Fiji
-Saving the Best for Last
We
honestly had no idea what to expect in Fiji.
We
had booked an all day tour which would allow us to experience the
native ways and customs as well as take a river tour on narrow wooden
boats (reminded Bob a little of the "bonka" boats he'd
ridden in the Philippines, only bigger.
As
we pulled into port, sure enough we were greeted with a "war"
canoe being paddled past as the local teams practiced.
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A
surprise gift from the people of Fiji was a brass band! They were
present when we departed as well.
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We
boarded our bus and met Ryan, our guide for the day
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Along
the way, Ryan pointed out the graveyard. So apparently the Polynesian / Bora Bora
custom of burying family in the yard is not followed here
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Following
the ceremony, we took a few photos at the door opening on the river
side
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Wildlife
abounds in the area
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This
is the meeting house, without a doubt the largest building in the
village
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Following
the kava ceremony we were given a tour of the village including
watching the women weave the floor mats used in place of rugs and
carpeting in the buildings.
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The
school children sang songs for us
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Afterward,
one of the men from the tour entertained the kids with ballon
animals!
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This
woman was pleased to allow us to photograph her and her children
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Next,
it was time for lunch and a demonstration of native dances. The men
danced as warriors . . .
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. . . while
the women danced more sweetly!
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Then
they opened the floor to whoever wanted to dance and Theresa joined
in - that's her in the center with her back to you in the black Capris and light blue swim suit top.
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The
food was all authentic food they would have for a feast. Of course,
we tried a little of everything!
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Then
we got in the boats headed up stream!
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We
figured we had "made out" since we were in the first boat
away . . .
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. . . but as it happens, we had one empty seat and we pulled back in
when most of the others were long gone!
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Our
driver
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The
river is fairly shallow and very pretty - we met other boats from earlier visitors on their way down river
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There
are several rapids and our boat driver lined up very carefully before
entering
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As
we traversed the river, we got an appreciation for just how dense a
jungle can be!
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But
we occasionally encountered a raft - the local means of conveyance
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After a 40 minute boat ride, we
reached a little concrete dock and began our 10 minute walk into the
rain forest to a waterfall
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Where
we swam! While it was a little chilly, it was euphoric! I mean how many people get to swim in a tropical rain forest waterfall in the South Pacific with their lover and best friend!
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On
the way back, we noticed this waterfall in the jungle
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As
we approached the village, we were impressed at how beautiful it is from the river!
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Once
ashore, we headed for our buses and saw this little boy playing with
a toy road grader!
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While
the teens played volleyball
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As
we came back into Suva, the capitol city, we began to see many, many markets along the
way
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Suva
is a pretty city but we were running late and had no time to do a
walkabout
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A nice city park near the waterfront
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Could
not tell if this was an official building or a hotel
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This
boy was busily rearranging the remaining fruit in his bowls in hopes
that they would sell
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Finally,
we saw a number of Fijian police dressed in a festive sarong/skirt - not sure how that would go over among police back home!
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Tomorrow
- back to sea and a summer cold!
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