Fiji Times: An Air Pacific Boeing 747 bound for Sydney from Nadi was forced to return because of a defect on the aircraft's air supply system. Confirming this airline acting chief executive Josephine Yee Joy siad there were 367 passengers on board flight FJ 911 (minus 2). Ms Yee Joy said the airline would not compromise the safety of the passengers at any time. "We had a defect on one of the engine's air supply system." she said. "This would have affected the operation of the aircraft into forecast icing conditions." Ms Yee Joy said the decision was made to bring the aircraft back to Nadi. "It was detected after take-off on the aircraft's climb out of Nadi." She said the defect was rectified. The airline then used its B767 aircraft for flight FJ911 and most of the passengers accomodated on that flight. "Some passengers were accomodated on another airline." Ms Yee Joy said the problem did not affect any of their flights.
Ms Yee Joy did not say, "Louise and Steve are glad they got off the FJ 911, and will never fly Air Pacific again."
After breakfast Louise went for a stroll and found two hammocks on the far corner of the resort. There’s nothing more relaxing on a hammock. I can't believe the contrast in Louise's attitude to Fiji. On our first couple of days she was despairing on what we are going to do for ten days. Now on the twelfth day she is happily to just in a hammock all day. I ask her what she is thinking about, “Nothing, just staring at the branches” she says contetently. Fiji does that to you.
At dinner we went to the Sofitel's Lagoon restaurant where it was 'Indian Night". The best meal I've had so far - it's so good to finally experience some flavor.
After dinner, we walked; I waddled, up to the Westin, where we heard the unforgettable voice of the female singer we listened to earlier in the week. so we couldn't help but sit down. Now, Louise was sure she was also a judge on MIC (Make it Count), the Fijian version of Idol, who you might remember were singing at the Hard Rock Cafe.
Louise asked the bartender what her name was.
"Talei" he said.
"Isn't she one of the judges on MIC?"
"Yes' he smiled.
She turned to me and said "I knew it. See, I told you so".
Louise was right - she is Fiji's version of Paula Abdul.
"Does she have a CD?"
"No."
We were lucky to catch her, because tomorrow is a big event in Fiji - the final of MIC in Suva.
"I can't believe she doesn't have a CD." Louise lamented.
Suddenly, the heavens opened up, and it poured down rain. We ran back to the Sofitel, dodging little frogs which were jumping all over the footpath.
It’s the first time we’ve experienced rain in Fiji. Hopefully, it will clear up tomorrow.
