Flying Solo in the Philippines

There wasn't a single moment during our trip around the world when I wished I'd been travelling alone. The idea terrified me and yet it's that very feeling which enticed me to try. If there's one thing which travel has taught me, it's that life begins outside of your comfort zone and so rather than flying home with the girls, I waved them goodbye and prepared myself for a short solo stint in the Philippines. 

I have to admit, however, that my enthusiasm had wained from the point of booking this trip to the point of actually boarding the plane to Borocay. Having just spent the most amazing ten days with some of my best friends, I had to question the likelihood of this second phase living up to it.  

Energy levels dropped further after a close to twenty four hour journey and by the time I set foot onto the island, I was exhausted. There were dozens of potential people to meet at the hostel bar but I couldn't even contemplate making conversation. 

Escaping the backpacker madness I instead wandered down to the beach to watch the sunset. It was here everything changed. As the sky began to turn pink, I thought about my friend Hatti and quickly remembered two things. Firstly, I'm never truly alone and secondly, make the most of every moment. What would Hatti do if she were here on a paradise island in the Philippines with four full days ahead of her? I as good as heard her voice in my head as the sun disappeared behind the horizon: 'Suck it up Chiara, go and socialise.'

And from that moment on I was never alone. Admittedly I was surrounded by strangers at first but it's surprising how quickly they turn to acquaintances, and later to friends. Back at the room, a girl named Vicky had moved into the bed next to me and we soon found we had a lot in common; she's from Surrey, studied English Lit, loves to write and obviously loves to travel. There were at least four reasons right there why we should go and get dinner together. 

On our way down, we got talking to a group of Irish medics and they joined us too. Whilst Vicky and I had just arrived, the Irish clan had been there four nights already and so promised to take us to the best bars later on. I still wasn't feeling up for a massive night but nevertheless had a couple of rum and cokes out on the balcony with our now significantly larger group. I don't remember consciously making the decision to go to the beach but it turns out a couple is all it took (I later learnt the rum out here is 80%!) 

With the sand between our toes we danced for hours at various bars along the beach. When it started to monsoon, we took cover in a club and Grace and I somehow ended up in a VIP room at a table with a load of Malaysians. It was hardly the West End but it was pretty cool. Once the rum started to taste like sambuca, I took myself home. 

The intense heat and sunshine glaring into our dorm room burnt out any signs of a hangover. Vicky and I were both up and at the beach by eight o'clock, working up a tan. Given the time and the unreal scene in front of me, it would've been reasonable to assume that I was still dreaming. It was the first time I'd seen it in full daylight and I just couldn't believe how perfect it was. Through the shadows of the palms trees which line the coast, the shallow water glows fluorescent turquoise, blending to a royal blue as the seabed suddenly drops and the beach itself (aptly named White Beach) boasts the finest white sand I've seen outside of the Caribbean.

The pristine condition is quite remarkable considering the vast number of people who come here to enjoy them. Borocay is undeniably very touristy and plays far too well to Western culture. You can quite literally stare out into the horizon and feel fully immersed in a paradise island, but turn back around inland and find you're on the doorstep of a Starbucks. I was both shocked and disappointed come lunchtime when I struggled to find a single authentic Philippino dish on the menu of any restaurant in close vicinity to White Beach. 

Luckily, a few people had recommended Puka Shell Beach as being far quieter and more authentic. Therefore, in the afternoon I hopped on a trike (a glorified tuk tuk) to see it for myself. Vicky had booked a massage but I met the Irish clan there and we stayed until sunset, watching the sky transform this time from the comfort of the warm shallow waters. 

When I arrived back, we had another new addition; a girl called Sharon who's been living in Singapore and is soon to move to New Zealand - definitely my kind of girl. We instantly got on and she joined Vicky and I for dinner at a back street restaurant where I had my first proper taste of Philippino food. It's not a touch on Thai or Malaysian, but it was still delicious and half the price of the burgers and pizzas they're serving up at the beach. 

