mi vida al reves

Fiji suspended from Commonwealth

2009-09-01T18:26:00.000-07:00

The Commonwealth (CW) has fully suspended Fiji after it refused to bow to demands to call elections by next year. CW Secretary General cited Fiji's lack of progress towards democracy.
Frank Bainimarama seized power in Fiji in a 2006 coup and has said elections can only be reinstated in 2014, as part of his "roadmap". He says he needs time to institute reforms that will end the ethnic-based voting system tipped in favour of ethnic Fijians.
But his critics charge that under his rule, Fiji has suspended the constitution, detained opponents and suppressed freedom of speech.

This is not the first time Fiji has been in trouble with the CW. It has twice faced the lesser sanction of being suspended from its meetings - after earlier coups in Fiji. But this sanction goes a step further. In practical terms it means Fiji cannot attend any CW meetings, including taking part in the CW Games in 2010, or participate in training schemes and other technical aid.
The CW is not a large donor to Fiji and the sanction is largely symbolic, but the non-participation to the CW Games really annoys the Fijian people and that could give them a reason to react against its self-appointed goverment.

Bainimarama reply to this suspension was: "The Fiji government believes the roadmap is the only path to ensuring sustainable and true democracy, which includes... to have elections in 2014. We will remain with that."

101 East - Fiji: dictating democracy - 30 July 09 - Part 2

2009-08-12T18:58:00.001-07:00

101 East - Fiji: dictating democracy - 30 July 09 - Part 1

2009-08-12T18:55:00.001-07:00

Fiji Future Requires Diversity of News

2009-08-12T18:16:00.000-07:00

Pacific analysts must become more creative in their approach to thinking about Fiji and its future, an academic from The Australian National University (ANU) argued in Canberra. Dr Katerina Teaiwa, Pacific Studies Convenor at ANU, says that solutions for Fiji won’t be found in adversarial thinking, framed around a pro or anti-military viewpoint. She says that more lateral, creative thinking is required to map out a better future for the nation. “We need more options than just ‘for or against’,” Dr Teaiwa says. “We cannot just roll out a series of economic or political facts which paint the bleak picture we expect to see. We have a responsibility to use these and other contextual knowledge to go further to provide more positive readings that are actually helpful for the people of Fiji as a whole,” she said.

“Anyone who lives in or is from Fiji knows that the situation is not completely hopeless. Fiji requires more diversity amongst, and collaboration between, its experts so that the situation on the ground is illuminated from multiple spheres and through multiple lenses. If we want freedom of speech, democracy and diversity on the ground, we should apply the same principles in terms of the voices and sectors we draw upon to understand the situation.” Dr Teaiwa argues that there is a need to look more closely at modes of communication, cultural institutions and other sectors which are commonly left out of the dominant political and economic discussions about Fiji. The battle around race politics is played out as much in the realm of popular perception as in government policy. Popular perception is shaped not just by NGOs, newspapers, church ministers, business and political party leaders, or military rulers, but by popular culture and what islanders call the ‘coconut wireless’. “The areas of heritage, sports, cultural policy, festivals, music, and the performing and visual arts require closer examination as they increasingly offer economic and political avenues and tools for Fiji islanders. Most importantly, as indicated by the growing importance of cultural diplomacy internationally, these arenas provide real nuts and bolts for positive nation building, regional harmony, cooperation, and peace.” Dr Teaiwa presented her research at the Parliament House yesterday. Further information at Dr Teaiwa's page

First LATIN Festival in Suva

2009-08-05T21:13:00.000-07:00

First LATIN Festival in Suva

including a photography exhibition on the Rio do Janeiro Carnival, a series of films to get you through the diversity of Latin America and .. of course, a LATIN festival could not miss a... LATIN FIESTA!

LATIN dance lessons, LATIN drinks and LATIN music and...

FREE ENTRACE TO ALL THE EVENTS!

Check the event page for details!

Fijian Contemporary Dance

2009-07-26T19:24:00.001-07:00

Fiji’s first Pacific opera: Domo ni Karmen

2009-07-09T22:41:00.000-07:00

The French Embassy funded Fiji’s first Pacific opera: Domo ni Karmen or Karmen’s voice. It is a Pacific adaptation of Carmen the most beloved and played opera of all time. Domo ni Karmen is directed by renowned musical director Igeles Ete and local playwright and stage director Larry Thomas. Natasha Underwood takes on the role of Karmen with the assistance of dancer and choreographer Ateca Ravuvu.Georges Bizet’s rich musicology is adapted in a Pacific feat with lali drums, bamboo nose flute, ukeleles and clapping in accord with more classical instruments to create original sounds from Bizet’s famous arias. Musicians from the New Caledonia Conservatoire will also be taking stage.

The original Carmen by French composer Georges Alexandre César Léopold Bizet was performed in Paris in 1875. Carmen is the story of a “femme fatale”, a stunning and manipulative woman who leads men astray by her beauty and dancing. She is a fatalist and a hedonist living entirely for the present moment. In parallel, Fijian women are too often seen as introvert stifled by rules of men, tradition and religion. Like Carmen beyond their incredible strength and resilience lie passion, cheerfulness and desire. Thus Domo ni Karmen aims to tell a Melanesian story with the action set in a traditional village. The characters are a representation of everyday life with the arrival of Karmen the city girl, who disrupts the established order of rural women in the village. Behind the Carmen story is the modern woman who strives for equal rights, freedom and acknowledgement in society. The initiative of Domo ni Karmen was put together by the cooperative work of talents available in Fiji and the Pacific region. The invitation of musicians from New Caledonia is testament of France’s vision to promote cultural exchange and cooperation within the Pacific region.This production is also a celebration of women and their contribution to life and to our society.

This production could be an inspiration for self-worth and collective self-esteem for women. Youth issues and choices are also highlighted as they journey through life.F inally we hope that this production will bring tolerance and hope as our humanity is revealed

The voice of Karmen in our fast changing society is a challenge to censoring from tradition, religion and racisms. It is also a voice for the protection of basic human rights and reconciliation through music and dance

Tinaqu: contemporary dance to fight violence against women

2009-05-08T19:44:00.000-07:00

The Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies staged ‘TINAQU’, a piece about violence against women.
The play was inspired and choreographed by Salote Sinukula Naulumatua. She interpreted the major incidents that affected her life through dance and music woven together with some highs and lows, joy and pain of growing up with her mother. This included dealing with the outside world, a world that is not always kind to single mothers and their children. In the process, Salote is convinced saying “It is our given right and freedom to be unique, even from the norms of society that stereotypes women to derogatory identities which limits women’s opportunities in life. We as women should go beyond definitions defined by others”.
While ‘TINAQU’ challenges us all to talk about social issues such as violence against women, it also reminds us to celebrate our mothers and the strong women that have looked after and nurtured us. It reminds us of the need to work together to fight Violence against Women, which is increasing in Fiji and the Pacific.
The production was dedicated to the late Professor Epeli Hau’ofa.

Did you know…

2009-05-04T23:41:00.001-07:00

... that Pacnews stopped reporting on Fijian news rather than submit to government censorship in the wake of the 2009 Fijian constitutional crisis?

Expats Guide Towards Surviving a Fijian Coup

2009-04-15T23:10:00.000-07:00

Click here. I find this expat opinion quite interesting. I do not agree completly (he's quite soft describing the political situation and the local's reaction) but I he gives a general overview of the dilemma tourism vs. politics

Democratic future fades for Fiji

2009-04-14T11:10:00.000-07:00

A Spanish proverb says: “Se puede decir mas alto pero no mas claro” (you can say it louder but not clearer). We usually say that when things are so clear that no more words are needed.

This article explains the situation in Fiji briefly & clear: Democratic future fades for Fiji

This morning, within 2 hours, the Fijian dollar has been devaluated by 20%.

Fijians woke up even poorer than they went to sleep. And… no reaction yet?

A guy does a coup d’etat 2 years ago and… no reaction?

The guy declares the coup d’etat legal and… no reaction?

The guy absolves the Constitution and declares himself (not directly but almost…) President and… no reaction?

