Fiji

There were 2 cruises to choose from to be our ride from Australia back to America. The other one was already sold out over a year ago when we booked, so this one that had 2 stops in Fiji was it. Fiji is an archipelago of more than 300 islands. Our first stop was in the capital, Suva. We took a tour bus to where we climbed in to these kind of rickety long boats

45 minutes of wood seats and where at one point we had to get out and walk part on land because the 30 hp motor couldn't make it across the rapids with us in it. 

The boats took us to a waterfall where we climbed steps up to take a swim in it.

Next up was a Fijian village 

The villagers welcomed us by holding a kava ceremony. During the travels, Bruce volunteered to be chief of our bus. Well, actually, they asked for volunteers and I bumped his arm up. After they chose him, I said, "I just wanted to be queen!" Ha! However, I then learn that during the ceremony all the men sit up front and all the women have to sit in the back. Say what??!! Yea, not happy about that........ The good news was that since Bruce was chief, they did "allow" me up front so I could take pics. So there! 

Now about that kava. Bruce had done some research on it before we went on the trip. It is a mildly narcotic drink that leaves your lips, mouth and tongue numb. So we did know what we were in for!

The ceremony has them making the kava

......bringing it over to Bruce and the chief of the other bus

where the two of them drank the kava to accept the welcoming on behalf of all the rest of us.

However, even though ceremoniously we were all part of their tribe now, we were all invited to try the kava if we wished. Not to be outdone, of course I did!

Frankly, it tasted like dishwater and I didn't have any aftereffects. Whomp Whomp

The next day found us in Lautoka, just the opposite side of the island. We rode a catamaran to South Sea Island, about 30 minute ride. Again, the very nice Fijian people welcomed us to this very tiny island which was basically set up for us to play on!

We almost immediately got on their boat that took us out to snorkel because, well, because that's what we like to do!

We saw sooooo many bright blue starfish here! I cracked up at this picture because it looks like a little blue gumby to me.

The Fijians performed for us, singing and dancing. Note the guy on the far left. He scared the crap out of me during their ceremonial spear dance when he came right at me!

They served us lunch and, oh, did I mention that it was free wine and beer all day long? Yep! A good time was had by all!