Bula. Quick update! Bula
Hi All Just a very quick update as I am shattered,
Well the run today was not as far as I thought, only 44km but brutally hot, the hottest and most difficult day here but I made it! I was told it was a sweltering 35C with very high humidity. The distance shorted because of bad information. That is bad in a way for tomorrow as I will not have my hoped for short day, I will have around 50km to finish off the paradise island.
Once again today I ran unsupported. I have had my large box of gear, too large to obviously carry on my back moved from hotel to hotel by the courtesy vehicles. Everyone is so helpful.
On the road I continue to have an incredible time with people constantly stopping me to talk
Greetings of ” Bula ” from one end of a village to the next! This is the Fijian welcoming greeting which is embedded deeply in their culture. As I mention this there is a round of ” Bulas ” going on in the hotel car park.
I expect to arrive in Nadi on Saturday and complete my run across Fiji. I should then have 2 free days and will blog all the details.
Thursday night I was greeted warmly at the Warwick Resort and given a buffet dinner and breakfast on the house, Many thanks to Kala and the wonderful staff there.
Then today I was greeted by an escort cyclist who was the sports manager of Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa in Yanuca.
I turned and ran up the driveway there were about eight staff members all lined up with a welcome Tony sign!
Then onto the lobby where a welcoming band playing traditional Fijian music continued this incredible greeting. more staff were lined up including the general manager and all the duty managers..Phew! A speech, They refreshed me with hot towels and water.
Another round of ” Bula! ” A Hawaian floral necklace around my neck.. (Whats it called?)
Photographs.. And they dont say.. ” Say cheese! ” I will give you one guess!
While the general manager was shaking my hand, sharp as ever, I asked him what time the buffet closes at! On The house Tony! Also breakfast in my room at 3am.
Yes another hoped for early start.
Having slept and snoozed through more alarm clocks, Having relegated AC/DC on my ipod speaker alarm as not having sufficient decibel levels to fully fulfill it’s awakening functions at world runner level… I have found that breakfast delivery to a room is the best awakening method for comatosed me…. Well I have to answer the door and then food in front of me is the best alarm. 
The resort is huge, like a village and the buffet would do Las Vegas justice. They seated me at the door. I guess more food for everyone as I had to walk further!
As I say I will soon give the full blow by blow details of four days on the road in Fiji… A wonderful place, take a holiday here!
Until then check out Fiji, It’s great!
Bula! Bula! Bula!
January 11th, 2013 at 12:41 pm
well done tony. get plenty of rest when you can. it appears your family’s hospitality and food has continued into fiji. hopefully you can keep the weight on with all these kind people!! kevin
January 11th, 2013 at 6:56 pm
Bula Tony, glad to see you are eating well and enjoying the warm hospitality of the Fiji people. Nearly finished another country. Keep on running
January 11th, 2013 at 8:36 pm
Bula, Bula Bula, Tony, This latest report is just what you deserve. The heat is overpowering – I know I would just melt in those conditions but one more country under the belt. I just hope the wonderful reception you are getting continues.
January 11th, 2013 at 11:52 pm
Bula! Looks like Fiji is fascinating! U were welcomed like a royal hero! I’m sure you’re enjoying the free grub and wonderful Fiji welcomes!! U can do it…conquering yet another country!! Keep it up and stay safe! Serena
January 12th, 2013 at 12:17 am
Bula bos Tony!