The Irish were on it again but the three of us, slightly older and less accustomed to drinking until we drop, called it a day. Not that we got much rest. The room was so hot and without the aid of air conditioning or 80% rum, it was impossible to sleep. I counted mosquitos for most of the night and was up and out again by sunrise. 

After another full day of sunning ourselves and sipping coconut water on Puka beach, we needed a change of scenery. We’d heard whispers at the hostel of a bar on the peninsular which is a great place to watch the sunset. 

Spider House lived up to the hype. Built on wooden stilts, this bar hovers above the water and gives the perfect view of the endless horizon. It was whilst we were on our third or fourth round of cocktails that we realised we were surrounded by familiar faces. Everyone at the bar was a fellow guest at our hostel and so we soon joined forces and spent the evening together, which culminated with a game of ‘How many Frendz kids can we fit on a trike?’ (Answer: Seven.)

Though I’d had the most amazing time at the hostel, I was yearning for a quiet night in a nice hotel before facing the long journey home. With the luxury of living on a non-backpacker budget, I waved goodbye to the girls and checked myself into a fancy place up on the hill. As my bag disappeared from my shoulders to a porter’s and I was welcomed in with a fresh drink and flower garland, I was rather pleased with my decision. The hardest choice I now had to make was between the big double bed in my air-con room, or the cushioned deckchairs by the beautiful infinity pool. Bliss. 

My final day disappeared with the sun but it did not slip away discreetly. From the poolside I watched in complete awe as the entire sky came alive, alight with oranges and pinks so fiercely bright that I can make no comparison. That image will stay with me forever. 

Not one to be outdone, I attempted an exit as spectacular as the sunset. Overnight my skin took on a fluorescent tone and when I woke I was quite literally glowing. Heat stroke struck me hard and back in the UK I added dengue fever to it too. It wasn’t the best of souvenirs to take away from my beloved Asia but I’m thankful to have a wealth of memories to add to it too. 

Travelling alone was certainly an experience and one which I'd comfortably repeat again if thrown into the situation. However, given the choice, I'd still prefer to holiday with my friends. Whilst I met some truly awesome people who I'd perhaps not have spent time with otherwise, they're now all back on different sides of the world out of reach to reminisce with. One of the best parts of travelling for me is reliving the memories afterwards but moments such as falling off the balcony and launching an island wide search party for Vicky's shoes were all 'had to be there' scenarios and nobody around me was. For this trip, I'll just have to laugh along to myself and accept the insane looks but for my next trip, I'm dragging Hana back along with me. 

Gili T Round Two

I couldn't hide the smile from my face as we climbed off the boat and waded through the water to the shores of Gili T. Throughout our trip around the world, this tiny island was one of my favourite stops. It was where we'd first found paradise and fallen in love with the Asian way of life. 

A lot has changed in the eighteen months since I was here last. Firstly, I now have a job and so whereas previously we'd stayed in the cheapest huts we could find, we now upgraded ourselves significantly to a beautiful resort on the other side of the island. Though undeniably one of the most expensive around, it still cost us no more than we'd pay for a Travelodge back home.

But there were other changes too that I'd noticed on our way down. The island was far busier with twice the amount of tourists and triple the number of bars, cafes and hostels to accommodate them. And with construction work taking place in every corner, it showed no signs of slowing down.

That said, it remains an incredibly idyllic island. The crystal clear water fades into a colour so blue that it's almost green and the islanders keep their sand absolutely pristine. It makes the beaches of Bali seem average in comparison!

Also, as our resort was tucked away from the mayhem of the backpacker quarters, we were still able to appreciate the deserted beaches and the peace and quiet the whole island once enjoyed. That is, when we could tear ourselves away from the pool! 

Though tempting to spend the whole three days right there, I knew there were other hidden gems worth exploring. Therefore, early on our first morning we hired bikes and cycled the entirety of the island. It's so small that it took us little more than an hour, despite having to abandon the pedalling and push our bikes through the majority of the sand patches. In the intense heat it was rather hard work and so felt we more than deserved a cocktail over lunch.

