I'm happy to report that I survived Diwali. It's like a mashup of Christmas and the 4th of July and it's CRAZY! Sangeeta and her husband Salesh and Ufemia took me for a drive all around town to see the lights on everyone's houses. It was pretty amazing. Then we stopped at a "cousin-sister's" place for sweets and then had Diwali dinner at Sangeeta's home. It's hard to explain just how many fireworks were shot off that night. I lived in Evanston and they get really intense at the 4th of July, but it's seriously nothing in comparison to what they do for Diwali here. It was actually a little terrifying because the neighbors were shooting off huge fireworks just outside Sangeeta's window. We couldn't even carry on a conversation it was so loud. There appear to be no regulations about fireworks and all of the old timers don't like how crazy it has gotten. It was wild and fun and I'm so glad to say I was here during Diwali 2016!
An example of the decorations that were everywhere.
They keep making me take a picture while I'm eating food. Diwali "sweets" :-)
Some additional food pics for your enjoyment. Pizza Fijistyle! I found a Pizza place! Yay! Campus and nearly everywhere was closed for the holiday yesterday. But I managed to get a cab and find a new part of town that has a movie theater and some great restaurants. I watched Dr. Strange, which is a Marvel Comics movie and those aren't really my thing, but I was killing time. Anyway, it's not that bad... a little weird, BUT it has all of these clips from Kathmandu in it and it made me so happy! All of my intern students are going to have to watch it.
Hawaiian Pizza Fijistyle
So, I got this HUGE pizza and was looking for someone to give all of the leftovers to when guess who I saw walking by? Some Sister Missionaries! I was so very happy to see them! We had a good visit and I, of course, talked about Andie in Mexico City. These girls were really funny and just so lovely. And, they were happy to take my pizza. I'm hopeful I run into them again.
And finally, dessert. There was this most excellent Korean dessert shop right nest to the theater and I ordered Chocolate pancakes for my after-movie treat. I'm definitely going back there!
A message for all of my American friends from the ice cream shop - and this is the sentiment of everyone in Fiji that I have met. There's no time for conflict and all of that silliness. Everyone just needs to calm down! We are more alike than we are different. How "good and pleasant" it is when we live together in unity! I needed to be here this fall.
Food looks delicious!! And so fun you ran into the missionaries!
ReplyDeleteOh boy, I'm pretty jealous that you are there instead of here this fall. Election anxiety is real! But it will be over soon. Thanks for sharing your experience! xoxo
ReplyDeleteYeah, just a week left to go. You can survive with your hope for humanity still in tact! It is crazy how physical distance, just planting myself in a different space, has helped me clear my mind and heart from all of the election baggage. Come join me down here for a week and it will work wonders! :-)
Delete