The guy doesn’t care -and explicitly openly says that he doesn’t care- of the International community penalties including trade & tourism bans and… no reaction?

Everyone (local & international community) agrees that just the Fijian people could do something to change the situation and… still… no reaction?

What are they waiting for?

Before, the press was censured. Now, it is lying!

2009-04-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

This article has been published by the Fiji Times today:

Devaluation a 'positive' measure
The devaluation of the Fiji dollar by the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) will have a positive impact on Fijis export industry, says Fiji Association of Banks chairman John Cashmore.
Mr Cashmore was commenting on the central bank's announcement of the 20% devaluation of the Fiji dollar. He said the devaluation would boost the tourism industry, which in turn would help the countrys economy. Mr Cashmore also agreed with the RBF's forecast that the cost of living would rise significantly but it would subside over the next 12 months.
The RBF, in its statement earlier today, said the devaluation would bring the Fiji Dollar in line with Fiji's major trading partner countries like Australia and NZ. "The Fiji Dollar had appreciated significantly by around 20% since 2007/2008," it explained. This, said the bank, was unsustainable and thus required adjustment in the form of a devaluation.

Can someone believe in this propaganda?

New media regulations - Towards freedom of speech

2009-04-13T23:33:00.000-07:00

"According to the new Public Emergency Regulations 2009, which is now in force since the 1997 Constitution was purportedly abrogated last Friday, the Permanent Secretary for Information has the total power to control broadcasts and publications.
Major Neumi Leweni, who was the deputy secretary of the Department of Information prior to Friday's events, has been appointed the department's permanent secretary.
Section (2) states: In order to give effect to subsection (1) above any broadcaster or publisher upon direction by the Permanent Secretary for Information must submit to him or her all material for broadcast or publication material before broadcast or publication.
Section (3) reads: Any person or entity which fails in any way whatsoever to comply with the provisions of this section may be ordered by the Commissioner of Police or Officer Commanding upon advice from the Permanent Secretary for Information to cease all activities and operations.
Fiji Times Limited's decision was also taken in accordance with a further communication from Major Leweni who instructed the media to "refrain from publishing and broadcasting any news item that is negative in nature, relating to the assumption of executive authority on 10 April by His Excellency the President and the subsequent appointments of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers .... in accordance with Section 16 (1) of the Public Emergency Regulations".

Free speech 'trouble'

2009-04-13T23:00:00.000-07:00

In an interview with Radio NZ, Bainimarama said he was determined to carry out what he described as reforms.
He defended the introduction of emergency regulations that include an edict that the local Fijian media publishes only positive news, saying Fiji does not need free and open public discussion about current issues.
"That was how we ended up with what we came up with in the last couple of days," he told Radio NZ."The circumstances have changed. We [the government] now decide what needs to be done for our country, for the reforms that need to be put in place for us to have a better Fiji," he said.

Fiji's political situation getting worse...

2009-04-13T00:40:00.000-07:00

On the 9th April, the military take-over was declared illegal by the country's Court of Appeal, which prompted Commodore Bainimarama to step down as interim prime minister.
Fiji's President, Ratu Josefa Iloilo, who is a loyal supporter of the armed forces commander, responded by abrogating the constitution and dismissing the judiciary bodies.

As a consequence, all constitutional offices have been revoked. The vacant posts include the Supervisor of Elections, the Ombudsman, the Auditor-General, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Commissioner of Police, and the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji .

Moreover, a 30-day state of emergency has been declared. Under these conditions, media are being censored and editors at Fiji's newspapers as well as television and radio stations have been ordered not to publish or broadcast any material that shows the military in a bad light. Officials of the Ministry of Information and policemen have been placed in the premises of local newspapers, radios and televisions.
The military administration was reinstated, its grip on power now stronger than ever...

More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7996322.stm

Cyclone Lin visits Fiji

2009-04-04T13:00:00.001-07:00

A tropical cyclone warning is now in force for the East of Fiji while the alert has been cancelled for Taveuni and nearby smaller islands.

Tropical Cyclone Lin was located 330km East-Northeast of Fiji at 8am today, the Nadi Weather office said.

The rest of the country can expect strong wind warnings.

What a welcome! :(

Fiji wins Hong Kong 7s

2009-03-30T12:34:00.000-07:00

Fiji won an exciting final 26-24 to clinch a famous victory against South Africa at Hong Kong Sevens.
This is the first time Fiji wins in Hong Kong in a decade, and breaks a 23-month drought in the IRB Sevens World Series. Fiji Times title “Redemption” also summarize the feeling of the Fijians after the big deception of the World Cup played a few weeks ago in Dubai.
The victory cloaked the side as angels of happiness, with 30 IRB series points, thrusting us to Fiji third behind South Africa and England and keep the chase wide open with three tournaments to go.

More info at IRB or Fiji Times

Snorkeling & Scuba Diving

2009-03-25T07:02:00.000-07:00

Fiji is famous among divers as being the "Soft Coral Capital of the World" because of its enormous number and variety of colorful corals, which attract a host of fish: more than 35 species of angelfish and butterfly fish swim in these waters.
All but a few resorts in Fiji have dive operations on-site. Most of them have equipment for rent, but ask before coming out here what they have available.

Even the heavily visited Mamanuca Islands off Nadi have good sites, including the Pinnacle, a coral head rising 18m from the lagoon floor, and a W-shaped protrusion from the outer reef. A drawback for some divers is that they don't have the Mamanuca sites all to themselves.
In Beqa Lagoon, the soft corals of Frigate Passage seem like cascades falling over one another, and Side Streets has unusual orange coral. The southern coast of Viti Levu has mostly hard corals, but you can go shark diving off Pacific Harbour; that is, the dive masters attract sharks by feeding them.
South of Viti Levu, Kadavu island is skirted by the Great Astrolabe Reef, known for its steep outside walls dotted with both soft and hard corals. The Astrolabe attracts Fiji's largest concentration of manta rays.
The reefs off Rakiraki and northern Viti Levu offer many tunnels and canyons plus golden soft corals growing on the sides of coral pinnacles.
Ovalau Island and Levuka aren't beach destinations, but good dive sites are nearby, including at the shipwrecks near Levuka harbor, and soft coral spots nearby Wakaya Island.
Off Savusavu, the barrier reef around Namenalala Island is officially the Namena Marine Protected Reserve. Both hard and soft corals attract an enormous number of small fish and their predators.
Fiji's best and most famous site for soft corals is Somosomo Strait between Vanua Levu and Taveuni in northern Fiji, home of the Great White Wall and its Rainbow Reef. The Great White Wall is covered from between 23 and 60m deep with pale lavender corals, which appear almost snow-white underwater. Near Qamea and Matagi, off Taveuni, are the appropriately named Purple Wall, a straight drop from 9 to 24m and Mariah's Cove, a small wall as colorful as the Rainbow Reef.

Just in case, the Fiji Recompression Chamber Facility (tel. 336 2172) is in Suva near Colonial War Memorial Hospital. And remember, you will need at least 12 hours -longer after multiple dives- between your last dive and flying, so plan accordingly!.

To get your PADI check here

Tsunami warning for Fiji

2009-03-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

8:10AM this morning!! A tsunami warning has been issued after a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck early this morning about 209kilometres from Tonga and 400kilometres from Fiji. The warning was issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre for all coastal areas of South Pacific islands after sea level readings confirmed that a tsunami was generated. It is expected to strike along the coast of Fiji shortly after 8am as a result of the quake which had a reported depth of 10 kilometres. "An earthquake of this size has the potential to generate a destructive tsunami," said the Centre.

Result: everybody sent at home (if home is located on a high point...), office closed... Lots of cars in Suva leaving the centre etc. Apocalyptic!!!

photos: http://www.lemonde.fr/planete/portfolio/2009/03/19/eruption-sous-marine-aux-tonga_1169916_3244.html

¿Sabías que...

2009-03-18T12:04:00.000-07:00

...Los nativos de la isla de yap utilizan rocas gigantes como moneda de cambio?

