FIJI - Nadi and Robinson Crusoe Island

Welcoming party
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It hit me hard when I got into Nadi. The shock was overwhelming having come from NZ and Oz where i'd been cossetted with all the trappings of a first world country. It was like being plunged back into South Africa , with all the noise , smells and a palpable sense of danger. (I'm sure it was pretty safe actually , it was just the culture shock!)

The dorm was hot , and with no fan the windows were wide open.Unfortunately theres a nightclub opposite and the crowd that spilled onto the street were noisily celebrating a rugby victory till the early hours.

Fantastic fire show
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At the hostel i was immediately given the hard sell for stays at resorts. This is where i regretted not having a guidebook and planning ahead.It's always possible to travel independently , but with limited time and lack of knowledge i booked two backpacker resorts at what seemed  a reasonable price.

In the morning I took a wander and was accosted by a tout with the usual banter. I allowed myself to be  led to a shop to take part in a cava ceremony. Cava is a local drink made from ground roots that has a mild narcotic effect when taken in enough quantities. it was all very pleasant with them teaching us tourists phrases and being amiable.  After the ceremony which involves much clapping and shouts of ' Bula! ' , i was asked if i would like to buy a souvenir ( no ) and then a donation for the ceremony ( again , no thanks) . After that i thought it prudent to leave at the atmosphere became very frosty!

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Then it was off to a little island with a great name . The welcoming party of singers on the beach set the tone for the next 3 days.The staff were very friendly and I had a nice chilled out time with lots of other travelers. There was plenty of free entertainment like fire dancing which was superb.I passed up on some of the sillier party games tho' , but there was no pressure to take part .

Snorkeling was a little disappointing as the coral was dead and there were less fish than i'd hoped for but i did see my first lionfish outside of an aquarium. These are spiny and poisonous but look amazing.

Dinner on the beach
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Time flew and before long it was time to head back to the mainland to the next resort.