Happy Diwali

Aradhna's mom in Sydney outdid herself this Diwali with an express delivery package full of sweets and savories -- plastic containers included.

Happy Diwali.

Yes, Diwali was yesterday, but no harm in repeating the words plastered in every Hindu-owned shop I saw during last week's swing from Sigatoka to Nadi to Lautoka to Ba. Stayed at a Fijian-owned lodge just outside of Navala, Viti Levu's last 'traditional' Fijian village. Twenty-six kms inland from Ba and far from the influences of electricity or cell phones, Navala sits amidst picturesque remains of ancient volcanic mountains and the wide Ba River. Drank too much kava sitting on woven mats inside high-ceilinged, thatched-roof huts and was woken by symphonies of birdsong every morning before dawn.

After returning to Ba in a ramshackle, windowless bus along probably the worst single roadway I've ever bumped and crashed along, I made a much more comfortable 5-hour bus ride from Ba to Sigatoka on Monday. My in-laws were busy with Diwali preparations in muggy, oppressive heat. Yesterday I ate Indian sweets for breakfast, lunch, dinner and in-between snacks. Traveled to Cuvu village to deliver sweets to my friend Mamta, whom I've stayed in touch with since meeting her and her family during my last trip to Fiji. Then back to the farm for pooja and a wild night-time ride to see homes alit with Diwali lights.

Back in town today to plan my next excursion. Savusavu or Levuka? I'll let y'all know.