Suva, Fiji

November 4th #1 (Tomorrow with be November 4th #2 as we cross the International Date Line.

Bula Bula aka hello aka Kaora  in Maori! The day started warm and rainy.  Basically there are no seasons like we are used to..just wet and dry seasons( we got the wet)

Suva is the capital of Fij. 

On the first Nov 4, 2009, we went to the biggest Pacific Arts village and saw the most spectacular event  that only people from this country do ---------------  FIRE WALKING.  It is to be noted that to prepare for the event, the fire walker is not permitted to eat fish, coconut or be with a woman for 2 weeks.

This was followed by local dances and a COCONUT HUSKING competition with the prize to the winner being thee of the tourists!  eat your hearts out people back home!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Interesting fact about coconuts: Nothing is wasted – you get coconut milk, make bowls to use for drinking Kava (a local beverage made from the bark of a, tree root that’s supposed to have medicinal and relaxing properties) and from the fibers you can make rope baskets and belts.

These activities occurred at a local village that had authentic thatched “bures” or homes where we also watched locals demonstrate the arts of making “Masi” or “Tapa” cloth , wood carving and basket weaving.  TAPA is made from the bark of the mulberry tree and the stencils for the designs are made from bamboo.  TAPA cloth is used for home decorations (table cloths, wall hanging etc.) but traditionally it was used for women’s skirts and scarves and sashes.

   

Lunch in the village consisted of LOVO aka HANGI  in New Zeland-the food is cooked in a pit in the ground.  We had chicken with a local root vegetable that tasted like a bland potato and green leaves in coconut milk (great diet meal!  very unsavory cuisine!)..but the beer was good!!!

Interesting facts:  Coconut tree is the national symbol.Fiji was first discovered by Abel Tasman in 1643 and later by the ever famous Captain Cook.The Fiji we saw was not the beautiful sandy beaches you see on TV shows, because we travelled to the interior.

After having less than stellar excursions in New Zealand we really had a very nice day despite the overcast weather.

If you notice a different style of writing on this blog, please note that Delia will be assisting me with the “scribe” duties. 

Vinaka aka Thank you for reading this blog!