As the sun began to lower in the sky, we crossed the small path from our pool to the private beach for sunset. Flocks of tourists joined us as it just so happens this is the optimum place for a sunset view but no crowd could distract me from the beauty of this spectacle. The cluster of hazy clouds which loomed above the peaks of Lombok's mountain range turned fuchsia as the sun illuminated them from below. Soon, the whole scene was pink with streaks of orange and purple hung like decorative steamers in the sky. It was insanely stunning and we stayed long after the glowing sun had disappeared, watching as the colours changed with every minute.

Once it all turned to black we got back on our bikes and cycled to Scallywags, arguably the most talked about restaurant on any of the three Gili's. I'd not been able to afford it during my last trip but was very much looking forward to making up for it this time around! We found a table out on the decking and checked out the fresh seafood sizzling on the barbecue. In the end I ordered traditional Indonesian Gado Gado which tasted similar to satay (which is always unreal!) 

A few cocktails down, we then went onto a bar which is now run by the German guys who Hana and I met last year. It's crazy to think how much we've done since then whilst they've stayed here to live out their lives on Gili T but I can't say I blame them. There are certainly worse places to call home! Anyway it was a little surreal but so nice to see them and though it wasn't particularly busy, the music was great so we stayed for a few. And then a few more. Getting back on our bicycles, I regretted agreeing to the 'local' vodka option.

Our final day on Gili T followed a similar pattern of pool, beach and great food. However, between sunset and our last supper we checked into the hotel spa for a Balinese massage. Stephanie was led off in one direction whilst Kate and I were shown to a shared room, complete with a rather romantic looking bath. It was clearly made out for couples but as our masseurs turned out to both be men, I was more than happy to have Kate beside me as back up. 

Once I'd relaxed, the fully body massage was heavenly. He covered everything from my toes to my temples, taking a full hour to work his way up. 

'Uh one question - did he massage your boobs?' 

Kate's voice snapped me out of my trance and we burst into a fit of giggles as I realised we were alone again. They're not kidding when they call it full body.  

Feeling totally zen and only a tiny bit violated, we then left to find Stephanie who was already back at the bar downing a Bintang. She'd had a considerably worse experience which consisted of her having to explain to the masseuse what a massage was which may have been successful had he spoken English or she, Balinese. As with all things in Asia, spa experiences are rather hit and miss and unfortunately for Stephanie hers had failed to fire a shot. 

Needing a treat to get over her treatment, we splashed out on dinner at the hotel which for me, consisted of chicken satay served on sizzling hot stones. Dreamy.

It was an emotional goodbye to the Gili's this time, knowing that I'm unlikely to return. Whilst the others waited for our boat back to the mainland I went for one last walk up and down the beach, taking in the last sights of this beautiful island and doing my best to commit them to memory. I may not ever find myself there again physically but I'll continue to return to it as my happy place.

Full Circle in Fiji

After narrowly escaping spending a night in a Single Women's Christian Institute in Lautoka, we found ourselves back in Nadi earlier than expected. At first I was a little apprehensive because we hadn't loved Nadi on our previous visit but it felt like an entirely different place on our return. 

With Easter just around the corner and the island's high season about to begin, the hostels were buzzing with people and excitement. We checked into a great little place on the beachfront and treated ourselves to a happy hour cocktail. In the beautiful light cast by the sunset over the horizon, Nadi beach looked no less like paradise than any of the tiny islands we'd visited along the way. It was the perfect spot to sit and reflect upon all that we'd done and how far we'd come since we'd last been sat there. 

Though only the third largest town in Fiji, Nadi is certainly the most happening and therefore, a great place to use as a base for all our remaining day trips. The first was to Sabeto Mud Pools for a Fijian style 'spa day.' Upon arrival we were given a tour of the various different pools in this peaceful outdoor haven before being introduced to the 'Mud Man' who coated our faces in a thick layer of sludge. The responsibility then lay with us to paint the rest of our bodies which led to some rather interesting designs as we used one another's backs as a blank canvas for our muddy masterpieces. 

