Fiji

Fiji.

After New Zealand and its fairly temperate climate Fiji was a shock. It was hot, about 35 degrees and very humid. I headed by small plane from Nadi to Taveuni, where I stayed for four days swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. Total indulgence. Up with the sun and to bed with the moon. Almost! A series of three spectacular waterfalls spilling through the rain forest. Hard work though climbing up to them in the heat. Luckily you could cool off with a swim.

This is your romantic treasure island. Great skies, seas and tropical storms.

Luxurious plants and flowers seem to be growing before your eyes. Steam rising from the earth.

A coral reef just off the beach with wonderful fish. Each day I took a kayak to a nearby island, where I snorkeled or fished. Close by they were diving for pearls. One evening as I paddled back sail fish skimmed through the water in front of me. It was magical.

Below is a very brave and colourful fresh water crab who, when you approach, instead of scuttling away, stands upright, claws raised in challenge. There seems to be one and only one of these crabs at every watery location on the island.

Taveuni looks just as lovely from the air. I loved the gentleness of the people, their sense of fun and their music. I had heard these harmonies once before, in Beijing when women from the Cook Islands sang. I have never forgotten it.