Fiji & New Zealand

I was really hoping to find some real authentic Fiji shops where I could find handmade crafts and jewelry, not the fake Chinese crap that the sterile chain shops sell.

As we drove, we stopped for fuel, and Peter added to our story of how we met. "Remember, I'm your friend, not your taxi driver. We met on the beach yesterday, and we shared a meal for dinner. You came over to my house, and had dinner with my family, and asked me to show you around today." 🤪🙊🙉

Peter took me to Jack's of Fiji, the nice looking store full of "made in China". I looked at the store and hesitated. I told him that I really wanted a more "divey, local place" (he probably didn't understand that terminology), but he assured me that it was safer here, and they wouldn't be pushy to sell me things, and try to wheel and deal me.

I shopped at this store while Peter waited outside. When I emerged and checked my time, I asked if there was another shop nearby, more authentic and local where perhaps I could find a wooden turtle necklace. He led me around the corner to Alweera Boutique. The sign clearly says "100% Fiji Made Products, Fijian Owned".

As I entered, we greeted each other with jubilant and cheerful bulas, as all Fijians do. The merchant first told me that his store was authentic and then invited me to join him in a welcoming ceremony, and I, all in that I am, of course said yes.

First things first, my shoes came off again. I was invited to sit taylor-style on the floor covered with a natural fiber rug. He covered my legs with a fabric cover and then pulled out the kava.... of course! I couldn't back out now. It did cross my mind that perhaps this merchant was working in cahoots with Peter, and they were drugging me so they could drag me out of there, rob me or worse... but I chose to trust.

He began to make the kava in the wooden kava bowl between us, explaining as he went. "Bula" clap once. He served me, and I drink 4 oz in one toss back. This kava did not taste bad. Thank God. It was actually pleasant. Yes, still earthy, but not nasty like my previous experience. Clap, clap, clap. Vinaka. As more customers came in, they did the same thing. Children too These people are drinking kava all day long. Check out the videos of the kava ceremony.

Peter told me that school starts next week, so that is why there are so many children and families traveling this week.

After the kava, the merchant showed me around. Pieces carved of bone, turquoise, black coral, and coconut wood. I selected several items; declined several others, and he offered everything to me for 600 FJ$. I got him down to 400 FJ$, and feel I probably still overpaid, but he said the turquoise alone was 200 FJ$. I calculated how much I needed to give Peter (60 FJ$), increasing it some since he went the extra mile taking me to the temple, and left a little more for possible future tips and a couple of bills to keep as a souvenir, and then I paid the merchant with my remaining Fiji dollars and the rest by credit card.

Peter was waiting for me outside. We still had time to spare, but it was time to go back to the hotel to get my luggage, get me to the airport, and get Peter back to work. He would by a half hour late.

I asked Peter if he would take a picture of me in front of the mural at the airport, and he happily agreed. After a hug and a selfie with my new friend Peter, I headed in to catch my flight.

There were actually 7 of us from the conference on the flight to Aukland, and Reema got me into the lounge. Charlie was there making a connecting flight in Aukland as well, so he told me exactly what to do to get to the domestic terminal for my connecting flight. This was very helpful.

I got my checked bags and then went through customs with beagles sniffing the luggage. Then followed the green line, at least one mile walk outside, to the domestic terminal. I then checked my bags again and went through security to my gate.

Onwards to Queensland. Sota tale, Fiji.Lue lisää