Bula!

So last week... I was in Fiji! (See full photos here!) This was for my step-father's birthday (hence the cake you will see).

While we were there for a week, it took us a few days to get to Plantation Island, due to how flights operate, and a full (as in busy, with delays) day to get back. The joy of international travel! While there, we ended up in large two room bures each, due to our original planned places being under renovation. Nice upgrade, but it did put us further away for those of us with trouble walking. We had meals incorporated into the full package we had, and spending money, although there was a lot of confusion over what came under spending money. (At the end of the trip, there was a small bill to pay, that we might have had covered anyway, but wanted things sorted the night before we went.)

Our two main problems are a) Fijian time. "We need transport" "We're on it!" ... some time later "Is transport coming?" "Just wait"... some time later... "okay, we seriously need transport" "sure, we'll sort that". Caused not zero consternation.

The other problem.. it was very wet. Okay, this was the rainy season, but... We were away when Cyclone Gabrielle hit, but it affected weather in a large area, including over in Fiji. At one point, near the end of our trip, we were under consideration of being evacuated! Fortunately not, but certainly plenty of flooding (went everywhere in jandals, feet got a good wash), and part of my bathroom ceiling fell in (no major damage).

It's a very hot place. (And wet.) And... completely swamped by Western Civilisation. English was the default everywhere. And while you pick up a word or two, Fijian culture is a sprinkle to add exoticness on a place that is overwise been converted hard to appeal to Westerners, to the detriment of their own way of life in many places. Not great.

I'm not planning on going back any time soon, but I can finally tick off another country visited that isn't New Zealand.

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