After 17 long days on the boat, we arrived in Suva on Thursday morning. I didn’t sleep much the night before. I could see the glow of the lights of Suva from about 40 miles away and started to get really excited about the proverbial terra firma and all of its space and modern conveniences–food not prepared by me, the chance to communicate with the rest of the world, and of course, fresh water showers. We dropped anchor outside Suva Harbor around 10:30 a.m. but unfortunately weren’t visited by customs and immigration officials until after 3:00, so by the time we paddled ashore (the outboard engine is still acting up–I’ll leave the technical explanation to Dallas) it was just about happy hour! Shiroma and I enjoyed nice, long, mostly-hot showers before joining the guys for some hot, inexpensive food and cold drinks. Ahhhh, the little things in life. ;-)

Approaching Suva, Fiji

Today Shiroma and I have been out stretching our legs and exploring the city of Suva, primarily the HUGE market of fruits, veggies, spices, and kava (a root that is commonly used here to make a drink with sedative properties). I have to be brief at the moment in order to get back to the boat for dinner, but I look forward to posting some of the photos I’ve taken today. The Fijian people that we have met so far have been extremely warm and seem to enjoy having their picture taken.

Our first glimpse of the market

Some unusual (to us) fruits and veggies

One man who was sweeping the floor at the market approached us and invited us to the back of the arena where his friends were drinking kava. I couldn’t resist the opportunity, and Shiroma reluctantly followed. It turned out to be a really nice introduction to Fijian culture. The kava tasted a little bitter but not bad and left my tongue feeling a little numb. The kind man who shared it with us said that they tend to mix it stronger in the comfort of their own home.  ;-)

Afternoon Kava

If being in Fiji wasn’t exciting enough, I have the added thrill of being able to see my sister tomorrow!! I haven’t seen Ashley for over a year, but she and her boyfriend James (who I have yet to meet) will be spending the next two weeks with us! It should be more than enough time to catch up, get her some needed R & R after several months of full time work and graduate school, and have some memorable adventures. Let the fun begin!!