Yap (llamada por los nativos Wa'ab) es una isla de los Estados Federados de Micronesia en el océano Pacífico. La "isla" de Yap consiste en realidad en cuatro islas continentales muy cercanas unidas en un arrecife de coral y enteramente formado de una edificación de la placa Eurásica. Las islas se componen de colinas densamente cubiertas de vegetación y pantanos en la orilla. Una barrera externa de arrecifes rodea las islas, encerrando una laguna entre los arrecifes colindantes y el borde interno de la barrera de arrecifes.
Colonia es la capital que administra a Yap y unos 130 atolones que alcanzan al este y sur unos 800 km. La población de 2003 fue de 6.300 y el estado tiene un área total de 102 km².
Yap es quizás el más tradicional de los cuatro estados de los Estados Federados de Micronesia.

Growing influence of China in region

2009-03-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

'The western nations' continuing tough stand on Fiji will not only draw Fiji closer to the Asian power -notably China- but also the other Pacific Islands nations that are eligible to draw down aid from the allocated US$600 million.

Fiji is now all set to access a part of the US$600 million soft loan from China that has been set aside for development projects in the Pacific Islands nations.
Last month, Bainimarama took the opportunity of Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping's visit to Fiji to convey to the government in Beijing that Fiji had now finished the preparatory work and was ready to access its share of the soft loan facility earmarked for the Pacific Islands.
The lack of democracy in Fiji has made little difference to the way the Asian behemoth looks at its relationship with the South Pacific nation, unlike the harsh treatment meted out to the coup by the western world -mainly Australia, NZ, US and the EU-.
While these western nations have slammed sanction upon sanction on Fiji in a bid to put pressure on the interim administration to hold elections and pave the way for the return of a democratically elected government, China has refrained from even so much as commenting publicly on Fiji's internal situation, let alone criticising it.
There has been no talk of any sanctions, pressure to hold elections or bring back democracy.
In contrast to the western nations' tough position that has banned Bainimarama, his military council, members of his administration, their families and even sports teams from travelling to Australia and NZ, Bainimarama and his senior officials have travelled freely to China throughout these years.
For the past decade China growing influence in the region has been visible. Its plans to build one of the largest military bases in Guam has also been seen as a move to "conquer" the Pacific.
The western powers know that tiny nations of the Pacific now have an alternative source of aid and that they no longer depend solely on them as they have for over ten decades. The Asian economic powerhouses of China, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea have happily fulfilled that need to a large extent.
With the economic crisis plaguing much of the western world, there is little hope of any possibility of increased aid coming their way from that quarter-on the contrary, there is a distinct possibility of further aid cuts, if at all. While on the other hand, there is an assured, sanctioned sum of US$600 million available on tap from China.
If China agrees to release the first tranche of funds to Fiji soon, the rest of the Pacific nations will see that as a signal to align even more closely with the Chinese approach to the Pacific which is to leave the countries to sort out their internal problems without any external influence (other than, of course, the insistence on the One-China policy).
The western lack of results in their negotiations with Fiji has in fact helped accelerate the growing influence of the Asian powers in the region.

Pacific bookstore

2009-03-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

I found a great link: South Pacific Islands Bookstore
A wide range of South Pacific-related books are linked here. A quick visit to these pages will let you know what’s available.

Getting Stoned with Savages: A Trip Through the Islands of Fiji and Vanuatu

2009-03-09T14:21:00.000-07:00

Using a similar format to that of his previous book, The Sex Lives of Cannibals, Troost creates a comical and touching travel memoir. Troost and his wife, Sylvia, move from busy Washington, D.C., to Vanuatu, a nation made up of 83 islands in the South Pacific. As Sylvia works for a regional nonprofit, Troost immerses himself in the islands' culture, an odd mix of the islanders' thousand-year-old "kastoms" along with imperialist British and French influences. This really means that Troost gets to live in a nice house while he gets drunk on kava; dodges "a long inferno of magma and a cascade of lava bombs" at the "world's most accessible volcano"; and checks out the "calcified" leftovers from one of Vanuatu's not-so-ancient traditions, cannibalism. At the end of the book, the couple move to Fiji so that Sylvia will have state-of-the-art medical care when she gives birth to their first baby. While modern-day Fiji provides little fodder for Troost's comic sensibilities, the birth of his son enables him to share some deeper thoughts and decide it is "time to stop looking for paradise." A funny travelogue with a sentimental heart, Troost's latest work genuinely captures the search for paradise as well as the need for home.

US 2008 Human Rights Report - Fiji

2009-02-28T08:27:00.000-08:00

Fiji is a constitutional republic with a population of approximately 828.000.

The constitution provides for a ceremonial president selected by the Great Council of Chiefs and an elected prime minister and parliament. However, in 2006 the armed forces commander, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, overthrew the elected government in a bloodless coup d'etat. In January 2007 the interim military government was replaced by a nominally civilian interim government ("the interim government") headed by Bainimarama as prime minister. Bainimarama and his Military Council controlled the security forces.
The interim government denied citizens the right to change their government peacefully. The judiciary was subject to political interference. The interim government engaged in intimidation of the media and restricted the right to assemble peacefully. Other problems during the year included poor prison conditions, attacks against religious facilities, government corruption, deep ethnic divisions, violence and discrimination against women, and sexual exploitation of children.

Full report

Tongan traditional clothing

2009-02-24T02:28:00.000-08:00

An extraordinary feature when arriving in Tongatapu -main island of Tonga- is the elegant traditional clothing of the locals.
Tongan men wear a tupenu, a cloth that is similar to a sulu in Fiji, which is wrapped around the waist. In daily life, Tongans wear a shirt to top the tupenu (with eventually a tie for official occasion). Often, a ta’ovala, a woven mat, is worn over the tupenu. It is wrapped around the waist and secured with a kafa rope. The normal taʻovala, for everyday neat wear, is a short mat, coming halfway up the thighs. The mat worn on festive occasions is much larger, and often very nicely decorated. Likewise the taʻovala for a funeral is also a huge mat, but much coarser, not decorated, and if the wearer has an inferior rank towards the deceased, the mat is old and torn. The older and more torn it is, the better. Yet all these special mats are kept as precious heirlooms. Taʻovala are traditionally made of strips of pandanus leaves or strips of hibiscus bast fiber.
Women wear a tupenu too, but a long one which should reach to the ankles. The tupenu is usually topped with a kofu or dress. They also wear a taʻovala, or more often a kiekie, a string skirt attached to a waistband. It is lighter and cooler than a mat.
School children unifrom woumls also include the upenu and a ta’ovala.
According to a Tongan story, a group of Tongans once arrived by boat at the Tu’I Tonga (line of Tongan kings), but they had had a rough ride and their clothing, if any remained, was not respectable. They cut the sail of their boat (Polynesian sails are also mats) in pieces and wrapped them around. The king was so pleased by the sacrifice they had made to him of their expensive sail, that he ordered this dress to be court dress from then on. The Tongan waist-mat probably shares a common origin or inspiration as the Samoan valatau or vala waistband often donned by orators and chiefly sons and daughters on festive occasions and rituals. The ta'ovala is also commonly seen among the Fijian Lau islands, a region once heavily influenced by Tongan hegemony and culture.

Who's talking about gouvernance here: the developed or the developing countries?

2009-02-23T01:45:00.000-08:00

Kevin Rudd, Australia's Prime Minister, said yesterday:

Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia , as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.. Separately, Rudd angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques.

He said: 'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians. '

'This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom'

'We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society . Learn the language!'

'Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.' 'We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.'

'This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.'

'If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.

Best travel guide to the tropical paradise

2009-02-20T01:20:00.000-08:00

Bula!
The Moon guide is the most accurate guide to Fiji. It is difficult to find in Europe but you can buy it online (via Amazon, for example).
But, if you don't want to buy a guide and you prefer to find the info in Internet (good choice), you can get everything here: Welcome to Fiji A to Z. This is a thumbnail guide to Fiji, along with some quirky, personal observations. It has been written for a ‘fun’, entertaining read as well as factual information.

Your Voice, Your Vote: Fiji Elections Office

2009-02-16T10:08:00.001-08:00

The objective is great. The video is ridiculous.
What a pity!

