Suva is the commercial and political centre of Fiji, though not necessarily the cultural centre, and the largest urban area in the South Pacific outside of Australia and New Zealand. It is Fiji’s main port city.

Although Suva is on a peninsula, and almost surrounded by sea, the nearest beach is 40 kilometres (25 mi) away at Pacific Harbour, and the nearby coast is lined by mangroves. A significant part of the city centre, including the old Parliament Buildings, is built on reclaimed mangrove swamp.

Suva is noted for its considerable rainfall, it has a markedly higher rainfall than Nadi and the western side of Viti Levu, which is known to Suva citizens as “the burning west”. The First Governor of Fiji, Sir Aurthur Gordon, allegedly remarked that it rained in Suva like he had seen no where else before and that there was hardly a day without rain.

A well-known landmark is the Suva City Library or the Carnegie Library, built in 1909 as well as many other colonial buildings.

The Government buildings complex sits on what was once the flowing waters of a creek. This was drained in 1935 and over five kilometres of reinforced concrete pilings were driven into the creek bed to support the massive buildings to be erected. After the foundation stone was laid in 1937, the building was completed in 1939; a new wing was completed in 1967. Parliament, however, was moved to a new complex on Ratu Sukuna Road in 1992.

Government House was formerly the residence of Fiji’s colonial Governors and, following independence in 1970, Governors-General. It is now the official residence of Fiji’s President. Originally erected in 1882, it had to be rebuilt in 1928, following its destruction by lightning in 1921.

Suva also has many shopping and retail areas, notably Cumming street, which has since colonial times, been a vibrant and colourful shopping area. Features of these street include the original colonial buildings and narrow roads. More modern shopping malls, such as the Suva Central Shopping Mall, Mid-City Mall as well as the MHCC are all part of the developments to give the city a modern and sophisticated look. At the beginning of December 2009 the skyline of downtown Suva City has changed forever after the opening of TappooCity valued at $257,350.00 USD equality $50,000,000 FJD a joint venture 6 storey low rise building project by FNPF & Tappoo Group of Companies as Fiji’s n South Pacific’s largest department mall at present outside Australia & New Zealand.

Places To Eat

The Indian influence from the significant population in Suva is evident in the food. The Indian food is town is authentic, tasty, and good value.

Singh’s Curry House, Corner of Gordon Street & Victoria Parade, Suva. Sells cheap and delicious authentic Fijian curry. Eat in or takeaway. edit

For something upscale, try a restaurant inside one of the fancier Suva hotels, such as the Tanoa Plaza, the Southern Cross, or the Holiday Inn. For a quick economical meal in pleasant surroundings, go to the food court upstairs at the Harbour Centre and choose from a great variety of local and Chinese dishes (and you get to look before you buy) and sit and enjoy the view, or get a sack of fish and chips and sit by the waterfront or at the botanical garden.

Suva does have several western fast-food outlets available including McDonalds and Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Fr, Queen Elizabeth Drive (Just down from Suva Grammar School). The best fish & chips in town. The location also features a bar and a coffee shop. $8-10 FJD. edit

Scott’s, Southern Cross Hotel. High-end European cuisine. The best steaks in town.

Fiji Capital: Suva is a post from: The Adventures of Spider Pig

Long before the arrival of missionaries and European settlers, when tribal warefare and cannibalism reigned, the worship of traditional gods and spirits were the norm. Amongst the numerous Fijian tribes, two gods Dakuwaqa and Degei were primarily revered. Dakuwaqa often appeared as a big shark while oral traditions portray Degei, as a humongous seven-headed snake. The two were renowned for their prowess and fearsome battles with other demigods and peoples, their many tales still igniting Fijian interest to this day.

A story of particular interest is the tale of Degei and the “box of blessings”.

Mana’s Box of Blessings

Many years ago a sea God called Degei sailed to the Fiji islands from parts unknown. Among the crew onboard the magnificent canoe were two trusted warriors named Cavunatoakula and Ratu Saruta whose duty was to guard a highly treasured box of blessings known as Kato ni Cakamana.

While traveling through the Yasawa group of islands the vessel was struck by a violent storm terrifying everyone on board. Still, the entire crew dared not look upon Degei’s face for leadership knowing that sure death awaited those that did, causing them to fall into a state of panic. To lighten the canoe everything was thrown overboard including the Kato ni Cakamana.

Retrieving the box

The canoe eventually weathered the storm and found anchor on an island close by Mana Island. A day of feasting and merrymaking ensued and everyone was happy until Degei approached the people to enquire as to the whereabouts of the Kato ni Cakamana, the prized box of blessings. Fearing death, the people hid their faces and were all terrified speechless. Cavunatoakula and Ratu Saruta were summoned to search immediately for the Kato ni Cakamana and without a word the two warriors diligently attended to the task. Nearing the lagoon of Mana island, Cavunatoakula spotted what looked like a small reef in the shallow aqua blue waters which scared him momentarily.

Ratu Saruta, being a fierce warrior and a man of good courage pressed on ahead. To the utter surprise of both men, a great diamond-headed sea snake emerged and drew itself towards them. They were equally amazed when the snake spoke, announcing itself as Manamanaedina, the legend God of Mana island. Manamanaedina then declared that he meant no harm and politely informed the warriors that he knew what they were searching for. He also pronounced that whatever was brought within confines of the reef at Mana could never be returned or taken away. The legend God of Mana then requested that the two men help guard and protect the Kato ni Cakamana.

