what the people of Suva had in store for us. Luckily, by the time we were
cleared to get off the ship the rains were gone, not returning until
re-boarding the ship! As, I said yesterday, the Fijian people are wonderful,
and obviously wanted to make our visit pleasant!
There are over 300 islands in Fiji, first lesson of the day was our
introduction to the flag by our "guide", Gerard, I hope there is not a test.
Gerard has done such a great job reading maps, making sure we are always
heading in the right direction and patiently watching the time as we all
take way too many photos.
Headed for the local market and since it was Saturday it was bustling with
activity. Suva is the capitol of Fiji, with a population of about 168,000,
and I think they were all at the market either selling or buying. The amount
and variety of fruits and vegetables offered is overwhelming and when you
see all the fish displayed for sale at all these markets, one wonders how
there could be any left in the sea.
Upstairs was the Kava market with stalls selling kava grown in the different
villages and islands. Kava (also called grog or Yaqona) is a muddy drink
with a bitter taste made from the ground root of a pepper plant. This
narcotic beverage will supposedly mellow you out. Kava plays a very
important ceremonial role here - and from the amount being offered for sale,
one would assume there are a lot of celebrations!
In addition to the produce, fish and kava offered at the market, there was
quite an array of locally grown colorful flowers for sale. However, the
prettiest flowers I saw today were all the people who took the time to chat
us up, knowing we would not be making a purchase. I have never seen so many
happy people with eyes that twinkled when they smiled.
After leaving the market we began the walking tour we had mapped out, seeing
some buildings of historical significance, including their capital and
watched a small parade as it made its way to the park.
After a stop at the Grand Pacific Hotel for refreshments by the pool with a
fabulous view of the sea we headed back on down the road. Walked through the
Thurston Gardens where we came across a commercial being made.
Headed up the hill through a residential area and past the bars and clubs to
see the Sacred Heart Cathedral, a lovely old church.
Wound our way back to the commercial area of the city through an area known
as Little India. There were many shops with beautiful fabrics and garments
here.
Weaved in and out of the crowds and made it to the Suva Curio and Handicraft
Market with masks, cannibal forks and numerous other local souvenir items
for sale. Did some bargaining and bought a few things, including a kava
bowl, never tried the beverage, but I thought the bowls would be a nice
reminder of this part of the world.
Walked by the Municipal Market again as we headed back to the ship and saw
that it was even busier than this morning.
As I was boarding the ship the first little raindrops were beginning to come
down - perfect time to call it a day!
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