Day 108 - Leaving Mana

We were rudely awakened at about 08:00 by a staff member ringing our bure phone. On answering Danny was informed that our water taxi company had called the reception here and told them they were fully booked and we’d now have to get back on the resort’s large boat with a charge of 108 Fijian dollars each as opposed to the water taxi’s $65 each. Danny informed the guy that this was not the case as we had booked the taxi two days ago and confirmed it twice to make sure. The staff member assured Danny they were still fully booked and so Danny simply told him that all was fine and not to worry, then he put the phone down and we snoozed for a little longer.

After checking out we made our way back to Mana Lagoon and said “Bula!” to our friends from there. Being their ever friendly selves they let us have what was left from breakfast which was kind of them. We confirmed the boat hadn’t cancelled on us and then joined one of the young ladies to do some coconut jewellery making. Corrie wanted a bangle and a ring so we set about making the two items; all the while chatting to the staff and waiting for the 11:00 taxi.

At 12:00 we said our goodbyes and promised to return if ever back in Fiji before wading out to the speedboat where our backpacks had already been carried aboard. As the boat cruised away we waved goodbye to folk gathered on the beach and the island that had made us happy and shown us the stark contrast between two completely different worlds.

Us with one of the crazy staff from Mana Lagoon

An hour and a half or so later and we were back at the mainland and off down the street to our accommodation (after Danny had popped to a cash machine to get some money to pay the taxi that is!)

We checked in to our cheap but very nice hostel and then made straight to the benches in sun where we spent the rest of the afternoon. We also finished off another coconut ring that Corrie had brought with from the island before having a very filling tea from the hostel’s restaurant.

After tea we decided not to spend the night drinking and spending our money and so went back to the comforts of the air-conditioned room.