Fiji!!!

We all had to pinch ourselves that we were really in Fiji..a place we hoped to see one day.  The ship docked in Suva, the capital, which was a port city with all the ugliness that goes along with shipping.  The culture now relies on tourism ...many years ago they would have eaten us!!  Few have cars so there were busses everywhere.  If the seats are all filled people sit on your knees as no one is allowed to stand.  No springs and no air conditioning!!  and very bumpy roads.

 

Our little group took a long busride to a small place on the Nuvo river where we boarded long boats with motors.  Seven to a boat.  We road up the river, muddy and swift, along the mountains and rainforest.  Fijians fished along the river or swam but all waved and shouted Bula!! or hello.  It was very beautiful with waterfalls streaming down and rapids to cross occasionally.  After about an hour of riding we reached another rushing stream that we followed by footpath to the source.  A high rushing waterfall running across rocks to the river.  again very picturesque and beautiful.  We waded rather than swam but some braved the cold.  As we left the falls the sun came out and remained with us for the rest of the day.  Very unusual in this rainy season.  We felt blessed.

 

Down the river again to the small village where we met a fifth generation woman from the founder of the village. He was white and stayed alive with the use of his gun and was the only white to live with the cannibals.  He advised the chief and was given a wife.  The descendants performed a Kava ceremony to welcome us.  After their and our chief (David) drank, we all had some.  Strange tasting and I hope not to get sick from the shared bowls!

Everyone was gracious and sincere in their welcome but many jokes about the tasty meal we would make!

 

Today is another sea day so we will do a few chores and relax.  Life at sea is lovely..wish you could all enjoy this adventure.  We have met many others who have traveled all over so our list grows and grows.  We all feel very fortunate to be able to make these amazing journeys.

 

 

Lunch of traditional food.  I liked the cookie best and not the tarro root or leaves.  Some native dances and then back on the bus.  George and I stopped for a bit of shopping then wound our way back to the ship.  The lands looked beautiful as we sailed from the harbour...amazing..Fiji!