Fiji: Mainland (23 April 2010)

Our last day in Fiji. Had our first lie-in since we got here, ate banana and maple pancakes for breakfast then headed into Nadi, the capital, on the bus which had a long seat perfect for the three of us and no windows, just plastic flaps which rolled up out of the way. Even the bell was old-fashioned, a long piece of string running the length of the bus which, when tugged, rang a little metal bell positioned painfully close to the driver's ear.

I was interested to see the real Fiji, not just the tropical paradise of the resorts. It was a real contradiction. It goes quickly from rural - basic shacks, trees and chicken scratching around on dirt paths - to urban with a huge MacDonald's and a new car showroom. The city centre itself was dusty and rundown. The shops all seemed dark and unwholesome, selling a peculiar mish-mash of wares. The souvenir shop had a hideous plastic toilet roll holder on display (in case you want to take that home to your mum!) and a tacky clock/lamp with various plastic cartoon characters sticking out at bizarre angles. Everywhere, there was someone sitting in the door plying for passing trade. It was a bit disconcerting. Fascinating but disconcerting. Soon, however, we grew too excited by the sun, so we quickly rushed back to the hostel and established ourselves on sunloungers just ten minutes before it started to rain. Typical. So the afternoon was spent writing long overdue postcards and getting ready for our departure. Still can't believe this is our final leg. Three days in Singapore is all that stands between me and home now and it's hard to say what I'm feeling. A peculiar mix of excitement at the prospect of getting home and seeing everyone, and sadness that there will be no more planning and anticipation, no more adventure. We're not quite there yet though, there is just one more mini adventure to go and i'm determined to make the most of it....