Stir it up! Vuda Pt. Marina

Rainy day!

WE went to Lautoka for shopping and fresh vegetables at the market.  We hired a taxi driver, Abdul #2, to take us to and fro…(you can learn so much about the country from taxi drivers!) I am amazed by the huge assortment of farm produce available, goods for sale and shops filled with “stuff”. The shops are mostly Indian owned. They are not the friendliest, they are a little suspicious, but I just think it’s a cultural thing.   We strolled into a shop where they sell beautiful Indian dresses, kind of like a formal wear shop and I asked for a short skirt by chance? Oh no, no, no! said the shopkeeper and waved us out of his shop!   We tourists walk around with big gaping smiles on our faces…(at least I do) and I don’t think this is the custom here. So we stand out. Little kids smile and look at us, and some of the younger generation are friendly, but it’s mixed.  The Fijians are really friendly. The market vendors are really friendly. Most people go about their business without “eye contact”…there are beggars here, but not too many. In 2012 Fiji was destroyed by both a flood and a hurricane that left many people destitute. (If Rotary Club in Glen Ellen needs a cause to support…this is the place!)

We did not go to the major tourist city of Nadi by the airport or to other famous marinas, like Musket Cove. WE are glad to have only seen the “real” Fiji.

Went to Lautoka by taxi for shopping and fresh vegetables at the market.

$2.00 a heap!? That's funny! Prices were very cheep.

Fabric rugs at the market

Need a Tux? Indian men dress 

Stuff...."what ya need?", they ask

Busy, little city!

Yummm....chicken, eggs sandwich and fries

Yachties gather at the Sunset Bar

Were enjoying the marina life. Dancing to reggae, visiting with other yachties and eating out.

The bar scene in Friday Reggae night was quite fun! We danced to “Bob Marley” covers and everyone sang along to the songs! The band was quite good. The open air palapa dining with sunset views across the water just can't be beat!

Stir it up! Reggae band at the Sunset Bar, Vuda Pt. Marina

We’ve met all the cruisers and many are “expats” from different countries and many “lonely old’ sailors” living aboard their boats here is the marina. Evening “happy hour” brings everyone out to socialize with the new arrivals.

We have a small world moment when we meet Patrick, a 73 yr old sailor from our hometown, Santa Rosa, CA! Can you believe it?!  In fact, He and John even worked for the same union construction companies.  I also know his Coldwell Banker realtor, Melody Montero, an associate of mine! He has nothing but good things to say about her! I’m to pass on the “Hello” to her, as he doesn’t use emails.  What a small world! Patrick is a single hander sailor and plans to continue sailing until its: no fun” anymore. My hats off to him. Most men his age are on the way to a nursing home.

We also met a couple on S/V Evergreen, from Tracy, Ca who along with their 15 yr old son have dropped out to sail the world. Several Puddle Jump cruisers have rested here in Vuda before heading on to New Zealand or Australia.  We’ve met more English sailors than Americans. Many cruisers are our age, 60+ couples. Though there are many younger couples that have made the life-choice to sail and work as they go. Doing “what?” I always am curious as to how they manage.  We allowed a year of travel on our savings. We’ve just about used it up so it’s time to head home...but first, via Australia. 

We're enjoying the marina life, dancing to reggae, visiting with other yachties and eating out.

Vuda Pt Marina

Fancy, shhmancy!

Picture please! Such a ham...

Hand wash basin...nice!

Hurricane ready!

Australia ready!

Vuda Pt Marina is a “check out” port of FIJI.  There is a daily stream of incoming and outgoing yachts. Wizard is side tied to the cement wall at the customs dock so we get to see who is in or out.
We are sitting on our boat, waiting out the rain, waiting for Wednesday when we too will check out of Fiji and sail away….

Wish us fair winds!