Fiji: Day 6

After a bit of work this morning, I set out to the local markets on the hunt for some photos and crafts. I made friends (as usual) with a few of the kids in the market. We sang some songs together and afterward, they decided to follow me around the market for a while. The eldest of the three had a smile that lit up the whole building. Later, my friends and I popped over to the Fiji museum where I sang with the local Fiji band. Playing music with people is the same no matter where you are in the whole world. I don't need to speak the local language, I just need to speak music. XO! JT

Look where each of them is looking... up the hierarchy. ;)

Look where each of them is looking... up the hierarchy. ;)

My little lady friends from the market. 

My little lady friends from the market. 

Singing in Fiji! People were dancing!! :)

Singing in Fiji! People were dancing!! :)

Fiji: Days 4 & 5

My time here has continued to be filled with so many friendly Fijians. I am fairly convinced that adopting the Fijian attitude toward contentedness would be a smart and healthy choice for an American girl like me. Although the weather has been quite wet and windy, the heart of Fiji shines through the clouds with smiles and warm greetings. Every. Single. Moment. 

Getting down to work. I told you this wasn't vacay! 

Getting down to work. I told you this wasn't vacay! 

Drinking Fiji water IN FIJI in honor of my beautiful sister. 

Drinking Fiji water IN FIJI in honor of my beautiful sister. 

Indo-Fijian (or Fijian Born Indian) fashions at the local mall. 

Indo-Fijian (or Fijian Born Indian) fashions at the local mall. 

A photo my colleague took in the market the other day while I was singing with the boys. 

A photo my colleague took in the market the other day while I was singing with the boys. 

Young teenage boys after they helped us cross a busy street in Suva. 

Young teenage boys after they helped us cross a busy street in Suva. 

The security guard at the post office. You'll notice that when I take photos of people their mouths are open. This is because instead of cheese, they are saying "Bula!" 

The security guard at the post office. You'll notice that when I take photos of people their mouths are open. This is because instead of cheese, they are saying "Bula!" 

On Victoria Parade heading to the market. 

On Victoria Parade heading to the market. 

My sweet friend Sherry with her cute cat and dog panty hose. 

My sweet friend Sherry with her cute cat and dog panty hose. 

These Fijian military men were telling me how they wanted to join Uncle Sam. The skirts they are wearing are very typical in Fiji and are called sulus. 

These Fijian military men were telling me how they wanted to join Uncle Sam. The skirts they are wearing are very typical in Fiji and are called sulus. 

Bula!! 

Bula!! 

Fiji: Day 3

Day 3:

Today we made our way through the Botanical Gardens to the Fiji museum where we learned about Fiji's rich history. Afterwards, we found the Presidential Palace where we unsuccessfully attempted to make the guard at the gate smile. He was obviously very good at his job! ;) We then navigated through the bustling streets of Suva to find the beautiful flea markets filled with traditional Fijian textiles. I had the privilege of meeting some young boys who were happy to sing some songs and take a photo with me. So far, Fiji has been nothing but warm and welcoming. I am honored and thrilled to be here learning about this exceptionally beautiful culture. XO! JT

Walkway through the gardens. 

Walkway through the gardens. 

Pretty tree at the entrance. 

Pretty tree at the entrance. 

Hello!

Hello!

Alien flower. 

Alien flower. 

Extensive roots.

Extensive roots.

Classic jumping photo. 

Classic jumping photo. 

Looks like a Mona Lisa smile to me. 

Looks like a Mona Lisa smile to me. 

Indigenous Fijian necklace.

Indigenous Fijian necklace.

My new friends and me in the market. 

My new friends and me in the market. 

Bula from Fiji!

Bula from Suva!

After over 24 hours of cumulative travel time, I finally arrived safely in Fiji. So much has already happened that I can't wait to share!

Day 1:

- I met with part of my group at the airport ahead of the flight. 

- After 2 flights (one of which was 11 hours), I took one last flight from Nadi to Suva! It was a hopper and only held 15 people. Thank goodness I took some dramamine. 

- Drank Fiji water IN FIJI!! 

- Walked into town to grab a quick lunch and promptly hopped into the Grand Pacific Hotel pool that overlooks the Suva Harbor. I swear, I'm not on vacation. 

- Watched the sunset while in the pool (that's me in the pool!!)... again, not vacation. 

Day 2:

- Went to the craft and food markets! 

The photo below shows taro root- very sweet and used in cooking/drinks. 

Happened upon the New Zealand Rugby team! They were having breakfast at our hotel. Very sweet group of guys. ;)

Experienced the heart beat of Fiji at a rugby game!! Chiefs vs. Crusaders! 

This is Amani! Our local guide and friend who works at the Grand Pacific Hotel. He was nice enough to help us navigate getting to and from the game. Go Chiefs! 

I have much more to post, but will do it once I can get the photos off of my phone. If I don't post often, it is because the internet follows the Fijian way of life... slow and relaxed. ;) Xo! JT

Fiji

Hello!

I am excited to announce my departure to Fiji in 2 weeks time! I will be traveling to learn about the local Fijian music and customs, hopefully returning with some incredible experiences and lots of inspiration. :)

If you would like to keep up with my travels, I will be posting updates here on my blog. 

Thank you again for all of your incredible support! 

Bula!

JT