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Michelle O'Riordan takes a year from rowing and travels the world. Part I - Final Installment.

Michelle's Grand Tour (part I)

Michelle O'Riordan
2006-03-12 12:36:42

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/>There are two types of Fijians – mainlanders who are mainly of Indian descent and the islanders, who are of south pacific descent stretching from Samoa and Tahiti through to New Zealand. I was surprised to find that these Fijians are very tall people. They are not small-framed either and the women generally have very full figures. Add to that a 70’s afro hairdo which seemed to be ‘de rigeur’ and the men seem lanky in comparison!

I spent the best part of two weeks island hopping – literally. The first island was so small you could walk around it in two minutes! It was an island made entirely of washed-up coral and a couple of palm trees. The next island took about 7 minutes to walk around. This had proper white sand and a mini forest in the middle where all the lodge accommodation was discreetly hidden. This famous island called Beachcomber, was the PARTY island. Located in the mamanucas, the waters around this island were so clear it was dazzling – I could have snorkeled all day there was so much to see, but I couldn’t visit the PARTY island without joining in the fun! With a dorm of 101 bunk beds – your chances of sleeping are pretty slim so after two days of cocktails, daily parties and beach volleyball, it was time to move on to calmer shores. My next stop was Waya Island - my favourite. This was backpacker accommodation – luxury style! No bunk beds, just your own single bed with your very own mosquito net, bedside lamp and even a daily fresh flower – superb. I experienced a fijian massage with coconut oil from a formidable fijian lady – thank goodness it is nothing like a thai massage – the opposite in fact, very gentle and relaxing - just like fijian music.

After that I visited the famous island where they filmed the ‘Blue lagoon’ with Brooke Shields – I can see why they chose this location – it is picture perfect. On my journey around the islands I learnt how to basket weave; joined a kava ...