Whilst wet, the mud felt incredible against our skin; like a soft and expensive moisturiser rather than clay soil scooped from the ground. When the eventual cracking sensation indicated that the work was complete we were taken to the first of three hot springs to wash off. We found the mud slid off easily and our skin left feeling silky smooth beneath. 

Having now fully adapted to 'Fiji time' we were in no hurry to leave and so bathed for a while in the hot pools, taking in our tranquil surroundings. The backdrop to this beautiful setting was the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, a park which stands before a cluster of hills which Fijians believe to be shaped like a huge man lying on his back. They have wonderful imaginations. 

Our second trip out of Nadi was to Navala, a traditional Fijian village up in the mountains. Though it's not far in terms of distance, the drive took almost three hours because there's no road leading up to it. Luckily we had a cute Indian-Fijian man called Kachi as our driver who chatted away to us the entire journey to pass the time. In fact, when fatigue hit us half way through and we fell a little quiet, he stopped off at the side of the road and snapped us off some sugar cane to suck on - the perfect sugar rush to bring us back to life! 

The village itself was so beautiful, it was almost ethereal. The bamboo built bures with their weaved walls and thatched roofs looked as though they could've been plucked straight from the pages of a fairy tale. Our tour started at the chief's house who granted us an official welcome into the village. His 'sleeping house' was slightly larger than most and at least had a bed but was otherwise completely bare. It's quite amazing how little they live on. 

As we bid him farewell we heard the sound of a bell ring followed by a wave of excitable squeals as  the school children fled their classrooms for lunchtime. A flock of tiny Fijians dressed in smart blue uniform stormed towards us but stopped short as they realised we were not their usual village folk. They really are an adorable bunch and we were pleased to find we had a few little shadows following us back into the school grounds. Slowly but surely they plucked up the courage to speak to us, wanting to know our names, where we came from and most importantly if we had any sweets! It's honestly a good job that I didn't have an inch of space left in my backpack or there would definitely be a Fijian child or two squeezed inside. 

Of course no traditional day in Fiji could end without kava so we were taken back to the chief's house for the small ceremony. Sat cross legged on the bure floor, we watched as the suspicious looking drink was passed around the circle. When it came to our turn we were told to say 'bula', clap three times and then down the drink in one. It tasted like dirt but with a dozen or so villagers all surrounding us, we had no choice but to chug the lot. It was like being a uni fresher all over again! 

Kava's a funny one. It's completely legal but has similar effects to that of marijuana and Fijians absolutely swear by it. After just one cup we were feeling pretty spaced out and it suddenly made perfect sense why everything in Fiji is so incredibly slow.

On our final day in Nadi we woke up to find that the Yasawas Rugby team were staying at our hostel. Over breakfast they told us that they were competing in the National Sevens Tournament and asked if we would come along to support. The cheerleaders within us just couldn't say no so we ditched our initial sunbathing plans to go along and watch. Fijians take rugby very seriously and it was fun to be a part of the action.

After stocking up on a final stash of Indian sweets we went back to pack and get ready for our 'final supper' altogether. Reminiscing on the last three weeks it became quite apparent how much we've all fallen in love with Fiji. Having covered six different islands and travelled the full circuit around the mainland, we truly feel as though we've done Fiji perfectly and I wouldn't change any of it for the world. Though it's now time to leave this beautiful island behind us I'll be carrying 'bula' with me wherever I go. 

Back to the Islands, Nananu-I-Ra

There's something so exciting about gliding between islands, not knowing which is to be your next destination. With the long boats zig-zagging in all directions to avoid shallow reefs, there's often really no way of telling where you're heading. 

This time we were even more excited than usual because we thought once we'd returned to the mainland that we'd seen the last of our Fijian islands. However, whilst touring around it we caught wind of the fact there's islands on the North and West side which are far less touristy but no less beautiful. 

