say, that these are some of the friendliest, kind and gracious people I have
met in my travels (even the teenagers).
Started the day off by walking into town along the waterfront, getting a
feel for the area.
First stop was at the local market - one of the cleanest and best I have
ever seen. There are some here who have stalls every day except Sunday,
while the others (ladies for the most part) come in from the villages and
stay until they have sold their fruit and vegetables. Since they have
nowhere to stay while in town, they sleep at the market. Spent quite a lot
of time walking around taking pictures and talking with these wonderful
people. Even though it was offered numerous times, no one had any kava
today.
After leaving the market, we stropped and asked directions to the botanical
gardens from a lady, she not only gave us directions, but had her husband
act as a guide part of the way, so we could not get lost.
Along the way to the gardens, we made a visit to the Hare Krisha Sri
Krishna Kaliya Temple. A very peaceful place.
The gardens are still a work in progress, but we still walked around and got
to see some of the biggest and prettiest water lilies I have ever seen.
As we left the gardens we made a stop at a field we had passed earlier in
the day filled with women in very colorful clothes. Arrived and we were
invited join them. They were gathered to celebrate their efforts to raise
money for women's causes - again, I was taken aback by how welcome they made
us feel.
Decided to walk along the local business district and look in some of the
shops.
Wanted a break from the heat (and humidity), so we stopped for a refreshment
break and wifi at the Chili Tree Café.
As we made our way back to the ship, we came upon a local flower market, a
surprise bonus to the day.
Tomorrow we will be in Suva, Fiji and if the people are anything like the
ones we met today, no matter the sights, it will be grand!
