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arrive coral coast from nadi, start fiji bus

Today we get the Fiji Experience Bus! wohooo!! Not too early a start, but the bus is very hot and the aircon doesnt really work! :( Our guide is called Luke (pronounced luka) and our driver is Arrvin (or kaka). Anyway into Nadi town for a look around the market and apparently to buy some cheap trainers for this trek that we have to do, because we are walking through rivers! Got to say it's not easy trying to find cheap size 13 trainers, so I'm having to squeeze into an 11 :(

Back on the bus and we are off to Natandola beach. Wow this really is what I call paradise! Long white sand beach with nobody but us and the other people from the bus, crystal clear, warm, blue water.  What more could you want, other than the locals with their horses and makeshift tack trying to constantly sell you a horse ride, it feels like vietnam all over again!!

After a quick lunch we are heading to a local village (mola-mola).  We all have to wear sarongs, including the men  whilst we are in the village, and no sunglasses or hats.  This is one of many villages that is not westernised in any way and live as a small close knit community.  As the bus pulls up all the village children come running out to greet us. We are given a guided tour of the village which is pretty much deserted during the day as the adults are out working on the land.  The majority of the buildings are traditionally built apart from their new big white church, which seems way too big for the amount of people in the village!

We leave the village and head towards our accomodation for the night. but on the way we get chance to try some sandboarding!  We pull up at the bottom of a very steep, and very high, black sand dune. Some small boadyboards are handed to us and we are told to make our way to the top of the dune.  Easier said than done! In this heat trying to scramble up such a steep dune is nearly impossible! Susie decided to opt out of this experience, but I was willing to give it a try! Led down at the top and a little push, I'm away! It's pretty fast but the transition from dune to land is harsh and you kinda nose dive into the ground! Ouch! One more go and this time I've done it stood up!

Back on the bus once again and we arrive at Crows Nest, our stop for the night. A great night of traditional dance and music by some of the locals and then it's time for yet another pool competition! After my dismal performance in australia, I decided it was time to try and make ammends. What i didnt realise was it was doubles and the girl who was picked as my partner had never played before :( Oh well lets just give it a go! Seems like our guide Luke and the resort manager like to hustle the backpackers, but some how everything is going our way and we beat everybody! Wohoo free beer while we sit and watch the NZ vs OZ rugby.

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