October 17, 18, 19 - Sick Days, Labasa, Travel to Taveuni

October 17 (Day 6 – Sick day ☹, Split Rock Snorkel, The Grace Road Kitchen): Rod and Jim are both sick. So today was a rest day! We hung out at the villa and read. In the afternoon, Jim & Pam went to snorkel towards Split Rock. Rod was down for the count. I got in the pool. Rod & I went to town for takeout from The Grace Road Kitchen. Again, very good! Rained in the morning.

Rod’s Thoughts: Don’t get sick on vacation…yuck! When we went for takeout, we had to climb back up the stairs to the villa. Wow! I had to stop three times and thought my lungs would burst.

October 18 (Day 7 – Lambasa, Island Grill):

Did laundry this morning so it would dry while we were gone! Rod felt much better, so we drove to Labasa about an hour and a half drive. Very beautiful and mountainous! We got up pretty high! When we got to town, we doubled back to the airport to use the bathroom. Labasa was crowded! I think it may be partly because Diwali is Tuesday. We wandered through the market and bought some moli (oranges). Interestingly, most of the inside stalls were Indian and outside were Fijian. It is sugar cane harvest time, so we got stuck behind some cane trucks while driving. We saw no other Europeans! It was hot and crowded, so we decided to head back. Had cheese and crackers in the car on the way home. It was a very authentic cultural experience! But I don't think we need to go back. Back for a rest and shower. Rod and I went to get takeout and wine from the Island Grill. I ate my leftovers from Thursday. We have been calling in our takeout orders... really speeds things up!

Rod’s Thoughts: Labasa was very crowded, almost like a little Suva. But as Marg says, it might have been because of Diwali. The shops were crazy busy.

Diwali is the five-day Hindu festival of lights, also celebrated by other religions like Jainism and Sikhism, which symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Celebrations include lighting oil lamps or diyas, decorating homes with colorful rangoli designs, feasting on sweets and food, and setting off fireworks.

October 19 (Day 8 – Suncity Bus to Buca Bay, Ferry Ride to Taveuni, Vale Sekoula, Dive Café): We left our villa just before 11:45 am. We awakened very early so a lot of sitting around time! Rod dropped us off at the bus depot and went to return the car. Sun City bus arrived as scheduled. There were already a lot of people on board. Very crowded. A very nice marama (older woman) bossed people around, so we all got seats. Rod was way in the back. $25 for both the bus and ferry. A typical bus ride to Buca Bay and ferry dock is about an hour. The fairy was very nice and cool! 45 to 50 minute boat ride. Samir met us at the dock and brought us to our new place. It is beautiful! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a pool, and a beautiful view. Vinna and her daughter Stephanie, who is 7 ½, met us and showed us around. By the time we got our bearings, it was time to go to dinner. We went to the Dive Cafe. We drove. The food took forever, but it was good! Jim didn't get what he ordered and the red wine was very sweet! On the way back it was very dark and we couldn't find our place! Had to Google it, even though it was pretty close! I took a shower, then went to bed.