a heartbeat. BULA!