We refused to spend another day in Suva taking the free shuttle to the mall. There is nothing we need to buy, and cellular internet today was fast enough to check on things at home. Instead we started the day with a long, leisurely breakfast on the Open Deck Behind the World Fresh Marketplace. It was warm again, but the breeze kept it from being too hot. And this was our view as we ate and interneted:
Fiji is comprised of over 300 islands. Suva is located on the most populated one, but there are several others within view.
The reef is clearly visible from the ship
Finally we decided that we needed to get some exercise, so we left our phones in our cabin so we wouldn’t be tempted to simply find and use WiFi and set out walking from the port. Our first stop was the Suva Market, right across the street. It was highly pungent, with lots of seafood for sale. We crossed back to the water’s edge and walked along the water as far as you can see in this photo. Everyone we met was very friendly and greeted us with Bula! (hello in Fujian) and wished us a nice day. Several people were even chattier, and asked where we were from and if it was our first visit to Suva. If this was our only experience in Suva, I’d feel most comfortable here, but, as I’ve said in the past, there is a darker, less welcoming element in the city. Luckily, we didn’t encounter it today.
Part of the reason we wanted to walk along the waterfront is that the bridge (below) was under construction when we were here two years ago, and the entire area was closed off. The bridge is a gift from China, and is called the Fiji-China Friendship Bridge. China has made a lot of investment in Fiji in the past ten years.
The Fiji-China Friendship Bridge
Finally, the heat chased us back on the ship, and we shared a pizza at Alfredos before settling into loungers around the Hollywood Pool. Lunch was also served in the Concerto Dining Room today, and this was the menu:
Day 9 lunch menu, page 1
Day 9 lunch menu, page 2
Not especially hungry, we went to dinner at 5:30pm. I limited myself to just an entree. Headwaiter Francesco himself prepared my grilled founder fillet with just olive oil and lemon and it was delish.
Day 9 dinner menu, page 1
Day 9 dinner menu, page 2
Day 9 dessert menu
Sunset with Viti Levu (the island on which Suva is located) on the left
We got to the 6:30pm Princess Theater performance of violinist Chris Watkins a little late, but discovered there is a section of seats at the very back of the theater in Deck 7, probably for mobility impaired passengers. There were two seats still available there, and since we have seen this show at least four times already this season, that was close enough for us. We are currently resting in cabin with the intention of heading out shortly for the Hot Latin Nights Deck Party. The weather couldn’t be better for this party tonight, and with the production show singers and dancers also performing, it should be highly entertaining.
Day 9 Princess Patter, page 1
Day 9 Princess Patter, page 2
Day 9 Princess Patter, page 3
Day 9 Princess Patter, page 4