Beaches...crabs...and curry OH MY!

I managed to locate a computer to fill everyone in on what I am doing! I had to hike 30 minutes through the jungle to get here! I am sitting inside across the Blue Lagoon...I havent seen the movie so I am not sure what I am really looking at...some of you oldies might enjoy being here :0)

This might be a long entry because I do not have time to update each location! I am going to try to post pictures too but for some reason I havent figured out how to work this old thing. Havent Fijian Villagers learned about high speed internet yet??

Bounty Island:
I started my trip up the Mamanuca Islands at a tiny island called Bounty. When you first arrive, the entire island comes down to the water to sing a welcome song to all of the arriving guests. It is called Isa Lei and it has been one of my favorite songs since I have been here....bc its either that or Paris Hilton...apparently they enjoy her crappy music out here! Bounty is the island where they filmed Celebrity Love Island...a trashy British reality show where they put a bunch of C-list celebs on an island and try to get them to fall in love. Everyone I have met loves trashy American reality shows. The first day at Bounty was pretty uneventful...lazing on the beach :0) My favorite! Later on that night I had to share my shower with a gigantic beach crab...I kept my eye on it the whole time...but of course with my luck....the entire island loses power... I had to go running out of the shower with my towel on all soapy. No naked guys in this dorm thankg god.

South Sea Island:
I spent 2 nights on South Sea Island. You could walk around the entire thing in less than 10 minutes. I met a couple and another guy that are travelling on the same package as me...but the day behind me, so we end up meeting up every few days. I went on a submersible submarine and saw all sorts of crazy fish and LOTS of jellyfish. I even went snorkeling :0) For those of you who dont know...I hate snorkeling...it scares me to death. After dinner, the island hosts play organized drinking games...we had a Fijian quiz and crab races! My crab sucked and took last place. I had a blast on South Sea and I loved the fact that every one who lived there knew your name. I met a deaf couple at South Sea, and spent the night with a pen and paper chatting with them. It made me sad bc most people treated them like the were retarded...but they were hilarious. I know they appreciated that I made an effort to talk to them, and when I woke up the next morning, they were both downstairs waiting by the breakfast table with another piece of paper and a pen :0) They were headed to the deaf olympics in Australia!

Kuata:
Most of you know...I am never one to take advantage of a situation...haha well ya I am. I spent both my Fijian Birthday...AND my American birthday on the island of Kuata. Of course I am going to take full advantage of the fact that my birthday lasts for 2 days bc of the time change. Two of my friends that I met in Viti Levu met up with me on Kuata to celebrate my 21st. They brought me a plumeria crown from the last island they were on. We celebrated with a night at the bar....and everyone came along to enjoy the party! Even the bartender joined in with a motto "I wont stop serving til you guys stop drinking". My american birthday was celebrated with a traditional Fijian Kava ceremony...the thing I have been dreading. Kava is a drink made from the roots of a pepper plant...it is ground up and mixed with water and passed around a circle. It basically numbs your face and mouth and makes you tired...dont worry mom and dad....its not a drug. The high Cheif for the island chain of Kuata, Waya, and Waya Lailai put a ban on Kava for anyone under 42...the villagers dont seem to pay that law any attention...either that or I mustve aged since I turned 21. The kava cermony starts and the first cocnut shell bowl is passed around. You can ask for High Tide (a full bowl) or low tide (a smaller amt)...it doesnt really matter what you say though...they fill it how they want. When the cup is handed to you...you clap once, say "BULA", accept the cup....drink it down...turn it upside down to show you finished it (I couldnt cheat) then pass it back to the person serving and clap three times. It basically tastes like you bent down on the ground and licked up some dirt. and it sucks bc they make it stronger each time it goes around. I made it 6 rounds and then called it a night. Needless to say...I slept well on both of my birthdays :0)
THANKS FOR ALL THE BIRTHDAY WISHES!!!!

Yaqeta:
The island of Yaqeta was a bit trashy...there was a volcano eruption on either Samoa or Tonga and all the debris floated over to Yaqeta and made the beach look like a mess of black rock. We stayed in huts with no power....no phone...no internet...it was interesting. My meal that night was Curried pea soup (gross)...curried potatoes with curry chicken (grosser)...curried potato salad...and curry rice...apprently Fijians have a thing for curry. The 2nd night there we had a HUGE storm and since the hut roof was aluminum...all I heard all night was the pouring rain! I was definitely glad to get out of there and onto this island!

Nanuya Lailai:
I only got here a few hours ago...and headed straight over to the Blue Lagoon to get in a quick update! I hope everyone is absolutely fantastic! I will try to get on and update sooner the next time! I cant figure out the darn pictures but I will keep trying!! Talk to you all soon!