Here we go again readers. Another instalment in the Poole-Wain family holiday saga.

This chapter is brought to you by the friendly tropical island nation of Fiji.

As is always the case these trips have a challenging lead up. Kelsie and Ethan have been at loggerheads for the best part of 3 weeks. And have exhausted Mum and Dad to the point of despair, where it was considered leavening Kelsie and Ethan behind.

Our day of travel started at 5:30am sharp. On the road by 6:00am was the mission. Thursday was still a work day and traffic through the city to the airport was not to be underestimated this year. Mum had been having nightmares about shredded tires, and Dad was envisioning the alternative routes in preparation. Actually on the road by 6:05 was not a bad outcome and the travel to the airport was without incident.

Though at the car drop off the shuttle bus driver did advise that there was construction on the journey and sometimes the 10th trip could take an hour… Something I feel could have been communicated by the parking provider.

Breakfast at the airport consisted of Ethan downing hungry jacks pancakes ‘raw’ without cutlery or maples syrup or butter. Kelsie demolished 3 hash browns and pancakes. Before finding a decent St Ali coffee to kick start the day.

A last minute gate change kept everyone on their toes. But there were no delays.

After 2 hours Kelsie was board, and Ethan couldn’t sit still. The airline couldn’t produce a pen to fill in an arrival card and openly admitted they would run out of food in the first service.

After filling in all arrival cards at the customs desk in handwriting that would make a Dr. blush the Poole-Wains made it. To the transfers desk. The 90min bus trip was closer to 3 hours. There were many dogs, cows, horses roaming around the streets of Fiji, and the local boys playing almost any sport anywhere regardless of the weather, was a change to the constant Ipad entertainment in Aus. Because of our late arrival at the resort, Kelsie missed out on a swim and checking in was partially interrupted by every under 16 in the resort, trick or treating through reception. I don’t think there is a specific collective noun, but a hoard or mob would be appropriate.

Finally getting around to dinner we had to make some quick adjustments to Fiji time. The friendly hosts were surprised that we didn’t want to eat at the seafood buffet and we had our table moved twice because of cleaning and then a performance.

By the time food had arrived Kelsie and Ethan were more interested in looking for frogs. Feeding a local stray cat, followed by a local village dog who has worked Kelsie, Ethan and Mum out already and will probably put on a few Kg’s by the time we leave.

Drinks. 1 Fiji bitter, 2 dark rum & coke.