YES, it's true : Fijian men wear skirts

2009-02-15T10:15:00.000-08:00

Long time ago, the traditional attire was loin cloths for men and grass skirts for women. Skirts were short for single women, and long for married women, with girls wearing virgin locks before marriage. Most had the lower parts of their bodies decorated with tattoos.
Modern Fiji's national dress is the sulu, which resembles a skirt. It is commonly worn by both men and women and it's usually plain grey, blue or brown but... everthing in Fiji could also be "bula" (= with flowers) as in the picture.

Many men, especially in urban areas, wear Sulu and can be tailored as part of their suit. Many will wear a shirt with a western-style collar, tie, and jacket, with a matching Sulu va taga and sandals, this type of sulu can be worn to a semi formal or formal occasion. Even the military uniforms have incorporated the Sulu va taga as part of their ceremonial dress.

Fiji PM calls for sacrifice as isolation looms

2009-02-07T04:04:00.000-08:00

Fiji’s interim Prime Minister has called on his people to sacrifice for the benefit of future generations as pressure mounts on his administration to return the country to democracy or face isolation.

Fiji’s 15 Pacific neighbours have threatened to suspend it from its regional group whilst the EU -the largest donor to Fiji- and other international organizations, likely to follow suit with retaliatory measures if Fiji does not hold elections this year. But, Bainimarama is adamant that he has to do what is “best” for Fiji and his people, beginning with changing the country’s race-based voting system. “Every now and then we need to make sacrifices for the betterment of our future generations,” Bainimarama told Fiji TV.“We cannot let the financially powerful players in the region dictate to us, when we know what is best for our future.Maybe we lose some now, but in the long run, we are more independent, confident and our children will have a lasting multi racial, cultural and tolerant society they can develop in.”

Bainimarama has until 1st May to make his stand known to the Pacific Island Forum if he will adhere to its 2009 election deadline. “We don’t know the extent of the suspension if it happens, but the Pacific Island nations have to make that decision. “Are we going to remove each other’s embassies? “Will they send our Police Officers in the Solomon Islands back?” he said.

Tourism in 2009

2009-02-07T00:31:00.000-08:00

Surfing in Internet I found a couple of interesting documents about Fiji:

Fiji- in a coconut shell: (really basic) facts on what's Fiji & what to do.

Fiji- explore me: summary (extremely brief) on what you can do in the Fijian cities

Fiji- free me: summary on what to do if you travel with kids

and -the most interesting document- a presentation of the Fiji Tourism Bureau on the 2009 previsions (click on the image to enlarge). You can see that UK & continental Europe are two different categories and that British numbers double the other-European ones.

Tour around Oceania in 8 ideas

2009-02-07T00:19:00.000-08:00

Today, an article called "Tour around Oceania in 8 ideas" has been published in the Spanish press. It gives a brief overview on what to do in the area. Article

bula tv spot

2009-02-06T03:15:00.000-08:00

Fijian music: Hip Hop

2009-02-01T14:28:00.000-08:00

If you thought that all the Fijian music was done at the villages by indigenous Fijians, you better check that:
67CIWA
RedChild - Gone Sisi
MrGrin - Paradise
MrGrin & RedChild - Broken English

Forget the meke, Suva rocks!
... and, "la cerise sur le gateau": a documentary on Fijian hip hop

The Fijian economy

2009-02-01T12:47:00.000-08:00

Endowed with forest, mineral, and fish resources, Fiji is one of the most developed Pacific island economy, though it remains a developing country with a large subsistence agriculture sector. Agriculture accounts for 18 % of GDP, although it employs 70 % of the workforce. Sugar exports and a growing tourist industry are the major sources of foreign exchange. Sugar cane processing makes up 1/3 of industrial activity. Coconuts, ginger, and copra are also significant.

Fiji has applied in 2006 for a license to drill for petroleum in Fiji's waters (Let's hope!)

In 2002, the government announced a 20-year development plan. Among other things, it aims to give indigenous Fijians a great stake in the economy. The plan envisages tax-relief to businesses owned/managed by ethnic Fijians, along with greater protection for indigenous land and fishery rights.
A major aim of the Fijian government is to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production. Cattle farming, fishing, and forestry are also being encouraged in order to diversify the economy.

In 2005, the goverment approved the proposal to develop a biofuels industry. The goal is to develope a sugar industry complement & to alleviate Fiji's dependence on imported fossil fuels such as petrol. The EU, the UNDP and the Indian goverment support this programme. Trials for the generation of fuel from coconut oil are also in progress.

But Fiji's economic difficulties have been compounded by the 3 coups over the last 20 years. A very high rate of emigration, particularly of skilled and professional personnel is causing serious problems. More than 70,000 people left the country in the aftermath of the coups (90 % of whom were Indo-Fijians). Fiji's loss of skilled workers is the world's fourth highest (behind Guyana, Jamaica, Haiti, and Trinidad & Tobago).

A recent survey revealed a disturbingly high percentage of squatters -about one in ten Fijian citizens. The number of squatter settlements had increased 73 % since 1996. Urban migration, unemployment, the expiry of land leases, and the breakdown of nuclear and extended families were among the factors blamed for the trend. It is putting increasing strain on supplies of water, electricity, sewage, and road services.

Eating in Fiji - overview

2009-02-01T05:33:00.000-08:00

The Fijian cuisine in pre-colonial times consisted of root crops, vegetables, fruits, and various land animals such as wild pig and birds. The coastal tribes would have had the same, adding a large amount of local seafood. These was prepared with local herbs and spices on wood fire rock ovens.

Cooking areas were located in the center of house so the smoke would repel insects and strengthen the roof thatching.

Another popular method of cooking, which is still used today, is the lovo which is an earth oven —a fire made on in a pit in the ground lined with heat-resistant stones. It closely resembles the hangi of the New Zealand Māori. When the stones are hot, food, wrapped in (banana) leaves, is placed in the pit, covered with soil and left to cook before being exhumed and eaten.

Dishes cooked this way include palusami (parcels of taro leaves saturated with coconut milk, onions, and sometimes tinned meat)

Ceremonial cannibalism was also performed. Not so much for sustenance but more as a means to humiliate your enemy by consuming him. This practice is now extinct. An English missionary’s death in 1867 was the last recorded incident of cannibalism in Fiji.

Modern Fijian Cuisine is diverse with great influence from Indian, European and Chinese cooking and spices. When these are applied to local traditional dishes, it makes for interesting eating. Most, if not all Fijian households, merge these cooking-habits daily.

Discovering Suva - Traps Bar

2009-02-01T03:37:00.000-08:00

At Traps Bar, Suva's top nightclub, Fiji's young urban elite mix freely, regardless of ethnic origin. Apart from the curious sight of a group of sulu-clad Fijian men talking on their mobile phones, this could be any drinking den from Manhattan to Covent Garden. Well-educated, well-travelled and highly opinionated, Suva's smart young guys & girls mix with expats in this subterranean saloon bar. Traps is one of Suva's best drinking holes and offers live-music every Thursday (amazing Fijian voices).The crowd is generally young and trendy, but not pretentious. Check the video of Jeriko performing at Traps, or the Facebook group I'm a member of the Get Drunk at Traps Crew

Eating in Fiji - Daikoku

2009-02-01T03:20:00.000-08:00

There are two dining areas at this authentic restaurant, which was prefabricated in Japan and reconstructed here. Downstairs is the sushi bar, which uses only the freshest salmon, tuna, and lobster. Upstairs is the teppanyaki room, where the chef will stir-fry vegetables, shrimp, chicken, or extraordinarily tender beef as you watch. You can also order sukiyaki, udon, and other traditional Japanese dishes. Fiji's best Nipponese cuisine is here.

