Dave Parkinson writes from Nadi.
Another day, another training venue, and this time it was the Namaka Public School.
I've met Martin Hullock, father of tourist Andy, who has brought a camera and taken some interesting photographs which I want to share with you in future blogs.
Now the mere mention of public school in England suggests entitlement and fees. Here in Fiji, it is just a normal school. With it being Saturday, no pupils were in and we had full use of the field.
After a start of nutritious fruits, including the most incredible tasting pineapples that have ever passed my lips, we took a minibus to the school.
There the guys warmed up, but were soon met by challenging heat. At barely 9:20am, the mercury was already over thirty degrees and it got hotter. Again hydration and smart work from the squad was the key.
Matthew Johnson threw a few bits of fitness in as well with lads commenting that drills that would have been so simple at home, were taking it out of them.
With the lads drained it was back to the hotel for a proper breakfast then to a team bonding event at a brilliant location, beachside. With views to our right to rival anything in the South Pacific, everyone enjoyed the afternoon and we had a barbecue and a few drinks.
When we got back to the hotel, we enjoyed a Fijian Welcome ceremony, with Kava and were honoured by way of small gifts.
It has been a very enjoyable and enriching day for all. This squad is knit tight.
Pictures will follow in the next couple of days. we have a long day ahead tomorrow with more culture.
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