Pity the Poor Reader- or Seabreeze memories

This blog progresses in fits and spurts.  And I am putting things on here just for me to look back on and remember.  This is because some of the routine things we enjoyed in the Dominican republic have faded away.

So Seabreeze Park is right along the Suva waterfront.  We walk in the morning near ANZ stadium, just past the Marine training academy.  There are often police training groups in the streets being tested for physical fitness.  Some don't look like they would pass so it must be for office staff and everyone.

The park is quite well kept, and has some colorful things to see, even beyond the sunrises we see many days. So enjoy the pictures, or not, as is your pleasure:

The sunrise is a free gift from God, the pictures below are man's efforts to be colorful and beautiful:

White rock letters are used often in Fiji, as are
 painted rocks for borders.

These small mosaic animals are on the rocks beside the path:

Finally, the best of all gifts...Love:

Sunset vs. Super moon

Tonight was a super-moon rising, the moon appearing larger because of its closer orbit to the earth. The sunset was just our regular ho-hum effort.

Diwali Celebration and Vanuatu Families

Diwali, the Hindi celebration of light winning over darkness, stretches over several days.  It is notable for fireworks and Indian families inviting neighbors into their homes for treats. The treats are varied, but include some sweet cookie-like objects.  Bright colors are a feature.  There are some lights, usually white but also other colors.  The Vodafone micro-wave tower was brightly lit, it looked like a Christmas tree so was very welcome.  The fireworks were seen all around Suva, not from a central location but from individual homes and businesses.  They were most common on the last night of October, but were pretty obvious in the days leading up to and after the main night.  There were so many around us that it was a bit unsettling, I was glad they were for fun and not artillery.

A neighbor across the street has the senior
missionary couples over every year.

I was not able to get any good pictures, the fireworks were
surrounding the Temple, we watched for awhile from
the front steps of the Temple.

The Vodafone Tower looks like a ChristmasTree.

We had three couples from Vanuatu at the Temple this week.  Another culture to learn about, very fun to work with in the Temple housing and in the Temple.

The Leetham family, Louisa at 14 months was our favorite.

Posing with Willy George family.

The George family, Michael and Steven as tough guys.

Hornes in Suva

The Hornes came with us to Suva for their last four days.  We went to Church on Sunday in Navua and saw a wonderful primary program.  Then we drove to Suva for a driving tour of the Central Suva area.  We also saw the Church secondary school campus.  The Horne children were anxious to see their room, they were happy to see how nice the Patron house apartment is. It has a great view across the parking lot to the Suva Temple.  Monday we went shopping and touring downtown, the kids found treasures and bought Bula shirts, I put mine on for some pictures with their shirts.

Church college "B" poster, like the kids learned
at home.

With the Guard at the government building.

Playing the quiet game.

Bula shirts outside our apartment.

Bula shirts on parade.

Amos was given a mango at the local fruit stand.

Ward, Margaret and Amos at the Temple grounds entrance.

Barefoot Manta resort, Yasawa Island chain, Fiji

After our days at the Wyndham on Denarau Island we boarded the yellow Yasawa Flyer for the trip north into the Yasawa island chain.  We stayed in tent bures at Barefoot Manta Resort.  The area was beautiful and everyone was friendly.  The coral was in good shape for our snorkeling, and Eric and Amos did a resort dive from shore. There is also a hike on the island to a hill high over the water, overlooking the islands to the south. 

Yasawa Island chain, our island is
straight to the left of the top of
Maggie's head. Drauwaqa Island

With Louisa Tuakei in the Yasawa flyer captain's lounge.

Living the good life, lollipop rewards, waitingfor our sodas and chips.

Fijian warrior welcomes us to the Yasawa island chain.

Small boat against the flyer waiting to take on luggage.

Welcome to our tent bure, Barefoot Manta Resort.

The bure was very comfortable, attached bath and cool shower,
open to the sky.

View from our front porch.

First hikers to the south island view point, well worth the
effort.

Audrey's hat from craft day.

Artist's at work at Sunrise Beach.

Eric getting his Scuba on.

Audrey and our fancy, designer castle.

Supply boat with our food and fuel.

Bringing diesel fuel to shore.

Feral goats from the overlook.

Amos and I on our hike to south view point.
 A beautiful part of the world.