No return from Mana

Realizing there was no hope of ever returning the Kato ni Cakamana, the two warriors feared greatly for the wrath of Degei and so decided to stay and help Manamanaedina protect the box of promises. The two heaped two cairns of stones as two lookout points, which they duly mounted – one facing north and the other south while the great snake lay on the box of blessings. (These cairns remain on Mana to this day and can be found at the garden court of the hotel area and the west of the central activities area respectively).

When Degei heard about what had happened he quickly sent an emissary in the form of a beautiful woman to entice the warriors away. Nearing Mana island the noble woman caught glance of Cavunatoakula and Ratu Saruta but mistook their immobile vigilance as paralysis. Too frightened to go ashore, she returned hastily to Degei to inform the sea God that both warriors had been struck by a mysterious force. Terrified that his people might suffer the same fate Degei ordered all his people to set sail for the main island of Viti Levu. Thus the approval was granted for Kato ni Cakamana to remain forever on Mana island. As a sign that the Kato ni Cakamana is safe, Manamanaedina can from time to time, at the first rising of each moon be seen near this Mamanuca island paradise.

Fiji: The Legend of Mana is a post from: The Adventures of Spider Pig

Nadi

Nadi is a transit point for other destinations in Fiji. It may not be such a great place to spend any time but you may find yourself here whilst awaiting ferries, boats to outer islands or planes to and from home.

If you do decide to stay in or around Nadi, make sure you are prepared to be approached by people trying to get you into their shop as you walk down the main street. These people aren’t threatening, but you do need to watch your valuables.

How To Get Around

There is a great local bus service at your disposal. Travel with the locals in open-air comfort for a fraction of the price of a hire car. All buses are marked on the front with the names of the two towns they travel between. If unsure, ask the driver.

If you are staying at the Nadi Bay Hotel, simply walk to the end of that road and catch the local bus heading right (towards Nadi Town). The buses run every 20 minutes or so, and are just 50 cents FJD one-way to town.

Taxis have their hometown printed on the front bumper, if they are travelling back home they are not allowed to charge more than the busfare.

You are able to barter with the taxi driver prior to the trip in order to get the price of your trip down before you leave to your destination, ask your hotel or research reasonable prices prior to your ride. The taxis can be flagged down, or found at taxi stands

It is recommended that you do not hire a personal car to take you around, simply for safety reasons.

Rental Cars are available through many known names such as Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Budget, etc. many can be found in the airport. You muust have a valid drivers license and be above the age of 25 (or 21 depending on the company) in order to rent a car. The average price is around F$100 per day.

What To See

Visit the Hindu Temple at the southern end of the main street of Nadi. It is the largest in the Pacific and is very colourful.

Visit the Wailoaloa Beach, at a 1/2 mile long the beach located in the northern area of Nadi. There are multiple beach clubs and resorts located on this stretch.

The Newtown Beach has public access as well, it is located about 10 minutes away from Nadi town by bus.

Visit the Nadi Garden of the Sleeping Giant. Originally started to make a place for the private collection of tropical orchids of Canadian actor Raymond Burr, this garden now houses many beautiful plants and trails for walking. It is open Monday-Saturday, entrance fee is F$10.

Things To Do

Hop on a local bus (FJD$2) to Lautoka and visit a real Fijian city away from the tourist eye. The bus terminates at the local markets, where you can buy tonnes of fresh produce.

From Thursday to Sunday, drop in to the Capricorn Hotel between Nadi airport and Nadi town at around 8pm. You can sit under the bungalow and listen to a wonderful group of Fijians playing traditional and modern songs on guitar, ukulele and keyboard. You may even be invited to try some of their kava drink (an experience in itself)! The Hotel also serves meals and there is a bar.

Hop on a ferry at Denarau Port and visit the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands right off the coast.

Visit the Nadi Town market, there are hand crafts, fruits, other produce, music, and much more!

Fiji: Nadi is a post from: The Adventures of Spider Pig

Greetings are often, but not always, used just prior to a conversation.

In my visit to Fiji, when I arrived at the airport at Nadi, I was greeted  by one of my close friends, Melissa, with a wonderful,”BULA!” This means hello in Fijian. I really love Fiji. I will be writing a short commentary on the beautiful island of Fiji.

Fiji (sometimes called the Fiji Islands), [1] is a Melanesian country in the South Pacific Ocean. It lies about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand and consists of an archipelago that includes 332 islands, a handful of which make up most of the land area, and approximately 110 of which are inhabited.

Fiji straddles the 180 degree longitude line (which crosses land on a remote tip of Vanua Levu and again near the center of Taveuni), so the international date line jogs east, placing Fiji all in one time zone and, “ahead” of most of the rest of the world. Please follow the rest of the stories about Fiji. *oink* *oink* VINAKA! (means Thank You in Fijian).

BULA Fiji! is a post from: The Adventures of Spider Pig

Fiji

Fiji’s culture is a rich mosaic of indigenous, Indian, Chinese and European traditions, comprising social polity, language, food (based mainly from the sea, casava, dalo & other vegetables), costume, belief systems, architecture, arts, craft, music, dance and sports.

The indigenous culture is very much active and living, and is a part of everyday life for the majority of the population. However, it has evolved with the introduction of old cultures like the Indian and Chinese ones, as well as a large influence from Europe, and from various Pacific neighbours of Fiji, mainly the Tongan and Samoan. The culture of Fiji has created a unique communal and national identity.

I was invited by Melissa to go to Fiji and visit. I took a flight to Fiji at around 7:00PM. It was almost a 3 hour flight. I arrived at Nadi International Airport at around 10PM and was met by Melissa in the airport.

The Smiling People of Fiji is a post from: The Adventures of Spider Pig