Bula! This is the Fijian greeting meaning “hello” or “welcome.” Everyone we passed today, with very few exceptions, smiled and said “Bula!” Fiji is beautiful and the people are so kind, welcoming, and helpful. They love their tourists! We arrived in the port of Suva this morning and took a tour bus to a Fijian arts village. Here there was a local handicrafts market and they preformed a traditional Fijian warrior ceremony. This included fire-walking and traditional dance. Actually, there is only one area of Fiji that does the fire-walking. They believe the ability to do such is hereditary and a special gift bestowed on the tribe of Beqa. It was quite entertaining to watch and interesting to hear the commentary as to the significance of each part of the ceremony.
An odd, but interesting historical fact about this area of the world is that they used to practice cannibalism as a normal way of life. When they killed those from another tribe, they would feast. The children from the losing tribe would be the targets for marksmanship practice for the children of the triumphant tribe. And then the children would feast on the other children. Please keep in mind that this is an ancient practice and not practiced today. However, it is part of the Fijian history that I thought some of you might find interesting (especially the teenage guys following my blog).
Today, Fiji is a very religious place, with over 90% of the population practicing Christianity. We’re told that on Sundays the whole country shuts down for business and everyone spends the day together in church. The people within the villages are in very close community and truly take care of each other.
After watching the Fire-walkers and dancers at the cultural center, we were served an traditional Fijian lunch. We had baked chicken, taro root (which is similar to potatoes) and also the taro leaves stuffed with a fresh cheese. After lunch, we headed back to the city of Suva for some shopping at the local market. The local souvenirs that are popular unique items of Fiji were wood carved “cannibal forks” and tapa drawings (which is a cloth made out of tree bark with designs printed on it from natural dyes). Of course, being the tourist that I am, I made sure to purchase both items. Overall, this was a very nice day. All aboard wasn’t until 5:30 p.m., which gave us plenty of time to see the highlights without feeling rushed.
Tonight, we will go from being 18 hours ahead of the east coast of the U.S. to being 6 hours behind as we travel back across the International Dateline. Instead of skipping a full day like we did traveling to Asia, this time we will actually have two November nineteenths. (Groundhog’s Day anyone?) I do have to say it was quite nice having 25-hour days coming out here, but it’s been less than ideal having 23-hour days as we travel back east. However, I can’t complain too much because what else do I have to do on sea days other than sun myself and catch up on some sleep. Blessings to you, my friends. It’s with mixed emotions that I’ll be seeing many of you in two weeks as this wonderful Grand Voyage draws to close. Only two more ports: Apia, Somoa and Honolulu, Hawaii. 
Welcome to Fiji
I had to buy and drink a bottle of Fiji Water while in Fiji
It was a lot cheaper than at home and just as good, if not better.
The fire-walking ceremony
Yes, those are red hot stones that the guy in the middle is standing on
Traditional Fijian warrior dance
Carrying their kill to the barbie
Okay, well of course they have to take him away and prepare him first.
Our Fijian lunch
Baked chicken, a type of coleslaw, taro root, and steamed taro leaves stuffed with cheese
Our entertainment
A guy blowing the conch shell and the other beating on a large piece of hollow wood
A fruit and veggie stand on the side of the road
Yes, the men wear skirts here, and it really doesn't seem odd, as it's their culture.
These are high school guys after school in their uniforms.
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