The weather has really cleared up and is looking good for the games this afternoon. The lagoon in front of the resort is like a mill pond with the reef and sea behind.

I realise that I haven't shown you any pictures of apartments. We were blown away by how good they were and what value. This is one of the boys room's.

 

 

 

The morning passed very quickly with the guys very excited about the games later in the afternoon. Breakfast was scrambled eggs and pancakes. No new records on the pancake eating front although some new endurance records were challenged. The rest of the morning was free and spent in the pool, out on the reef or shooting pool (which has now dried out).

 

 

Lunch came and was a real surprise. The chef provided some real Fijian fare - spag bol - which the guys loved. This was probably more due to the change away from stir fry but did actually taste great. The buses arrived at 12:30 catching some of the parents out who were expecting a 1:00 departure for the games. More interesting signs inside the buse and as we pulled up to the ground we passed the buses and cars from the last touring side that beat them.

 

 

 

 

 

The ground was fantastic, the Fijian national side had trained there for 3 months prior to going out to the Rugby World Cup. Big main stand with a VIP house and balcony at the end. One of the dads has recently been given a new camera. So as one would expect - new toys with old boys - I was given over 400 photos after the game. Enough to almost fill my hard drive. Here are some.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During the game the local school finished and one end of the stands filled up with girls. A sea of green uniforms and happy faces. They cheered, shouted, screamed and for 5 minutes sang the most beautiful chant I have ever heard at a rugby ground. It was inspiring. Once the games were over all the guys lined up and handed over their presents. These were very well received. Under the balcony of the VIP house the local school girls had made drinks and biscuits for everyone. These went down very well while above them, in the VIP lounge our VIPs were quick to test the local ale over the VIP bar. OH, the score ? Don't know but we won both games so off to the right start.

 

After the game it was back on the buses and a return to the resort. 

 

The sunsets hear are awesome. Even the boys have commented on how good they are. Here are a couple of shots and just to prove that the sunsets are real we took one with Abi Benstead.  

 

 

 

Two of the local ladies showed us how to weave. Some of the backs were hoping it was the secret to running rugby. They made a bag, brush and hat. The bag looked like a bonnet and when Mary put this on her head and started singing "Robin Hood, Robin Hood riding through the glen" the image was complete. It really did look very easy but just getting started beat us all.

 

Fax, who is the bar tended along with violet is also the main man for the entertainments. He had built a huge bonfire on the beach which went down really well. I actually went up when lit but you get my drift. It was great sitting round the fire, listening to the waves pounding the reef and the slap of hands on mosquitos as they try to suck the life blood from us. Some of the boys, Nugget, Tom & Dillan, played Fax's guitar but without an amp and pick there efforts were unheard. A few hardened parents stayed by the fire with Fax exchanging stories and asking about life in Fiji. We weren't sure if they were fax or fiction but never let truth get in the way of a good story. Boys will be boys so putting out the fire at the end was for easy Jayke and Dale using their universal fire hoses. Early night for most of the guys - combination of the game and the heat (during the day and bonfire).