 After one night it became obvious that we would need mosquito netting. Soon as we could, David and I caught a bus into Suva.
Shopping being a new experience we wandered up and down the streets trying to bargain. Luckily, we ran into Jas and he helped us get the nets - doing the bargaining for us.
I soon figured out that Chinese shops had the best prices and they didn't argue. We got sheets and pillow cases at BP's [ed. - Burns Philips, department store] and pillows at MH's [ed - Morris Hedstroms, ditto]. We had been
given $50 for setup expenses and so far haven't put a big dent into it.
We had a talk on banking in Fiji and then we opened accounts (for our $80/month living expenses). I put all of my money into Bank of New Zealand [ed - kept that account open until 1985] (around $200).
Disappointed to find out that $US1 is only worth F80¢.
Emosi picked Jim, Diane and me up in a cab and we ate at the Nanking (Victoria Parade). A small air-conditioned place that is the Peace Corps hangout. From there he took us to the Isa Lei for drinks on the balcony. Its a hotel shaped like a turtle.
We saw the floor show (hulas and Tongan dances). The MC took us by surprize when he sang "Happy Birthday" to Diane. Emosi is son a of chief and we got special treatment at all of the places. Other??? Yes. Next stop around 1AM, a new hotel,
the Tradewinds (Lami), which is built over the water. We drank until 3AM at the wharf-type bar watching the fish swim. Finished the evening (morning?) at the Golden Dragon, a discothque. I had 23 beers!!!! |
