DAY 40-SUVA, FIJI

  Our position today is docked at the pier in Suva on the south east side of Fiji.  It is a warm 88 degrees here today.

BACKGROUND INFO:
       This is another NEW port of call for us.  Fiji is an archipelago of more than 330 islands of which 110 of them are permanently inhabited.  The two major islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu which account for 87% of the population of almost 860,000.  Today we are docked in Suva, which is on the largest island, Viti Levu.  Suva is the capital and Fiji’s main cruise port.  Fiji has one of the most developed economies in the Pacific because of its forest, mineral, and fish resources.  But today, their main income sources are from tourism and sugar cane.
       Fiji has been inhabited since 3000BC.  The British ruled Fiji from 1874 to 1970 when it gained its independence.  The British brought in indentured laborers from India to work on their sugar cane plantations.  The British influence still remains as they drive on the left side of the road and the car's drivers sit on the right side.

WHAT WE DID TODAY:
       I had a 6 hour tour booked for today but cancelled it.  The tour entailed riding for 45 minutes each way up a river in a long boat.  The boat was to have board seats with no backs, and more importantly, it was not covered.  I don't think this would have done my neck any good plus I would have baked my brain sitting in this very hot sun.  It is nice and quiet on the ship today with most folks off on tours.

                Photos above are view today from our balcony.

                  Taken on top deck and looking out at downtown area.

                                    People leaving the ship.

            Road from ship to downtown.  It is only a 5 minute walk to downtown.

                    Big bus terminal just outside of the port.

        After a sandwich for lunch I walked into town to try to get some Nasonex nose spray for Rebecca.  Photos are of downtown.  I found one at the first pharmacy I stopped at.  It cost $25 here but in US it costs $110.  During my hour walk I found 5 more pharmacies but none had any.

                        Old cathedral just off main street

             This guy does it all.  Was wondering about VD on the sign however.

                                         Beer truck

 Once again here there was a HUGE market next to the bus terminal just outside the port gate.

                   Market is just on my left as I headed back to the ship.
       Well, it is just after 3:00pm now and some of the tours are returning.  My neck is starting to kill me so I better go lie down.  Tonight we will be dining in Prime 7 (steakhouse).  Tomorrow will be a day at sea again as we proceed to our port which will be Auckland, New Zealand.