Cuisine: Japanese
Location: Victoria Parade, Suva
Prices: Sushi and sashimi F$5-F$26, main courses F$12-F$33

Eating in Fiji - Bad Dog Cafe

2009-02-01T03:05:00.000-08:00

Expats and young professional Suvans congregate in this pub for after-work drinks and then hang around for food, including some of Fiji's best snacks. One pie will feed two adults of moderate appetite. Nor will you go wrong with chargrilled steaks or sushi (try the sashimi!). The easy-going atmosphere where expats & locals mix, helps make this Suva's top pub.
Cuisine: Pizza, Steaks, Seafood, japanese snacks
Location: Victoria Parade, at MacArthur St, Suva
Prices: Burgers, sandwiches & salads F$8.50-F$12, pizza F$13-F$16, main courses F$11-F$30

Eating in Fiji - Old Mill Cottage

2009-02-01T02:48:00.000-08:00

It is one of the few remaining late-19th-century homes left in Suva's diplomatic-government section. These adjoining two-room clapboard cottages offer some of the most extraordinary home cooking in the South Pacific. Order at the cafeteria-like counters -one for breakfast, one for lunch- from among a choice of daily specials such as Fijian palusami (taro leaves in coconut milk), mild Indian curries, or European-style mustard-baked chicken with real mashed potatoes and peas. The vegetable plate is good value, since you can pick and choose from more than a dozen European, Fijian, and Indian selections. Diplomats (the EU delegation, UN offices & the US embassy are next by) pack the place at midday.

Cuisine: Fijian, Indian, European
Address: 47-49 Carnavon St, Suva
Prices: Breakfasts F$3-F$8; meals F$2.50-F$9.50

Eating in Fiji - Maya Dhaba

2009-02-01T02:32:00.000-08:00

This chic, noisy Indian restaurant is Suva's hottest and most urbane restaurant (and, one of my favourites). Regardless of ethnicity, local couples and families all flock here for authentic Indian fare at extraordinarily reasonable prices. The menu runs the gamut of the Subcontinent, from Punjabi tandoori chicken tikka to huge vegetarian masala dosa (rice-flour pancakes wrapped crepelike around potato curry) from Madras. In fact, vegetarians will have many choices here. My old standby, butter chicken, has a wonderful smoked flavor here. Little guess work is required since the menu explains every dish. website

Cuisine: Indian
Address: 281 Victoria Parade, Suva
Prices: Main courses F$9-F$16

Eating in Fiji - Hare Krishna

2009-02-01T02:21:00.000-08:00

This clean, casual restaurant is specialized in vegetarian curries. The variety is impressive -eggplant, cabbage, potatoes & peas, okra, and papaya to name a few- each seasoned delicately and differently from the others. The also have interesting pastries, breads, side dishes, and salads (with a lot of yogurt). The items are displayed cafeteria-style and it's perfect for a snack-ready-to-go. You can also get the all-you-can-eat thali sampler and try a little of everything. The Hare Krishna ownership allows no alcohol or smoking and all food is strictly vegetarian.
Cuisine : Vegetarian Indian
Address: 16 Pratt St , Suva
Prices: Curries F$2-F$9 Snacks from F$2 onwards

Fijian music: Seru Serevesi

2009-02-01T01:17:00.000-08:00

Seru Serevi, the Vude King of Fiji, is one of Fiji's most popular singer/songwriter. Vude Mai -his latest album- has become one of the highest selling record in the Pacific. Serevi, who started his singing career in 1975 has released 8 albums to date. His group "Seru Serevi and Friends" are a popular support band for touring international artists. First they backed South African Mega star and reggae sensation Lucky Dube for his shows in Fiji. Next, they played alongside Grammy Award Winning Inner Circle at their Fijian concerts.

Serevesi features a mixture of Reggae, Rock Country and Western and traditional Fijian music. Listen his music here

Asia in the Pacific - replacing the West

2009-02-01T00:44:00.000-08:00

A spectacular transition is happening in the Pacific Islands. While the original Pacific people came from Asia, for most of the past century and earlier, nearly all Pacific Islands nations were colonies of Western powers. But in the last fifty years, Asia has begun to play a bigger and bigger role in all aspects of Islands life -migration, trade and investments, aid and development, politics, strategic relations, crime, education and employment, information and media, religion, culture and sports. Asia is replacing the West. The process is irreversible. Book

Hollywood or Bollywood?

2009-01-31T14:38:00.000-08:00

Movies are a big deal, especially the first-run Hollywood and Indian Bollywood flicks at Village 6 Cinemas. A modern, American-style emporium with six screens and a games arcade upstairs.

Check the newspapers for what's playing and showtimes. Locals flock here on Sunday afternoon, when these plush, air-conditioned theaters offer a comfortable escape from Suva's sunshine and humidity.

Fijian insects: Moko

2009-01-31T09:53:00.000-08:00

Like any tropical country, Fiji is full of insects. Big, small, good, bad, disgusting, cute...there is a wide variety, so up to you to like/dislike them. But, a particularly funny one is the moko (Fijian word for lizard). Check this video and you will understand what I am talking about.

Fijian music: national anthem

2009-01-31T09:35:00.000-08:00

Composed and arranged by Danny Costello, the song We Are Fiji was originally made to celebrate the Fiji World Cup Sevens Win in 2005. It was made to promote reconciliation and unity in Fiji. At present, this song is Fiji National Anthem and it appears at the Fijian Goverment site This song is performed by Fijian artists and sport celebrities from all ethnic groups.
Check the video here

Fijian music: Laisa Vulakoro

2009-01-31T09:07:00.000-08:00

Laisa Vulakoro, the Vude Queen, is one of the most popular Fijian singers. Vude, is a music beat unique to Fiji -a combination of Disco, Rock, Country and Island Style. The beat derives from the traditional Meke or dance sound.
Laisa has been singing for almost 20 years and with 16 published albums where she has written and arranged most of her songs. Born on the remote island of Yacata with a population of only 150, no running water or electricity, she is the youngest girl of a family of 8 girls and 6 boys. Her late father was a choir-master and lay preacher of their church so everyone in the family sang in the church. Her late father and a few of her brothers are also song-writers. and Laisa's band includes mainly family members.
Laisa is currently a Director of the Fiji Performing Rights Association, which is a non-profit organization protecting the rights of composers in Fiji. She has toured most of the Pacific Islands, US, Australia, NZ and UK. She has also performed in the top Resorts in Fiji and for many years was the resident singer at the Regent of Fiji and the Sheraton Fiji Resort.
Her versatility and talent enables her to sing many styles of music and her stage presence makes her the complete entertainer. You can hear a vure here

Fijian music - overview

2009-01-31T07:47:00.000-08:00

Though geographically Melanesian, Fijian music is more Polynesian in character. Nevertheless, Fijian style fusion Polynesian and Melanesian traditions.
Folk music
Folk music is dominated by vocal church songs and dances characterized by rich harmony and complex percussion made from slit drums or natural materials. Like their Polynesian neighbours, Fijians play guitar, ukulele and mandolin along with a variety of indigenous instruments, most commonly lali drums, which are now used to call the people of an area together. Lali drums were an important part of traditional Fijian culture, used as a form of communication to announce births, deaths and wars. Meke is a spiritual folk dance where dancers bodies are said to be possessed by spirits. Other percussion instruments include the derua (tubes made of bamboo which are stamped on mats or on the ground). Other dances included the women's dele, which humiliated enemy prisoners sexually, and the men's cibi, which uses spears and clubs.
Indo-Fijian Music
Indian music draws heavily from rural North Indian and some of the Southern states in India. Most popular are Bhajans -a devotional music based accompanied by harmonium and dholak (drums). Many Indians now also export bhajan CDs for large Fiji Indian diaspora in Canada, US, Australia and NZ.
Fijian Pop
In the 80s, Fijian Laisa Vulakoro and Lagani Rabukawaqa became pan-Pacific stars. Vulakoro is well-known for creating vude, a popular style that combines disco, country and island music (especially the meke rhythm) and rock and roll.
Other modern performers include Nuku Katudrau, Karuna Gopalan, Black Rose, Danny Costello, Michelle Rounds, Seru Serevi The Freelancers and Emosi Lomata who is well known across Fiji for his compositions and album releases over 30 years since the age of 11. He recently performing in NZ with his band JES4P's.
Finally, Fiji is especially known for the field of Fijian reggae.

