Home Alone

Bula Bula Boatbloggers®

Lyn left Fiji for England on July 4th – Independence Day! Though whether it was Ju or Lyn who were getting independent is a moot point. Fortunately, there were lots of friends that we have met along the way who were staying in the marina, so though Ju was a long way from home, he was not alone.

Here he is with Julie from Lola, and Petra, Richard & Laura from Celtic Star. I’m not sure Ju would have got away with that shirt if Lyn had been here.

Then Andrew & Joe turned up from Accomplice, so to celebrate we went to the best curry house in town.

(What is it with these shirts? – Ed)

One day a group of us decided to go to Natadola beach, so we rented a car, tapped it into Google maps and off we went. Unfortunately Google Maps doesn’t take you to Natadola Beach. It takes you to a tiny out of the way village so far off the beaten track that you could never find it again. And the little village not wanting to miss a trick has started to make a nice little business from all the lost tourists who end up there by mistake. (No doubt Google are on some sort of commission. Or will be as soon as they read this.)

So for a few dollars, Jimbo from the village,

…will take you to all the places that Google doesn’t reach.

There was horse riding,

…with a massage to follow for those of us who weren’t used to being on a horse. Then the caves, where they used to hide from the enemy during the Fijian Wars.

Nice view.

But we all made it through.

We went fishing.

And a slap up meal with freshly caught lobsters in the village to finish.

If Google had been any better we’d have missed all that.

Another exciting day out was at the rugby International. Fiji vs Australia. Rugby is a really big deal in Fiji, and it starts of with the Fijian version of the Haka which is called the Cibi,

… a war ritual designed to terrify the enemy into an early surrender. A great start to the game that must have put fear into the hearts of the Australians. It was a shame Fiji lost after all that.

At this time of year, the Sugar Trains all come out, transporting the sugar cane from one place to another.

“Be careful with all that sugar cane,” grumbled Thomas, “Looks like it’s going to fall off.”

“Oh, no,” said the Fat Controller. “That will never do.”

Another fun day out was at the dunes, which are massive.

…and knackering to climb. One step forward and half a slide back.

Swimming isn’t recommended.

Another example of health and safety gone reasonable.

And grazing in the forest is forbidden.

Though no one seems to have told the cows.

That’s it for now Boatblog® Fans. Vinaka for reading, and it won’t be long before Lyn’s back.

And (sneak preview) a very special guest. 

So things are going to get pretty wild.

Moce for now.

Ju