There were hundreds of islands to choose from but we settled on Nananu-I-Ra in the North, partly because it was one of the closest to the mainland and partly because we just liked saying it. That's one thing I'll definitely miss about Fiji; all its wonderfully named places. Where else in the world will you find a Wayalailai, a Rakiraki and a Nananu? 

Anyway, as we pulled up to our island and the faint sounds of exotic birds replaced the usual blaring Bula song it was immediately apparent that this was indeed less touristy. A resort was nowhere to be seen, just a small reception, an even smaller bar and our averagely sized room at the top of a really steep hill. And of course a stunningly beautiful beach! 

Whereas by the end of our island hopping trip we'd become a little tired of simply lying on a beach, after almost a week of trekking around the mainland we were ready to appreciate it again. Even more so because Nananu seemed so much more authentic, the closest we've felt to being on a deserted castaway island. The power supply cut out every time the wind dropped and the population of frogs more than tripled that of the people. 

One evening it turned a little cloudy which worried us slightly as deserted island activities rely heavily on sunshine. However, it lasted only a couple of hours and brought along with it the most beautiful rainbow which stood proudly in the sky, fading into the water. If there was a pot of gold at the end of it it would have been lost to the depths of the ocean.

On our last morning on Nananu it really hit us that our time in Fiji is almost up and we have no idea when we'll next find ourselves on a tropical paradise island. It's an uneasy feeling to say the least!  

One Big Happy Family, Suva

Fiji feels like one big family where everyone knows everyone and even those that don't, act as though they do. Small children sit on strangers' laps on the bus and hostel owners will welcome in taxi drivers for dinner regardless of whether they've met previously or not. 

Of course we stick out a little from the Fijian crowds but we're nevertheless treated in much the same way. The people we've met have been so kind and a couple of the places we've stayed in now have just been family homes with an extra bedroom or two.  

We weren't sure whether this kindness would extend to Suva, Fiji's capital, because we've all witnessed multiple times the difference between cities and their suburbs. However, we hardly noticed we were in a city at all. Despite being the capital, Suva is still pretty tiny and incredibly quiet. The few shops and restaurants there all close before nightfall and the only busy parts of town seem to be the food market at the centre and the bus station as people commute in and out. 

We stayed in central Suva for one night and then made our way further inland to a little lodge which was so remote it made the first seem almost urban. This place was beautiful though, situated right beside the famous forest park which we'd heard had some amazing walks. We ate a light lunch looking out over the lily pond and then headed straight there.

The forest was enchanting and we wandered through it in awe, ducking under swooping vines and skipping over stepping stones in small streams along the way. Deep in the heart of it we found a collection of natural pools with adjoining waterfalls trickling down the shallow valleys. Children were playing in the pools at the bottom and I felt a pang of jealousy as we watched them splash around in the water without a care in the world. I know how crazy that must sound considering how much we grew up with that these kids could never dream of but nevertheless, they just looked so happy. 

Happiness is certainly a common theme around Fiji and so far we've found very little reason for it not to be. 

Finding the Real Fiji, Uprising Trek

It's taken us almost two weeks but we've finally found the real Fiji. 

From Pacific Harbour we joined the Uprising Trek through the 'bush' and within minutes found ourselves knee deep in mud. Whereas there'd once been a wooden path we saw only its remains, the rest having been swallowed up by the swamps or smashed by the floods. Luckily our group was led by three Fijian guides who advised us where to step to avoid going the same way. 

With the Fijians focusing on our feet we could afford to look further afield and take in our amazing surroundings. We were completely immersed within the jungle but through the small gaps in the giant banana leaves and twisted vines, we could see way out over the island which was just beautiful. 