Listen traditional Fijian music here and traditional Indo-Fijian music here

Fijian music: George Brooks Veikoso (artistic name, "Fiji")

2009-01-31T07:21:00.000-08:00

Born George Brooks Veikoso, Fiji is one of the biggest polynesian artists. His golden voice and musical blends have launched him on the world stage as a pioneer of the Pacific Island Sound. A fusion of classic reggae, Hip-Hop, R&B and Jazz set Fiji apart as a performer. His unique style defies the idea of categorizing artists into a single genre of music, giving Fiji widespread appeal and capturing his array of musical influences. For those that love Hawaiian-style Hip Hop, Fiji offers established fans his recognizable energy and remarkable personality. Previous albums Evolution and Born and Raised brought successful unique island style to the mainstream, launching Fiji as the one of the most recognized Polynesian artist in the world.

His latest release Independence Day has made the greatest impact on the pacific and west coast music scene. Listen to him here

Fijian artists: Sharon Anne Light

2009-01-31T04:09:00.000-08:00

Sharon is a descendant of a settler family that arrived in Fiji in 1869 to grow cotton in Ra. Born in Suva in 1948, Sharon has spent the last 15 years painting apparel, only since mid 2003 has she concentrated on paintings. Keen on fishing and diving, she currently holds the World Record (women) for great barracuda. Previous occupations include, Office Manager, Air Hostess, Enamelled copper art, Dior Rep, Commercial fishing, hand painted apparel.

Her Tapa-painting 1st Voyage was selected by the Fiji government to present as a gift to the NZ government in 2004 & painting Vulnerable was presented by Fiji VicePresident to the new NZ Governor General in 2006.

Apart from art lessons at high school she has had no formal training. Her art can be seen here.

What to do in Fiji - visiting a village

2009-01-31T03:24:00.000-08:00

When visiting a village it is customary to present a gift of yaqona (kava). The gift, called a sevusevu, can be found in any local market for 15-20FJD.
Once at the village and at an appropriate time, you will present your gift to the head of the village, or in his absence, another Fijian representative (such as his brother). The presentation usually takes place in our Great Bure or down in the village The sevusevu ceremony will generally be attended by all tribe members at the time, and any of the Fijian men that happen to be in the vicinity. The yaqona is pounded into powder, before being mixed with water and served in a bilo (coconut shell).

Important Tips About Visiting Villages:
Dress modestly. Women must wear a sulu and cover their shoulders when in the presence of the chief.
Take off your hat or sunglasses, and carry your rucksack in your hands (rather than over your shoulders) when entering a village. It is seen as a sign of disrespect to do otherwise.
Never wander around a Fijian village unaccompanied and always announce your presence
Always remove your shoes before entering any house or other building.
Never touch anyone on the head. In Fijian culture it is considered an insult to do so.
Stop when entering a bure and quietly sit cross-legged on the mat in the spot that
Speak softly. Raised voices are interpreted as expressing anger

You can find the lists of villages offering accomodation here and a video about how a Fijian village looks like here

Getting your PADI at Volivoli

2009-01-31T03:02:00.000-08:00

Volivoli Beach is a good resort for beginner divers. Its area has stunning swim-throughs, anemone fish, turtles, colourful soft coral and reef sharks.

Ra Divers is a fully-professional PADI Gold Palm Dive Resort that was established in the 1980s. They are now one of the longest running dive operations in Fiji offering a variety of dive packages for beginners to advanced. Check the possibilitties and... the pictures!!! Take the plunge… you’ll be amazed what’s below the surface!

What to do in Fiji - possible tour for 2 weeks

2009-01-31T02:30:00.000-08:00

First-week inland tour:
Arrival Nadi
Trek Koroyanitu National Heritage Park (1-3 days) with villages. 3 days (2 nights)cost aprox 150-200€ all included (stay, food, transport, guide). Notice that to go to a village, you need to be invited, or accompanied by a local, a guide.
Visit Navala village
Visit Raki-raki with night at Volivoli resort (10-15€ for dorms). We recommend this resort. Possibility to dive with PADI masters, good spots (coral, wrecks etc.), snorkelling as well. If you want to go to an island, nananu-i-ra is just apposite
Visit Takalana (although small -6/8 People-, it is our favourite eco-lodge): visit of waterfalls inland, seeing of dolphins (sometimes whales), kayaking in mangrove etc. around 40-50€ per day, with all included: night, 3 meals, all transport and visits
Visit Suva (few days) and colo-i-suva (rainforest park, with natural pools etc.)to climb Mt Korobaba.
Trip to Levuka, first capital of Fiji and nice colonial town, on the island of Ovalau.
Visit the Coral coast, with Navua river valley and Sigatoka sand dunes. To sleep, Uprising or Beachhouse resorts are good (but, be careful, book in advance if you are a big group as they are small resort with no so many beds)

Second-week island tour:
You buy the bula pass to visit the Mamanuca and Yasawas islands with total freedom. A 7-days pass costs 299FJD (130€)
You can find a wide range of resorts for 50€ a day all included (night/3 meals). In any resort diving, snorkelling, beach, party activities are foreseen. Some resorts also offer a village visit.

You can find here another 2-weeks tour. It's more completed but more tiring also. Up to you to decide

What to do in Fiji - island hopping (bula pass)

2009-01-31T01:50:00.000-08:00

This is the perfect way to explore the idyllic Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands as it offers the freedom to explore the islands as you choose.
The bula pass is valid for one return journey to the Yasawas and then hops between resorts and islands as often as you like for the 7, 14 or 21 days.

The accomodation pass is a complementary (but not neccesary) to the trip. We suggest you book your first leg and at least the first night’s accommodation with your Pass and then travel at your leisure.

The island resorts are operated by villagers and they vary in standard, setting, style and the attractions the local area offers but they all have one thing in common: hospitality in Fiji's warm and genuine way. For budgeting allow 60-90FJ$ per night for a dorm incl. 3 meals, or 75-200FJ$ per person per night for a twin/double bure incl. 3 meals. In some cases resorts off the main route charge extra for transfers to/from our vessel. Check when making accommodation bookings.

Check the Bounty island video & photos. That will give you a first idea of how the islands look like

What to do in Fiji - Levuka

2009-01-30T19:27:00.000-08:00

Levuka is Ovalau 's capital in the Eastern Division of Fiji. The town was founded in 1820 by European settlers and traders as the first modern Fiji town. A disparate band of settlers made up Levuka's population -traders, missionaries, shipwrights, speculators, and vagabonds, as well as respectable businessmen. Priests established a mission in Levuka in 1858 and by 1870, the town had a population of more than 800. In 1984, after Fiji was annexed as a British colony, Levuka remained the capital until 1877, when the administration was moved to Suva, although the move was not made official until 1882. The move was prompted by concerns that the 600-meter high cliffs surrounding Levuka gave it no room for expansion. Today, Levuka has a population of 3,750 people, more than a third of Ovalau's total. It is the economic hub and the largest of 24 settlements on the island. Levuka and the island of Ovalau are seeking recognition from UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

What to do in Fiji - Sigatoka Sand Dunes

2009-01-30T19:10:00.001-08:00

The Sigatoka Sand Dunes are part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

They are located directly west of the mouth of the Sigatoka River, second largest river in Fiji. They are the product of fluvial erosion in the coastal hinterland and coastal dune forming processes. The extensive dune system covers an area of 650 hectares and comprises a series of parabolic sand dunes of various ages and activities. Half the area is unstable, especially in the east. The vegetation is predominantly native forest and introduced herbaceous communities.

The Sigatoka Sand Dunes are the location of one of Fiji's earliest recorded prehistoric sites. Evidence of the past is clearly visible throughout the dune system as pottery scatters, stone tools, human remains and other archaeological relics continue to be uncovered by natural processes.

What to do in Fiji - Navua river

2009-01-30T18:55:00.000-08:00

In the remote highlands of Viti Levu lies an unique river trips. Slicing a deep chasm through the island's tropical interior, the Upper Navua River is a hidden pathway to a pristine tropical wilderness. Shrouded in lush rain forest, fed by countless waterfalls and protected by challenging rapids, the Upper Navua River is Fiji rafting at its best. Along the river, there are many waterfall, km of stretch of deep, narrow canyon, but, this is a place where black volcanic walls are at points barely seven meters apart and over forty meters high and fringed by emerald rainforest. It is one of the wildest and most beautiful landscape in Fiji.

