Why is it I never keep this thing up to date!  Considering I wrote a blog about preparing for the wedding i guess I will write a short but sweet blog about how the big day went.

We arrived in Fiji bright and early on the Saturday morning and were checked in straight away (7.30am) into our buree's that had an ocean view and on the decking a spa (got to looooove that).  The girls room was short stroll from ours and I think they enjoyed having their own 'pad'. 

The island itself wasn't huge, but we found it perfect for our needs and it included alot of free water activities, including a Catamaran which I thought we were going to get lost out to sea on, lol....we basically went nowhere for an hour. 

Gabrielle and Paul got into the 'adventure side' of the holiday, whereas Molly was happy to sunbathe and work on her tan. 

We decided not to do anything too strenuous or adventerous before the wedding (i.e. horse riding) just to be on the safe side. I had watched a couple of weddings prior to ours just to get a good perspectice on the whole ceremony and also to perve on what other brides were wearing.  So I felt somewhat relieved to see that an American couple were quite relaxed about their wedding and that the bride had a similar basic flowing gown like mine.

When the big day arrived Paul was booked in for a massage and I for a facial, pedicure and make-up.  It was a lovely morning and I was thinking (actually praying) it was going to be glorious weather.  After lunch I went to the girls buree to get ready and about an hour before the entourage were to pick me up it started raining, but not just any old rain, terential rain! I was somewhat distraught about the whole rain scenario and Paul kept ringing me to assure me it would all be ok.  Luckily the rain stopped and the sun began to peep through the clouds just as my warrior men and flower girls came to collect me. 

I was supposed to get into a decorated wedding boat, however due to the choppy seas I decided to give that a miss and just walk to Paul where he was nervously waiting with the minister and choir.  Molly and Gabby looked absolutely gorgeous and the young fijian warriors were ogling her big time and flirting outrageously.   As we walked towards the 'alter' the choir sang and sounded amazing, I could see Paul and he looked very handsome.  Then what seemed like seconds the ceremony was over, I was quite nervous and was having trouble understanding the Fijian priest and was concentrating sooooo hard on the vows as I didn't want to stuff them up! 

After the ceremony we had what seemed like a squillion photos taken as well as video footage.  We had canapes and champagne on the beach and i was so hot and thirsty that I seemed to be sculling it.  Molly and Gabby went back to the buree to grab their camera and on the way back Gab slipped on the rocks and cut her leg quite badly, so you can imagine my surprise when she came back bleeding profusely.  She thought it somewhat amusing and had all these photos taken with blood streaming down her leg!

Due to the bad weather, yes it decided an hour after the wedding to rain again, we ditched the dinner on the beach to go into the Plantation restaurant, one of Fiji's finest restaurants for dinner.  It was one of the most enjoyable meals I have had in a long time. 

To finish the amazing day off we had a spa on our balcony whilst drinking champagne and eating our wedding cake (which was soo yummy). 

The rest of the Fijian holiday we let our hair down a little and went on a day trip snorkling and island hopping.  I adore snorkling and we all had the best day.  Paul has never done it before, even though he worked on cruise ships for 3 years and gave snorkling demonstrations on the boat!!!!!  He used one of those orange and white life rings to float in whilst he snorkled.  That came in rather handy when the girls or I got tired and wanted to hang on and rest for awhile, lol.  Oh and he was easy to spot!

We all had a great holiday/wedding and the hospitality of the Fijians was great.

Oh boy its been AGES since I wrote a blog....I feel like I must talk to myslef as I truly don't believe anyone reads these!  Oh well.

Booked everything on Tuesday (yeah slack) and we are now leaving to Fiji one week earlier as I had my heart set on Sonaisali Island and getting married there...it has the best wedding package by a long shot, and the BIG Day is now July 5th.  So its just Paul, myslef and the girls.  We have booked 2 lovely ocean front burees, even have our own butler!  My travel agent told me ages ago that the girls passports would be ok as they had 3 months remaining before they expire, however I discovered on Tuesday that you require 6 months!  So we were in a mad panic Wednesday trying to get everythign organised..typical. 

If you want to see what the resort looks like check out www.sonaisali.com

I can't wait to have a holiday as work has been frantic lately and just don't seem to be able to relax lately - so it will be nice to do nothing all day.  I do want to go snorkling and horse riding though, but thinking of buying a good book to read on the beach or by the pool as I sip on my cocktail.

Well I still have to organise a couple of things for the wedding, well mainly my wedding shoes and accessories so best be off.

xx

Arrived in the afternoon after travelling on Eurostar

Friday morning i departed Joburg for Nelspruit via SAA  - in a little plane only 3 seats across.....it was fine and only a 30 min flight.  I was met by Esther an Afrikaans woman about my age wtih 2 children the same age as Molly & Gab.  Well did we gasbag the whole 90 mins to the game lodge, lol.  I tell you doesn't matter where u r from you will always have similar issues raising kids!
 
As we were arriving at Idube Game lodge we passed 3 elephants, I was pretty excited about that, Esther said 'wait till you have a game drive'.  I was welcomed wiht a cold drink, yey and given a tour of the lodges.  I had my own challet which was soooo beautiful, i felt like a princess.  I was blown away by the wildlife just on the garden...worthogs, impala, vevere monkeys and much more.  It was freaky seeing monkeys in my garden and took a little getting used to. 

My frist drive started at 4pm and went until nearly 8pm.  I cant explain what it was like seeing elephants a couple of metres away, wild!!  I kept having to pinch myslef as I couldn't believe I was here witnessing it for myself.  On the first day I saw zebras, elephants, lions (lots n lots of them)...too many to mention (hint look at my pics).

The one thing that hit me was the amazing sunset, wow....it was so beautiful.  I found the colours of the bush amazing, such wonderful contrasts.  

Now the other amazing thing about the Idube Game Lodge was the staff and the food...OMG did I say I was going to loose weight, me no think so....I ate so much, it was all yummy.  I have a new fav nibble too, biltong, but the chili small ones.  They are especially nice with a G&T. 

I cant believe how brave I have been on this trip....not only did I venture out on my own, but I managed to go on a walk for 90 mins in the bush with all the wildlife...ok I had a beautiful black ranger called Andreas with gun in hand.....I said gun!!  Its a different perspective when you are out of the vehicle, and yes a little nerve raking too.

I was very, very sad to leave Idube, but ventured on Sunday. Again a wonderful driver who gave me a guided tour on my way back to the Airport.

On to Cape Town....