If the fact that the roads seem to be made of a series of potholes and patches isn’t enough to make the journey super-exciting, then the randomly placed speed bumps, narrow bridges, wandering livestock, lumbering sugar cane trucks with overhanging loads resulting in suicidal overtaking manoeuvres surely will. It’s an experience that makes you really appreciate the safe driving in New Zealand, relatively speaking that it as regular readers of this blog will know just how I feel about that! It seems that I have been far too hard on the standard of driving in New Zealand. Really Fiji, do you think that a blind bend is really the best place to overtake? Those solid lines down the middle of the road are there for a reason and are not an invitation to put your life, and those of your fellow travellers, at risk. Where are you going that necessitates gaining a few dozen metres by passing before the brow of a hill?
With the passing of each village, some more ramshackle than others but all with bursting with life; people working in the fields, classrooms full of children eager to learn, women washing clothes in the rivers and shops selling all manner of essential items, we edge closer to Nadi airport. It’s slow going as each kilometre is hard-won and I’m not entitelry convinced that I will get there with my internal organs in the same place they were when we left our resort ninety minutes ago. I’m sure it’ll be fine - everything seems to be functioning correctly so far!
We’ve enjoyed another relaxing five days in a coastal resort - the sort of relaxation that only a pacific island can deliver. With each passing day, time seems to slow just that little bit more as timetables and commitments are replaced by a resort routine. And what a routine it is; a swim in the warm ocean followed by a buffet breakfast, lazing by the pool whilst reading a book and allowing time for the food to settle before venturing to the beach for some snorkelling. Another rest and then early afternoon cocktails (complete with ‘stolen’ muffins from the buffet). Just time then for a sleep before more cocktails and then the evening meal. Smashing. That isn’t to say that there’s no variation. Don’t fancy snorkelling? Well how about kayaking, tennis, pétanque or just a plain old swim? All served under a gentle Fijian sun with a warmth that is neither too cool to make you wish you’d brought a jumper nor feels like it’s trying to rip the skin right off your body. A goldilocks temperature if you like.
The slow pace of life, easy access to food and alcohol has taken it’s toll as the button on my shorts will attest. But it’s been worth it - it’s been a tough few months and a few days in the sunshine and warmth have recharged the batteries.
But that’s literally behind us. In a few hours we’ll be heading back to New Zealand and landing in the mountain resort of Queenstown. It’s going to be an interesting contrast swapping bright Fijian sun for the darkness of a South Island winter. I might regret only wearing a t-shirt, shorts and sandals but I couldn’t quite bring myself to pull on a pair of jeans and closed-toe shoes just yet. My plan is to tough it out as we only have a short time outside in the cold between the airport buildings and the car rental office. I’ve promised myself not to yelp too loudly about the cold, besides I know exactly where my socks, shoes and padded jacket are should I need them - right next to me in my hand luggage!
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