Bula From Fiji

Today, Wednesday, we are in Suva, Fiji, our second port in Fiji.  Yesterday, we were in Savusavu and we took Vuadomo Cultural Exchange and Waterfall Oceania excursion.  After tendering in, we took a short walk before boarding the bus for the excursion.

It was about a 40 minute ride to the Vuadomo village where we were greeted by local entertainment.

That was followed by a kava ceremony - we did not volunteer to take part and drink the kava.

This was followed by more entertainment.

We were then taken to the waterfall.  It was a short walk from the parking area to the Vuadomo waterfall.  Once there, it was time to jump in!

On the ride back to Savusavu, we stopped at the Urata overlook.

Then there was a painfully long stop at a store for shopping.  We could have walked back to the tender pier, but we stayed with it because the next stop was at the Nakama Thermal Hot Springs.  They are renowned for temperatures that approach the boiling point.  Apparently, the locals will steam food in the springs.  Let's just say that the hot springs were less than impressive and the drive by was more than adequate.

Today we are in Suva, Fiji.  When we were here in April, we did a tour that took us to a waterfall.  Sound familiar?

This time we opted to just explore the city, which is the capital of Fiji.  We did not get a chance to do that last time.  We walked to the muncipal market which is quite near the port.  We were impressed by the arrays of super sized vegetables and quite low prices.

We then went for a nice walk along the waterfront.

Along the way, we heard and saw many common myna birds and then Linda spotted this pretty tanager.

So, what's our plan for the rest of the day?  As I am writing this, Linda is getting a massage.  My massage is scheduled for later this afternoon.  Will we go out again?  Maybe.  Or maybe we'll just enjoy dolce far niente - the sweetness of doing nothing!

Vosa Vakaviti,

Linda and Larry

Talofa From Pago Pago

While I have cell service, I'll give y'all a quick update of our brief outing in Pago Pago.  We were docked at 11:00am and we walked off the ship soon after.  We walked along the waterfront and stopped at Utulei Beach Park.  It was not much of a park or much of a beach, but it did provide nice views.  And it was windy!

                                                    
 

Continuing on from there, we intended to walk a bit before heading back into town for lunch.  But we came upon a nice looking restaurant, the Goat Island Cafe, right on the waterfront and opted to eat there.  The rather large fish bowls were really good.

Right after we finished lunch, there was a 2 minute rain shower.  Timing is everything!  We walked back to town and returned to the ship.  

It was a good 90 minute outing.

As I'm sitting on our veranda writing this, the rain returned.  Timing is everything!

Filemu ma faamanuiaga,

Linda and Larry