As with most countries, the gentleman who gave us a ride from the airport to the hotel soon became our friend, guide and driver for the rest of the stay. Like with every such friend in other countries, I had innumerable questions for Aseri. Picked up a lot of understanding of local culture and local practices.

The funniest story came out when I asked him how did he meet his wife.

Apparently, after dating her for some time, when he wanted to marry her, as per tradition, his parents and family had to go her parents and ask for acceptance to the marriage. And as is customary, to soften them up, they showed up with whale’s teeth. They are considered an ultimate offering of gift.

“And so, if they had refused to accept, what would have happened to the whale’s teeth?”, I asked (the software engineering background always prompts me to look out for edge cases).

“They would have kept them!”

Seemed a bit little risky to me!!

Or as they around here – “Sato Tole” !!

Today was not that day 🙁

I can stay here for the rest of the day – with some wine and a book.

The water was pristine and the sand very welcoming

Reputed to have the best waters and beach in this island of Viti Levu. The drive thru the lush hills reminded us of Puerto Rico and St. Croix.

Remember the guy dressed up in straw robes going around lighting the torches and blowing conches last night? This morning he came by the water and started making some weird noises. And all the fish came up excitedly to him. I am not taking about a dozen fish. I mean entire schools of fish showed up. See if you can see them in the water below. After about a couple of minutes, he gave them food.