Viti Levu we checked the bulk of our luggage at the airport and boarded a boat (insert Andy Sandberg reference here) to Wayalailai Island for two days of much-needed vacation. On the boat with us were many young Australians and Kiwis, vacationing in Fiji as part of their post-highschool or university world tour. During the 1.5 hour boatride we passed many perfect little islands –small lumps of sand with a couple strategically placed palm trees. Just like the screen saver! 
We were welcomed to Wayalailai by a small group of Fijians singing us a harmonizing welcome song. Bula Justin and Deborah! Our island was just what you would imagine paradise to be - lush greenery with beautiful white sand beach and turquoise ocean, and an ominous volcanic rock formation in the background thrown in for good measure.
Our resort consisted of a handful of traditional thatched bures (houses) and a dining hall where the camp-like schedule of activities were announced. In our two days on the island we
managed to pretty much participate in all offered activities – we swam from one island to another (being tickled by tiny jellyfish on the way), snorkeled to our hearts content (seeing vibrant blue fish, black and white striped fish, hundreds of little yellow fish, and scary 1-meter long reef sharks!), and hiked to the top of the extinct volcano for a beautiful sunrise.While Justin enjoyed leisurely lounging in the hammock under the palm trees, swinging to a gentle breeze, Deborah befriending the local female entourage, who taught jewelry weaving to the tourists. She also climbed around on the volcanic rocks scattered on the beach (perfect handholds!)
The food at the resort was nothing to speak of - white rice and stir-fry with the occasional leg of lamb; very bland without a trace of local influence.
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