Day 204 Nadi again

The Southern Star gang went to Nadi with Dave and Malanie of Talerra to for groceries and a few boat items. We went to the open-air market and to the conventional supermarket and were able to find most things we wanted. Shopping in the U.S. and Europe really spoils one. There is so much variety and so much range of ethnic foods that you become used to the ease with which you can find anything. The markets in Nadi are not bad and once you become used to the unfamiliar brand names or packaging it gets easier. There is definitely a bias toward Australia/New Zealand tastes and products and Indian foods are everywhere. In the open-air markets, the focus is on locally grown which means more root vegetables than greens. Taro, breadfruit and mango are abundant and it is possible to find tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, cabbage, potatoes and delicious pumpkins. These latter vegetables are green and not orange. We discovered pumpkins in Suva when Mark and I wandered past a vendor and got talked into buying one. From then on, they became an essential ingredient in Mark’s curry.
Our predilection for Mexican food goes largely unsatisfied. I have tried to make tortillas and the result is edible and utilitarian (we can make a serviceable taco) but they come out a bit leathery and not soft and supple like the real thing. They were better when I had “tortilla flour” that we bought in Mexico but I should be able manage with all-purpose flour as well. Maybe it is the temperature of the pan? I will keep trying.
The contrast between Nadi and Denerau was more apparent on this visit. Nadi is the native town and most is old and crowded. Some parts are a bit run down and shabby. Denerau is the new upscale development for foreigners who have a lot of money in local terms. The houses are upper middle class by U.S. standards with air conditioning, landscaping and their own dock. Because the two are separated by several miles there is no demarcation line, rather, they seem like two different worlds.