Getting Mudded In Fiji

The things I do for my art lol like posting this picture. It is Day 67 and we are in Lautoka Fiji. I have been here before and got a nice overview of the island then. This time I opted to do a Fijian Natural Thermal Mud Bath. We were greeted by the locals with a lively hello ceremony. They made their popular Kava drink which our guide explained “you have not been to Fiji unless you drink Kava”. I decided to give it a taste. Before the sip to show respect, you clap once and say “Bula”. Bula is a word used often in Fiji meaning “hello/welcome” To me the taste was rooty if there is such a word and it left a numbing effect in my mouth. I came, I drank Kava, I have visited Fiji. We were prepared for the mud.
Instructed to cover ourselves in mud we scooped from a bucket I did so and then baked in the sun. It was a pleasant feeling believe it or not. From there we walked from 1 hot spring to the next in an order designed to remove the mud. Walking in these pools was slippery and the water was pleasantly warm almost hot. Hard to believe these were natural hot springs with this type of temperature. Each dip, 4 in all, rinsed more of the mud off and when it was finished, I was treated to a marvelous 15-minute massage. I could have stayed there much longer as the experienced native masseuse melted all my cares away.
After that was done, we enjoyed local watermelon and pineapple. The sweetness and freshness thrilled the palate. Dark clouds brought in rumbles of thunder, and it was time to get back to the ship. We were treated to a melodic goodbye song and off we went as the rain began to fall.
The bus drive back was bumpy as there were potholes created by the persistent rain this time of year. The scenery was gorgeous and on all these islands I am struck by how green everything looks. Even the simplest of houses was surrounded by tropical plants and flowers of all sizes and colors. A feast for the eyes. I loved every moment of this excursion.
2 sea days coming up as we head to Bay of Islands in New Zealand.
Until then Happy Sailing!