We’re off! We left port this morning at 10:30, sent on our way with a
beautiful farewell song from the marina staff and a wreath of flowers
left on our prow. I write this as we are still motoring amid the islands
of Fiji, before we truly hit the choppy water of the open ocean. I’m
wearing my seasickness patch and bracing myself for the predicted
eleven-foot waves we may be hitting on the passage, but I have faith in
my body to understand what’s going on and not hit me with TOO much
seasickness. This isn’t my first time on a boat on choppy water, but it
will certainly be the longest voyage and the choppiest water.

Fiji was an absolute delight. I’m glad we got to spend one day longer
than expected on the island, as it gave me time to explore the town of
Nadi and also settle from the bodily stress of flying halfway around the
world. We attempted to visit a Hindu temple on our day off yesterday,
the largest on the islands, but it was closed for a private procession.
Ah well, it was still a sight to behold from the outside. The ornate
colorful designs on the roof of the temple looked like piles of handmade
hard candy. From the temple, we walked into Nadi proper and explored a
handicrafts market, bought a few small souvenirs, and then ate lunch.
The food court at the mall was interesting; not a single restaurant
served beverages save the tea stand in the corner, so Todd and I ordered
some very tasty Yakults. Todd was surprised to hear that I knew what
Yakult was (a probiotic drink), thanks to an Australian podcast I listen
to named “The Weekly Planet” about pop culture movie news. It’s not a
podcast about probiotic drinks, but the hosts love to banter and
referenced the idea that Yakult helps you poop, and the name stuck with me.

Speaking of Australia, I was surprised to see my own name on a business
sign in Nadi: Grant’s Australian Horse Betting.

On our way back from Nadi, we were approached by a taxi driver who first
brought us to another handicrafts business, claiming that it was the
REAL deal, as opposed to the other one which was too corporate. We were
welcomed by a man named Pita (like the bread, he said), who welcomed us
to Fiji with a Kava ceremony, which was very fun. Kava is a drink made
from roots grown on the island, which is a slight narcotic that
supposedly makes you sleepy. Pita filled a cloth bag with some powdered
Kava root, then poured water over it in a bowl and massaged the bag,
leaving a muddy-brown liquid in the bowl. He gave each of us a cup of
the Kava, one at a time, and sang a short song during which we had to
clap three times along with him, then, quote, “skull the Kava.” Thanks
to the Weekly Planet again, I knew that meant chugging it in one go! It
was bitter, like tea, and I felt a slight sensation just after drinking,
somewhat like a caffeine rush, but only lasting a second. After that, we
bought a few more souvenirs, including a carved turtle bowl and a Maui’s
fishhook necklace made from mother-of-pearl for me, which is meant to
bring good luck in the voyage. I’m wearing it now and plan on wearing it
for the whole passage.

After that, we returned to the marina, I spent some lovely time swimming
in the perfect ocean, ate a delicious final “fancy” meal (a sizzling,
spicy plate of veggies and beef for me), and then hit the hay. Next
morning, we met with the customs official, and set off. Now the
adventure truly begins! Open ocean, here we come! Maui, please protect
our humble ship as we traverse the open waters. And Fiji, thank you for
taking in these four travelers as the final stop along Rover’s voyage.
Vinaka!

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