Kava ceremony

2009-01-30T00:25:00.000-08:00

Perhaps nothing reflects the Fijians' reverence for tradition like yaqona (kava) drinking. Visit any Fijian village or home and you will probably come upon the spectacle of a family sitting on the floor around a large wooden bowl filled with a muddy-coloured liquid, drinking the contents from half a coconut shell.
You definitely should try a cup, though don't expect ambrosia. The drink is prepared from the pulverised root (Piper methysticum) a plant from the pepper family, and has a tingly numbing effect on the tongue. The taste, not unpleasant, takes some getting used to and from a visitor's point of view it is de rigueur at least to Tovolea mada ("Try please").
The most important aspect of yaqona drinking is psychological. Sitting around a bowl in the village, exchanging talanoa (conversation, chat) and listening to the guitars hammer away is a very pleasant experience. Most importantly, the act of sharing a bowl creates an invisible bond between the participants. The visitor feels a warmth and acceptance among complete strangers that is normally associated with family or close friends. It is no accident that in Fiji many business deals and social contracts are consummated around a yaqona bowl!
Yaqona is a Fijian link to the past, a tradition so inextricably woven into the fabric of culture that life without it is unimaginable. It is consumed ritually when welcoming visitors, sending village members on journeys, christening boats, laying the foundations of homes, casting magical spells, making deals, settling arguments and, as is usually the case, chatting. It is also presented as a sevusevu, a traditional gift offered by guests to the host, or as a token of respect to visitors of higher rank in official ceremonies.
Legend says that yaqona was derived from the Fijian god Degei (means from heaven to the soil and through the earth), who asked his 3 sons where they wanted to live and what they wanted to do with their lives. They replied with where they wanted to dwell and what they thought their tasks should be. Degei was pleased but told his sons that although they had power and strength, they lacked the wisdom to make decisions. He gave them two sacred crops, yaqona and vuga from which to draw wisdom. The sons in turn gave them to the people and to this day, goes the legend, the crops grow where the Fijian descendants live.

A nonalcoholic beverage, yaqona has varying effects on the individual, ranging from a fuzzy-headedness to mild euphoria. The drink always acts as a diuretic and has been used as such by pharmaceutical manufacturers. Early explorers spoke in awe of yaqona's effects, but no-one knows for sure if their accounts were exaggerated or if the grog was more potent in those days. One theory postulates that because the root was chewed (by young virgins) before mixing, the saliva somehow reacted with the active ingredients to intensify the effect. Another more plausible theory is that additives -possibly hallucinogenics such as angel's cap and yaqoyaqona- were added to the mix. Even though the chemical make-up of yaqona is known, organic chemists haven't figured out the specific active ingredient(s). Pharmacologist say that their nature is not like a stimulant such as cocaine, but cannot be described as a depressant either. Yaqona has a calming effect somewhere in between.
Although yaqona is used primarily as a social drink, local healers have cured ailments ranging from tooth decay and respiratory diseases to gonorrhoea with it. Excessive yaqona drinking causes a host of disorders including loss of appetite, bloodshot eyes, lethargy, restlessness, stomach pains and scaling of the skin. The latter condition, known as kanikani by Fijians, is fairly common among heavy drinkers who may consume up to 6 litres or more in the course of a day.
In villages the brew is generally consumed by men in a home or community bure, but occasionally women gather in the kitchen and drink among themselves. A woman visitor will generally be offered a bowl with no compunction; however, unless she is someone of rank, a man will be given the first opportunity to drink.

Today, although yaqona is central to the Fijian culture, it is controversial in terms of how healthy it is for economic growth. Whereas in the old days grog was strictly used for ceremonial purposes by chiefs or priests, today it is drunk copiously in villages, often to the detriment of gardening, fishing or other productive activities. Because of the negative side effects of this drinking, which certainly do not promote hard work, some Fijian officials have asked if excessive grog drinking is good for the country...

Video: Kava ceremony

What to do in Fiji - cruises

2009-01-29T08:00:00.000-08:00

If you like the idea of leisurely travelling from one picturesque coral lagoon to another, seeing spectacular scenery & abundant marine life on the way, perhaps a Fiji cruise vacation on the high seas is for you. Regardless of whether you prefer the comforts of a modern cruise liner or the swashbuckling "wind in your hair" excitement of a square rigged sailing ship, you will find something you like amongst the South Seas cruises.

You can take a 'mini Fiji cruise' for a day trip or even just for lunch or dinner and many Fiji cruises have great onboard entertainment with that laid-back Island style atmosphere. Other Fiji Cruises can be for a few days, a week or even longer. These cruise trips allow you to discover other interesting, more remote parts of the Fiji Islands Group.

SOUTH SEA CRUISES Ph: +679 6750 500Adr: Port Denarau, Nadi

AWESOME ADVENTURES FIJI: Adr: Port Denarau, Nadi

XTASEA CHARTERS Ph: +679 3450 280Adr: Pacific Harbour, Coral Coast

What to do in Fiji - romantic resorts

2009-01-29T07:54:00.000-08:00

Fiji is truly a breathtaking destination for top romantic vacations. The scenery is often magical with picturesque, turquoise calm waters to swim and snorkel through with that special person viewing the spectacular marine life below. Sunsets with shades of glowing pinks and reds greet you at dusk and you can enjoy the ultimate dining experience at night under the star showered sky -the perfect location and atmosphere for one of your best romantic vacations ever. So take the plunge and discover your perfect romantic getaway here.

What to do in Fiji - Ecotours

2009-01-29T07:05:00.000-08:00

The Oceanic Society, an award-winning organization, has natural history and ecotourism expeditions to Fiji. A marine naturalist accompanies its annual 11-day snorkeling to the colorful, pristine reefs off Namena and Taveuni islands in northern Fiji. The trip includes village visits and bird-watching excursions.
Seacology, an organization dedicated to preserving island cultures and environments, has an annual trip to Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort and occasionally to Samoa.
Fiji Adventures offers several packages, one of which combines several cultural activities offered in Fiji such as river rafting, cave and waterfall visits, and a trip into Viti Levu's interior. The packages do not include airfare, but they save you from having to arrange each activity after you arrive in Fiji.
The environmentally and culturally friendly Active Fiji uses a 42m sailing schooner to explore out-of-the-way islands in northern Fiji. The boat goes to Fijian villages and carries mountain bikes as well snorkeling and diving gear.
The nonprofit Greenforce sends expeditions to help survey Fiji's coral reefs for the World Conservation Society. They'll even teach you to dive while you're there. The trips last from 6 to 10 weeks.

Fiji leader defiant after threats (pa' chulo, yo)

2009-01-28T13:09:00.000-08:00

Fiji's leader has expressed defiance, a day after the Pacific Islands Forum threatened it with expulsion if no elections were held by 2009.
In an interview with Radio Tarana, Bainimarama said he felt under no pressure to set a date for elections.
He said the forum should not hold its breath waiting for instant action."It is going to be a long wait. We have already given our explanation, right now I don't think we need to explain anymore," said, repeating his comment that elections could take up to 10 years. He described the summit's ultimatum as unprecedented. "I have never come across a situation where a country gives an ultimatum to another country unless, of course, there is a declaration of war", he said.

He also described NZ's Prime Minister as being very rude and uninformed. "I don't think, from the explanation that was given to me by the attorney general, that NZ's Prime Minister completely understands what is happening in Fiji because during the discussion yesterday he was very rude to the attorney general -he was very personal in his questions to him" he said.
Fiji's attorney general Aiyaz Saiyed Khaiyum has said Fiji was not in crisis. "You have a government in place that's been held to be legally and validly appointed by His Excellency our president by a 3-member panel of the High Court. So we do not understand what the crisis is". The country wanted "long-term and sustainable" democracy which "seems lost on some people" he said.
Fiji's deposed former leader Qarase said the ultimatum was unlikely to persuade Bainimarama to change his position. Bainimarama "has become addicted to political power... he likes the power and that is why I feel it will be very unlikely that he will hold elections by the end of the year" Qarase said.
Academics based outside Fiji concurred, saying the military man was not the sort of person to react well to outside pressures.

