By Ann…

The predicted rains are here. Not really heavy rains, just consistent rain. We woke up thinking we would go visit the Hindu Temple in Nadi, but the rains changed our plans.

Taking advantage of the rains, Bob spent the morning enjoying The Cruise of the Snark by Jack London and I found ways to stay busy. I busied myself cleaning various areas on the boat that tend to collect stuff. You know, like THAT drawer in your kitchen.

I also I made a triple batch of hummus as garbanzo beans will be taken as we check into New Zealand. I figure if they are hummus we will get to keep them. I can’t believe I can make hummus from garbanzo beans without a blender. But it sure tastes good!

Just as I finished the hummus Bob announced that the rain had let up. So we took advantage of the break and took the bus into Nadi ($1.15 Fijian, which is about $0.70 US) to see the Sri Siva Subramaniya temple. It is the largest Hindu Temple in the South Pacific. Per our guide book it is “the only thing worth seeing in Nadi”. So we went.

Entering the temple

The guide said they paint it every 12 years. Must be a huge job!

Part of the ceiling inside. The pictures depict stories of the Hindu faith.

We took the Bula Bus and then walked through Nadi to the temple. It was visible about three blocks away because of the brilliant colors. But get up close and those pretty colors are on a plywood board. It was like approaching a country fair. So one dimensional. Luckily that was the outside border.

The temple itself has vibrant paintings all over the ceilings and walls and multiple altars to a variety of beings that just confused me. We removed our shoes, wore a sulu, coved our shoulders, took the tour and left somewhat confused. We know nothing about Hindu religious beliefs and our tour guide was not very good at explaining it so we just enjoyed the colors. And now we can say we saw it.

We had a nice time wandering the streets of downtown Nadi and stopped for fresh tomatoes at the market and came back to Charisma. Yep, we saw Nadi.

Now we can catch that Monday or Tuesday window to New Zealand! Weather permitting….

PS – yes, I went up the mast yesterday. I saw nothing to make us nervous and was able to oil the shims coming into the mast. Not a beautiful day but there was a nice breeze and a view of Port Denarau.

Ann's buddy on the boat next door.

View of Port Denarau.

It's a loooonnggg way down.