Puppy Power

Ok so this won't surprise many of you

When walking to the beach one day we saw a very small puppy playing in a driveway with another dog, I obviously had to stroke it, this lead to it following us. When we took it back to the house it came from we found out it wasn't theirs nor did she belong to any of the houses next door.

Clearly we could not now leave this puppy next to the road alone. It became clear after closer inspection she was not in the best state, covered in fleas and very very skinny. So we took her back to the hostel to asked what we could do. The guys at Cool Water Lodge have said they'll keep her although we feel they are being too kind and don't want her to be an imposition, so we're not sure yet. Possibly if my job goes though and I'm allowed pets at the staff accommodation I may hang on to her for a few weeks and find someone that really wants her when I move on.

We have fed and defleaed her and she has come back to life, we are taking her to the vets this afternoon for a check up, worming and injections. In our current situation it is not possible to have a dog but we just want to give her a better start than she has had so far and a shot at being loved.

There are a lot of stray dogs in Fiji and even the ones with owners are not really thought of the same way as we are used to. Its quite a shock to the system and makes you feel pretty protective over this little innocent thing. That being said we can only do our best for her then hope we choose a good home for her.

We popped into the vets this morning to see about an appointment and costs. They already had 4-5 puppies and more kittens that are free to a good home, its so sad!! If nothing I'd like to insure she'll be spayed as soon as she is of age.

It may be the case for our little one that any home is better than no home.

I think people here think we are very soppy and a little crazy to worry so much about one puppy but we can not help it, I think you'll agree once I post some photos!!!

By Things

Puppy Update
We took the puppy who we named Mango Chutney to the dog shelter to be re-homed. We just didn't think the hostel where we are staying was appropriate for her as she needs a lot of attention, she is now playing with lots of other puppies and will hopefully find a loving home soon. If anyone reading this lives in Fiji and is looking for a puppy please go to the Vets/dog and cat shelter on Queens road, Nadi (just before Wailoaloa road) and ask for Mango!!!! 

Cool Water Lodge

Cool Water Lodge is the cheapest accommodation found near Nadi bay at $35 Fijian for a double room. Its not properly open yet and the owners have some grand plans for it, but currently there is no wifi, pool or bar, however you have access to a kitchen including fridge and freezer so can save even more by buying drinks and food from the supermarket. You can also buy beer from the owners if they have any in stock. The rooms are large and clean with shared bathrooms and a large garden with mango trees as well as some home grown veg including chillies.

Its run by an Indian couple Sanjay and Renna, although mainly by Renna. Renna is an amazing host and brilliant cook. The future plans are to open a restaurant and bar on the site which would be awesome. As it is Renna is more than happy to cook for you if you buy the ingredients or pay her, and amazingly for us she happy to teach you how to make curry and chutneys etc. The environment is very open and friendly there is generally nibbles or food and beer available to share most evenings, Renna and Sanjay live there so its a very homely and Renna is always on hand if you need anything.

The main downside is that they really do like to have a beer or twenty of an evening and although dinner is normally on offer its customary to drink until there is no drink left and then eat so if you've got a case of beer in you are in it for the long haul. Stuff fancied and little extra grub the other night (we had already had dinner) so joined in and ended up eating around midnight.

Renna showed us a wonderful recipe for lamb curry this included chopping the lamb with a large cleaver (all fingers have remained where they should be) and knocking mangoes out the tree in the garden with a large pole for the chutney (photos to follow).

We would recommend this hostel whole heatedly. It is located equal distance (about 5-10min walk) from Nadi beach and the main road that houses the supermarket, restaurants and bars and an internet cafe. If you are staying in Nadi bay there is no better value for money although if you just want a pool and bar and your food cooked for you then see the next blog for recommendations.

By Things

Here's Jonny......

Rennas hi-tech mango displacement gadget

Ummmmm Mango

Lamb curry yum yums

Update....The wait continues....

Hi all

Sorry we have been inert for a while, we are still waiting for a work visa to materialist and in the mean time we are trying not to spend any money which equals very little activity. Life however tends to happen to you even if you are avoiding it so we have got up to some mini adventures.


We are currently staying at a new (soon to be open) hostel called cool water lodge. But have stayed in many hostels in the Nadi and Nadi bay area so a full review type post of them all is to follow for anyone wanting to try to do Fiji on a budget including the best curry houses and other eateries.

As for the work visa its apparently looking good but until its physically in my hands I'm curbing my enthusiasm. Much positive thinking and willing is occurring.

By things