Bula. This friendly greeting is said by everyone you pass in this land of smiles.

It’s a traditional greeting. A hello. Or Hi. It’s easy to say and so lovely. The breakfast staff are full of greetings and smiles. How can you not start the day well when you are so well looked after. Nothing is too much trouble.

Today’s swim is here at the Sofitel. Right out the front. So a light breakfast. Did I mention how yum the local peanut butter is!!!! I had a little on toast before we headed to the beach front. The flags were up. The swimmers were all greeting each other like lifetime friends – which they probably will be by the end of this week.

Scott Rice , the organiser gives a clear briefing for the first swim. The 1 km. Conditions are much better, so optimism is high amongst the swimmers.

People are all rubbing cream onto each other. The anti lice cream is getting a big following. Quite a few got eaten by the lice yesterday and we know there are lice here. So much rubbing is going on. Armpits, under swimmers- no one is shy here!

The first race is off- a deep water start.

Jill and I waited, then leisurely entered the water for our private race for two. Water temperature is beautiful.

We swam around the area next to the course until we saw the first swimmers returning. The pool swimmers were favoured today in the flat conditions. But Ky Hurst’s young son once again came second.

I spoke to him after and he is such s a lovely kid.

As they finished people had jubilation written all over their faces.

Then the 3km briefing.

Into the water and away to the sound of the conch shell.

The young Fijians filled in time teaching a little one how to blow the conch shell.

And practised doing the Floss dance. To the cheers of the crowd.

The US guy was able to pull his passenger along.

He set of last but unfortunately as he overtook people ( he’s such a strong swimmer) the kayak hit a few swimmers. They weren’t happy so she had to be towed back by a jet ski.

Once again Ky Hurst cruised home for a win.

Our friends from NZ, Avy and Kim came in not far behind the leaders in under an hour.

David and Steve swam well and came in just over the hour I was in a good spot for cheering on the swimmers. They are all shapes and sizes. And the variety of swimwear is amazing.

We had lunch by the water outside the Waitui Club. It’s an adults only section of the hotel.

Jill, Avy and I walked after lunch. Just down to the Marina about 2 km away. Bought a few tshirts for the kids and a jar of the local peanut butter.

Back to the infinity pool a sit on the deck chairs, a book and a cocktail completed the afternoon.

The evening drink session and days wrap was again a success. The 5 minute highlights movie is terrific. Lots of claps and cheering as some very happy people ran, jogged, danced and in one case fell over the finish line.

We sat with some new friends and had a pizza before heading to our room.