The trek was heading for the waterfalls deep in the forest but before we could get there we had to cross six rivers and one swamp. There were no bridges to speak of so we hoisted our bags up high and waded through. For reasons unbeknownst to me (I decided I'd rather not know) we were told to keep our shoes on in the water so our feet were squelching with every step thereafter. I imagine for some people this would be their worst nightmare but as we watched everyone slipping and sliding around in the mud, with the occasional person disappearing into it entirely, it was quite impossible not to smile. The whole group was in high spirits in fact as our guides led sing-a-longs and showed us how to make crowns from leaves so that we could all be kings and queens of the jungle. 

An hour or so later we reached the waterfalls and dived straight into the pool at the bottom to try and clean off. Then we headed up to the top! The highest tier led into a deep pool so that we were able to jump from the edge down into the water. It was a really long drop but Hana and I braved the fall twice; once to get over the fear and a second time to actually enjoy it! It was amazing; a natural playground hidden in the depths of the forest and we absolutely loved it. 

The return trek was slightly shorter as a boat met us at the river and took us all the way back down to the beach near Pacific Harbour. Strangely enough the Pacific Harbour complex itself was one of the most touristy places we've seen on the mainland but you only need venture a little way out to lose yourself entirely to the real Fiji experience. 

Back to Backpacking, Sigatoka

Checking into our hostel in Sigatoka, there was no mistaking it; the holiday was over. After weeks of treating ourselves to fancy resorts we all knew it was time we came back down to earth but we weren't expecting such a ginormous thud. 

Our dorm room at Vakaviti was little more than a wooden shed with a sloped floor and a hole for a shower. The ceiling was crumbling in every corner and the fan was so battered that it was barely usable. For the first time since they left we were almost glad the boys were no longer with us; one look at this place and Stuart would have had a heart attack. 

Luckily though we managed to see the funny side and as the hostel owners were so lovely we even ended up agreeing to an extra night. Nevertheless, we were still keen to spend as little time as possible in our shed so we left for town early that first morning.

The centre of Sigatoka was bustling with people, though every single one of them Fijian. Unlike the islands, mainland Fiji isn't catered for tourists and so we finally caught a glimpse of what their lives are really like. Although it's slightly more Westernised it felt in many way like we'd been thrown straight back into Asia which, if you've been following this blog from the beginning you'll know, is an absolute dream come true! We even found roti and Indian sweets at the local market which we've been craving since we left Malaysia five months ago. 

After lunch we found a sweet little taxi man who agreed to take us to the sand dunes for a couple of dollars each. We were dropped off at the bottom of a sandy slope which was so steep we couldn't see anything beyond. He promised that the views from over the hill were worth the climb and despite my initial doubts as the sand blistered our feet in the midday sun, the little man didn't let us down. From the top we were literally surrounded by beauty and found ourselves twirling just to take it all in; a canopy of palm trees behind us, bright white sand dunes either side, and the ocean up ahead, glistening in the sunshine. 

From the higher ground we could see out for miles but there wasn't another soul in sight and the only sounds were those of the crashing waves at the beach beneath us. For a moment it felt like we had the whole of Fiji for ourselves and it was really quite wonderful. 

Coralview Comedown

A paradise island should be the most relaxing place on earth but somehow it's been shattering. Once the boys had left, the late nights of the last ten days caught up with us and we were all on a bit of a comedown. Though we picked ourselves up for long enough to reach Coralview Island, as soon as we arrived we dropped straight back down into a hammock and didn't move for almost two days. 

As Coralview was our last island before heading back to the mainland we felt we were fully justified in making the most of island life and doing very, very little. On our final evening, however, we felt the need to exert ourselves and so followed the hiking trail up the hill for sunset. It seems not many others managed even that though as the pathway was completely overgrown and we had to fight our way through tall reeds to reach the top. Our reward once we got there was the most amazing views over Coralview and the surrounding islands, and a cheerful Fijian man who set the mood, playing old school love tunes from his shabby looking Nokia phone. 

Our island hopping adventure has been nothing short of perfect but it's been more of a luxurious holiday than backpacker travelling. We all feel it's now time to get back to the mainland where there are no five star resorts, nor porters to carry our bags, but a whole load of traditional Fijian culture to discover. I think I may even put some shoes on for the occasion. 

