Marching Band

We docked in Suva, Fiji this morning at 7:00am Fiji Time (8 hours behind EDT) and were treated to a marching band and wonderful music to start our day.  

Now off to our tour!

We took a "air-conditioned" bus from the port to the village of Nasali on the Rewa River delta and traveled 15 minutes upriver to the village of Nalililili.

Our Longboat ride up the Rewa river

Rewa River View

Along the Rewa Delta

At Nalililili we toured the centuries old Catholic Church

Nalililili Catholic Church -- circa 1800

Then we returned to Nasali via the longboats and went to a traditional Fijian village of 455 Fijians and were welcomed by the villagers with song and Fijian warriors.  Children at school and everyone being so warm and friendly as we toured their village.

Waivou Warriors

Waivou Village Welcoming

Waivou Kindergarten

Finally we entered the community center, barefoot, and listened to their chief explain their village and their life.  Villagers sang and then the highlight -- The Kava Ceremony!  A very cherished ritual with respected rules for this custom.  Kava is a root from a pepper plant that is dried and ground and then mixed with water and served to individuals, one coconut shell, at a time.  It numbed your tongue a bit!  You accepted the cup, clapped once, drank, smiled, yelled 'BULA" (life), and then clapped 3 times.  "BULA" is said many times throughout the tour and is a cheerful greeting to all!

Kava Ceremony

Kava Cup 

Then we returned to the ship and relaxed for our next port tomorrow Dravuni Island

Our ship at Port of Suva 

View of the mountains from Suva Bay

Before we left Suva, we were pleasantly surprised with a good-bye performance by the Suva Police Marching Band and added Fijian warriors.  What a great visit to a great port!!