Was beautiful.
We decided to head to a small island in the Yasawas, called Nacula, off the NW coast off Fiji's main island. Unfortunately for DA, we had to get there by small seaplane (6 seater). Fortunately, the weather was fine, the sea was calm and the uneventful journey took only 30 minutes.The island was absolutely georgeous - deserted, white fine sandy beach, sparkling bright turquoise blue sea and huge palm tress overhanging the beach. [The next door island had been used for the filming of "The Blue Lagoon" (Brooke Shields - for all those who can remember) and also for the filming of Castaway (Tom Hanks).]
We stayed in our own private "bure" - a modern hut with en-suite, a hammock outside etc. - not quite typical Fijian, but who cares??
Spent time lounging on the beach reading books, lying in the hammock and snorkelling (CB getting really into it these days. DA can't see much without the contact lenses!!)
However, the weather got worse by the day. Ended up playing communal bingo, Fijian style, whilst the wind and rain lashed into the resort. This version of the game involved guessing the number the caller was holding!! ( It did pass a lot of time!)
Also:
- joined the local Fijians each evening drinking Cava (non-alcholic, but mouth numbing, powerful vegetable root based drink that looked and tasted like dish water!). The locals drink it continually for 4-5 hours every night and then try to walk home! Two cups was enough for us!
- returning to our 'bure' late one night with our torch in hand, we spotted, above the door, the largest spider ever! The size of a saucer and it had shell-like body and legs (CB awake for the rest of the night thinking about it crawling outside the bure. DA trying not to think about it at all!)
2. The People
The island resort we stayed in was communal i.e. everyone ate and drank together. so we got to meet loads of fellow travellers / backpackers. These included:
- Jane (from Finland) - snorkelling guru and CB's personal trainer
- Chris (from South Africa) - winner of the resort's "smashing the pumpkin whilst blindfolded" competition (DA came second)
- Peter (from Canada) - Catweazle re-incarnated (for all those old enough to remember)
- Liz and Emily (from England) - fellow boat tripers (see Part 3 below)
- Bernd (from Switzerland) - fellow cyclist
- Suzie (from Leeds) - On the run from Saudi Arabia after having absconded from her nursing contract!
- John (from Plymouth) - who cycled through Thailland & Malaysia - so loads of good tips!
3. The "Nightmare Boat Trip from Hell"
By the time we were due to leave Nacula, a storm had developed and the seaplane was cancelled. However, we were advised that a speedboat was being put on to take us back to the main island. "It will only take about 1 - 1.5 hours and will be fine"
The calm waters of the sheltered beach belied the effect of strong winds on the seas, so it was only after we had set off that we realised this may not be pleasant! 2.5 hours later we arrived on land after this nightmare journey. The winds were apparently 45 mph, the waves were as high as 4-6 feet and we crashed through these like the worst roller coaster ever - but for hours not minutes! We were constantly thrown from our seats and moving around was impossible. Caroline was really sick, started to hyperventilate and lost most of the feeling in her body and could not hold on. The girl beside her was in a worse condition. Her body went into cramp and she was screaming with pain. Many others were being sick over the side! When we finally got to shore, the other girl (Liz - see 2 above) had to go to hospital and was put on a saline drip for 4 hours. We went with her and the hospital was not one you'd want to spend too much time in!
Caroline made do with a few beers and a juicy piece of steak in our hotel!!