Bula! It's Fiji Time ...

How do you imagine paradise on earth? Our previous idea became true here in Fiji. Turquoise water, picturesque beaches, delicious food, friendly people, and swinging in hammocks.

Our flight from Sydney to Nadi was great. It was the first time that Simon's legs fit behind the seat, even in regular seats. And then there was the colorful sunset - we could hardly wait to land. When the time came, we were very happy about the pleasantly warm weather, finally summer again. We spent the first night in Nadi. Classic with the first Fiji water and a hostel right at the beach. The next morning we went to the port in Denarau and took the ferry to the Yasawas. A group of islands northwest of the main island Viti Levu. Our island hopping included 6 nights, 4 different islands, all transfers, excursions, and meals. Even the ferry ride was a dream. Small islands that resembled sandbanks, rocks made of volcanic stone, clear water, and small bungalows lining the almost deserted beaches.

You are always greeted with a warm 'Bula' or the 'Bula Song'. The dear islanders, who are also the hotel operators, stand on the beach and sing for you when you arrive by boat. With a guitar, flowers in their hair, and a coconut opened as a welcome drink. You immediately feel very welcome. Our week in the Yasawas was a real vacation from the vacation. We have been driving, walking, and traveling so much in the past months and weeks that we really enjoyed being lazy in the sun here. However, it didn't take long until we got restless again...

Various excursions were also on the program: cave tour, snorkeling at Blue Lagoon, swimming with manta rays, and diving with sharks. All excursions were absolutely awesome! During the cave trip, we climbed down a steep ladder and bathed in a cave that was partly open to the top. But there was another cave that you had to dive into through a narrow passage. I have to admit it was a bit eerie because it was pitch black except for the flashlight of the guide. Who wants to dive into unknown, dark water?! Glad to have made it across safely, we all shouted a loud 'Bula' and the echo in the small, dark cave was amazing. We snorkeled to our heart's content here. Colorful fish and corals as well as manta rays and sharks. The underwater world is absolutely fantastic here! Whether from the beaches of the different resorts or the excursions to certain spots, there is so much to see. We had already snorkeled with manta rays on the west coast of Australia, but we wanted to experience such a gigantic animal up close again here. We weren't as close last time. It's hard to keep up with their speed, but it's incredible how majestically a manta ray glides through the water. It even did some loops and we had plenty of time to admire it. If we had stretched out our arms, we could have touched it, but that's forbidden, rightly so!

Snorkeling with the reef sharks was also a great experience. I have to admit, I felt a bit insecure at first, but they are very peaceful and our guide even petted them. The absolute highlight came at the end - diving with bull sharks. It's a bit crazy to voluntarily dive with sharks, isn't it?! At a depth of 12m, there was a reef that provided us with some cover. In front of it, there was a small reef where we could kneel. And then we saw these huge sharks. Either we completely forgot to breathe or we breathed at a pace that made us think: The air in the tank will run out soon! We watched the approx. 15 sharks for over 45 minutes while a guide fed them repeatedly. But thanks to the professionals, we felt very well taken care of. They always sat next to us, equipped with an aluminum rod. This kept the 3 - 4m giants at a distance. Sharks don't have particularly good eyes and they go by smell. So they didn't always catch the fish scraps. When a piece fell right in front of me onto the reef, I felt very small. Less than a meter away, the sharks tried to grab it. Pure adrenaline! This is definitely an experience that we won't forget quickly.

When we weren't exploring the sea, we really enjoyed our days on the islands. Our first coconut straight from the palm tree, opened by ourselves, and of course eaten right away. Short walks to deserted beaches, playing cards with the other guests, and entertaining evenings. From typical Fijian dances to communal games and traditional kava ceremonies. The popular drink called kava is mixed with water and dried kava roots. The mixture is drunk from half coconut shells. Apparently, too much of it puts you in a similar state of intoxication as alcohol. After two sips, we had enough, especially since it doesn't taste good and makes your tongue numb.

The food in all of our resorts was delicious. Lots of coconut and homemade goodies. Simon went on a successful fishing trip while I learned a few words and phrases in Fijian. Our little huts, always right on the beach, were simple but completely sufficient.

If you ask the locals here about the time: 'What time is it?' You always get the same answer: 'It's Fiji time!' Nothing is taken so punctually or precisely. Relaxation and enjoyment are highly valued. We quickly let ourselves be infected by that, rarely were we aware of what day or what time it was. A drum always sounded at meal times, so everything was clear - even without the time.

Back in Nadi, we said goodbye to newly made friendships and were excited about what the 'Garden Island' Taveuni has in store for us. We will spend another five days here before the end of our big adventure slowly approaches.