Around the World Cruise 2018: Fiji

January 25. We arrived in Suva, Fiji about 6 am and docked next to a container ship from Singapore. The kingdom of Fiji is made up of 333 islands, 1/3 of them are inhabited. The total population of all these islands is about 900,000, with 250,000 living around Suva, the capital city. Fiji is a group of volcanic islands with a tropical rain forest climate, but the mountains are not as high and impressive as on Tahiti or Bora Bora.

Fiji was originally called "Viti", which refers to breaking branches, the method that was used to clear footpaths when the island was originally settled. Locals say "bula", which means hello. They grow sugar cane, casava and many other fruits and vegetables on the main island of Viti Levu.

Our excursion was to Sawani, a village of indigenous Fijians, about 15 miles from the port.. There are 88 persons currently living in this village. Each extended family has their own house, which is constructed of wood or cement blocks with a corrugated metal roof. They have electricity and modern appliances, but the windows were all open (no screens to keep the bugs out) and there was little furniture inside. The nicest buildings in the village were the home of the chief, the church, and the community center.

The men prepared and offered us kava, the official drink of Fiji. It is made by mixing water with powder from the root of the kava plant (Piper methysticum) . It had a slight peppery taste, numbs your mouth a bit, and is used to reduce stress or help you sleep. The adults entertained us with music and dancing, showed us their traditional dress, and led us on a short tour of the village. Many of the women make woven purses, mats and fans, which were available for sale. The people were very warm and friendly. As we got ready to leave, our lady tour guide gave us a hug and kiss and wished us well.