Poetry in Paradise

I've always loved writing but sadly my hectic lifestyle back home often stood in the way of me picking up a pen and scribbling. Taking a year out to travel has given me both the time and the subject matters to develop this passion further and I've found myself writing not only this blog but short stories and poems too. Some I've written for friends, others just for fun and one is even being published in the SEA Backpacker Magazine next month. 

Anyway, it was becoming addictive and before long the others wanted in on the action - cue the poetry off in Fiji. Though it started as a joke the results were kind of awesome so I thought I'd share them on here. There's a few 'had to be there' jokes thrown around in some but the majority should make sense to all. 

*

Fiji Time - by Chiara 

This short story,

All began,

With just two travellers,

Chiara and Han,

They packed in their jobs,

Said 'see ya' to friends,

And escaped to Asia,

Where fun never ends. 

They posted their updates,

And pictures online,

Of beaches and palm trees, 

And blazing sunshine.

Then Jodie and Eric, 

After seeing all this,

Realised that it was

Too good to miss.

They booked their tickets,

And flew out to Asia, 

First Java, then Bali, 

Then back to Malaysia. 

Meanwhile the first two,

Had jet off again, 

Bought tickets to Aus,

And jumped on a plane. 

In Melbs they met Vicky, 

Who knew they were poor, 

So let them both sleep,

On her bedroom floor.

Throughout the week,

They sewed the seed,

And before they knew it,

It was all agreed.

She'd meet them in Fiji,

With the rest of the crew, 

Which was now up to five,

No longer just two.

And how could we forget? 

Our good friend Kate,

Far away in London,

But planning escape. 

She passed her exams,

With a huge pay-rise,

So of course she'd join us,

In paradise! 

But still there was more,

To add to the clan, 

Three boys to complete,

The Fiji fam. 

They met them in Sydney,

Stu, Will and Jack,

And once they'd met them,

There was no going back.

Within a few hours,

They'd booked flights too,

All except,

Our poor little Drew.

We're yet to see,

How well he'll survive,

Without Daddy Stuart,

And the money supplies. 

But he's staying behind,

Back in Balmain town,

Just doing his best, 

Not to burn the place down.

Whilst the rest are here,

In Fiji, Nadi, 

Joining the girls,

For one big 'pardy'. 

So that is how,

The two became nine,

Now we're off to enjoy,

Some Fiji time! 

*

Fiji, Fiji - by Stuart 

Fiji Fiji, we are finally here,

A moment I have been anticipating for almost a year.

The islands are charming, so nice to see,

We are here with our travelling family.

The weather is hot and the beers are cold,

I want to live here until I get old.

Here we are hopping from place to place,

All the fun to come - watch this space!

Many moments to cherish and good times to come,

Making the most of being so young.

The sea is pure and as clear as day,

We are living life the Fiji way.

It will be very sad when we have to go,

On The boat journey home I will feel so low.

(Although Europe is a go)

*

Fiji Birthday - by Hana 

Banana trees 

Coconut shells

Pink flowers

Summer smells

Nine people

All together

Blue sea 

And perfect weather

Cute and small

Getting burnt

Her names Veronica

Why hasn't she learnt?

Sleepless nights

Early rises

Happy faces

Stuart wises

Glowing tans

Beaming sun

The boy called Jack

Always having fun 

Cracking jokes

Sleeping late

William whiteman

Is everyone's mate

Writing poems

Pretty dresses

Chiara Pelizzari 

Has no stresses 

Jodie mckane

Dogs and fish

To see every animal

Is her wish

Organised suitcase

Efficient packing

Bikini bodies

Kate's not been slacking

Bites on legs

Vicky comber

Witty remarks

This poems over.

*

The poetry trend was in fact started by my Nan who sent me the cutest poem over Christmas and New Year and has continued to email her updates in verse ever since. So thank you to her, our biggest inspiration!