A day of touring

Today our driver is John.  We were going to go to a village about 3 hours away where all the houses have thatched roofs but unfortunately part of the road was washed out in the past rains so we had to change plans. We head to the village of Viseisei where the first people landed in Fiji. Viseisei means scattered and is the oldest settlement in Fiji.

This is the church. The first Fijians practiced cannibalism.  They ate their enemies and drank their blood. They believed this gave them more power. It wasn’t until they were converted to Christianity in the 1800’s that they stopped the practice. 

This is the chief’s house



Had to cover our knees!





This is the drum they use to send messages out to the people. They still practice this today. 

Here are the locals cleaning up after a wind storm. Note the fellow with the large machete. 

We stop at First Landing Resort.



Such a beautiful place. 

We stop at a roadside food place that locals go to.  These men are working on the roads.  They were so funny and friendly.  All the people we met were amazing.

We then go to our driver’s daughter’s school.  The principal makes an announcement to the school that we are visiting and the children are so curious.

This is an elementary school of approximately 1300 children.  They all wear uniforms and are quite well behaved.  The school is strict by our standards.

This is a classroom where this older man is the teacher.  He has 49 students in his class.  He still uses a blackboard but hopes to get a whiteboard soon.  He says that a teacher is paid $20,000 FJD per year.

Off to the islands!

We are staying at the Palms in Denarau and it’s lovely.  Very comfortable night.  One bedroom apartment.  We’re a ten minute walk to the marina where there are shops and restaurants.

This morning we boarded our catamaran to go to the outer islands.

There are so many small islands.  Some are uninhabited, several have a few resorts on them.  We first went to Malamala which just took 30 minutes.  Unfortunately the winds were blowing so the ride was rough.  They also had to cancel some activities such as kayaking and paddle boarding.  Did go snorkelling but it was challenging with the waves.  

I’m ready??

And off I go!

Had a lovely BBQ lunch with local Fijian entertainment.

Scary stuff!

We then got back on the boat and headed off to see more islands.

Some beautiful places to stay..

The locals welcoming people arriving for a stay!

Back in Denarau having a glass of wine and deciding what to do for dinner. 

Fiji….here we come!

Marlene and I at YVR about to board our plane to Fiji.  Flying Fiji Air direct from Vancouver to Nadi, Fiji.  11 hrs. 50 minutes.  Good flight. 

Arriving at Nadi Airport.  It’s 5:30 a.m.  Sun just coming up.  It’s 26 degrees and quite humid. 

While at the airport we saw these men marching. Apparently there were some dignitaries in town. Quite impressive.  Our driver Raheel picked us up and is going to take us to see a few interesting places in Nadi. It’s Sunday morning so some things are closed.

We first drive into the town of Nadi to the outdoor market.  Everything is grown locally.  Very fresh.





Very colourful fruits and vegetables.



These are mussels.  Collected one day and sold at market the next.  So fresh.  

Visiting the Swami Temple

We desperately needed a coffee so Raheel took us to this coffee shop.  Bula means hello.  Very good coffee…

Very creative artwork on my coffee.

Off to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant.  

So lush and tropical…

Orchids are the specialty of these gardens.

It was very hot and cooling off with a glass of this really good juice was a winner.

 

Then it was time for lunch and Raheel drove us to The Boatshed.  A great restaurant right on the water.

Then back to Denarau to check in at our hotel, The Palms.  The skies have opened up and it is pouring.  It’s not long before it stops and the sun comes out again.  We check in and then walk down to the marina which is five minutes away.  Lots of shops and we are inquiring about going out on a cruise to see some of these gorgeous islands.

 It’s a lovely evening and there are several restaurants to choose from.  We’re going on a day tour of South Sea Island.  Should be great.