Everyone is asking me: "what's a bure?"

2009-01-27T08:50:00.000-08:00

Bure is the Fijian word for a wood-and-straw hut, sometimes similar to a cabin.
In its original sense, a bure is a structure built of anything that comes to hand. The components of a bure are either stacked together, tied together by rope, or a combination of both methods.
Traditionally, ethnic Fijians lived in two types of houses; a vale was the family house, while men's houses (where circumcised males of the clan met, ate, and slept) were known as bures. Both of these buildings were dark and smoky inside, with no windows and usually only one low door.

In the Fijian tourism industry, the term bure is often synonymous with bungalow or any other detached hotel or resort structure. While a traditional bure has neither plumbing nor any amenities, and usually no electricity, a tourism bure will be of the same standard as its European equivalent. A tourism bure can range from fairly basic to extremely luxurious. Example

Pacific leaders set Fiji deadline

2009-01-27T08:36:00.000-08:00

Regional leaders have given Fiji's military rulers until the end of 2009 to hold an election, or face sanctions from the Pacific Islands Forum.
Meeting in Papua New Guinea, the forum said the situation in Fiji was "not acceptable by international standards". But Fiji's self-appointed leader, Frank Bainimarama, said no vote would be held until his reforms were completed, which he claimed could take 10 years.
Mr Bainimarama, an army chief, seized power in a coup in 2006. He now serves as Fiji's prime minister, but has simultaneously also held several other ministerial portfolios.
His government has missed several deadlines to hold elections - including one agreed at the forum in 2007 - and Fiji's nearest neighbours appear to have run out of patience. "More than two years of rule by an unelected military government, with no clear timetable for the return of constitutional government to the people, is not acceptable by international standards" the forum's statement said.
If Fiji does not declare an election date by the start of May, and hold the vote by the end of December, the forum said Fiji would be excluded from regional meetings and lose development funding.
After the forum's meeting, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd told reporters: "The interim [Fijian] government has shown complete contempt for its previous commitments to hold democratic elections by March of this year. "The ball now is very much in the court of the interim government of Fiji to see what they do."
Mr Bainimarama, who did not attend the forum's meeting, has long said he cannot hold elections until Fiji has made changes to its racially based electoral system.
The Fijilive news website reported Mr Bainimarama as saying on Monday: "The Electoral Act will be changed. If it takes us five years or 10 years to hold elections then so be it." Mr Bainimarama justified his coup by accusing the elected Fijian government of corruption and saying it was pursuing racist policies against the country's ethnic Indian minority.
But since then, his actions have attracted strong criticism from around the world.

What to do in Fiji - bus connections

2009-01-27T08:24:00.000-08:00

There is a comprehensive bus network in Fiji, ranging from modern air-conditioned coaches to local buses with no windows - just canvas flaps in case of rain - at the other end of the spectrum. The local buses are particularly enjoyable as you get a chance to meet the locals and soak up the atmosphere.
Virtually everywhere on the main islands is connected by bus and it's not a problem if you can't find the bus stop - if you see a bus, just wave to the driver for it to stop. In more remote regions, buses are replaced by carriers. Carriers are usually minibuses or pickup trucks converted into public transport. This form of transport is a little more uncomfortable and the fares may be a little higher than buses, however carriers are definitely a great way to experience Fiji.

The Feejee Experience and the Coral Sun are backpackers' bus companies that runs a circuit around Viti Levu with overnight stops in Nadi, Coral Coast, Raki Raki and Suva.

What to do in Fiji - flying around

2009-01-27T07:42:00.000-08:00

If you want to leave Viti Levu and reach the far-away paradises within Fiji, check these airlines:
Air Fiji: for tickets click here , for service info click here
Sun Air: for tickets click here , for service info click here
Island Hoppers Helicopters: for tickets click here , for service info click here
Pacific Islands Seaplanes: for tickets click here , for service info click here
Freedom Air: for tickets click here , for service info click here
If you want to combine your trip to Fiji with a visit to another island, here are the low cost companies:
Fiji & New Caledonia: Air Calin

Fiji & New Zealand: Air New Zealand
Fiji & Australia: Air Pacific, with Qantas, Pacific Blue , Virgin Blue

Fiji & around the Pacific: Quantas sales

and, just to give you an idea about distances:

Noumea (New Caledonia): 1.5 hours ; Auckland: 3 hours ; Sydney: 4 hours ; Hobart (Tasmania): 7 hours via Sydney ; Brisbane: 3 hours ; Melbourne: 6.5 hours via Sydney ; Los Angeles: 12.5 hours ; Seoul: 10.5 hours ; Tokyo: 11.5 hours via Auckland ; Honolulu (Hawai): 6 hours ; London: 26 hours via America/Asia ; Tonga: 1.5 hours ; Samoa: 1.5 hours ; Cook islands: 3 hours ; Wellington: 3.5 hours

Third Fiji publisher 'expelled'

2009-01-26T09:44:00.000-08:00

Military rulers in Fiji have moved to expel an Australian newspaper publisher - the third such case in a year.
Rex Gardner and the Fiji Times were convicted of contempt of court for publishing a letter criticising judges who supported the 2006 military coup. Fijian newspapers report that Mr Gardner will be deported on Tuesday. It comes a day before a regional forum meets in Papua New Guinea to discuss Fiji's failure to restore democracy since the coup. Australia and NZ have been pushing for a harder line on Fiji's government, but smaller island nations have refused to back them.
In May, Mr Gardner's predecessor at the Fiji Times, Evan Hannah, was expelled for "breaching national security", just weeks after the editor of the Fiji Sun was deported.
But critics of the government labelled the move an attack on free speech, and Australian Foreign Minister said it was a "reprehensible act" which continued the pattern of "severe erosion of human rights" in Fiji.

Fiji time : pinturesque or annoying?

2009-01-26T07:17:00.000-08:00

A conversation last weekend with a guy who works at "NZ All Natural Ice Cream":

Me: What time do you close?
Ice Cream Guy: 9 p.m
Me: Every night?
ICG: Yes
Me: What about tonight?
ICG: Tonight? 8:30

-I later realised that my line of questioning is one that could only be asked by someone who has spent an extended amount of time in Fiji-

At 8:15, I arrived back at the ice cream place and was met with a hand-scribbled note on the door: "Back in 5 minutes!". 20 minutes later, we sat waiting still. Two taxis came by and left disappointed as did a group of tourists.

I'll never truly get used to these experiences in Fiji.

Yeah..yeah...call it "Fiji time" and move on. Sometimes I can. Sometimes, I can't.
"Slow" as "Fiji time" is accepted by most people and can be a quaint part of travel here. "Inefficient" as "Fiji time", is not.
There is a difference between the two and the desirability of Fiji as a destination hangs in the balance. It's definitely one of the biggest challenges the country faces.

What to do in Fiji - offbeat travel experiences

2009-01-25T11:55:00.000-08:00

Some cynics might say that a visit to Fiji itself is an offbeat experience, but these four really are:
Rise of the Balolo (nationwide): Dawn after the full moon in October sees thousands of Fijians out on the reefs with buckets to snare the wiggling balolo, a coral worm that comes out to mate only then. Actually, the rear ends of the worms break off and swim to the surface, spewing eggs and sperm in a reproductive frenzy lasting only a few hours. Fijians consider the slimy balolo to be their caviar.

Sliding Through a Jungle Canopy (Pacific Harbour): Sliding along cables strung across a rainforest canopy in Fiji strikes me as offbeat. You can do just that with ZIP Fiji

Jet-Skiing to Your Hotel (Taveuni): You can get to your hotel by taxi, ferry, boat, plane, seaplane, helicopter, even on foot, but only at Paradise Taveuni will you have the option of riding a jet ski.
Living on a Copra Plantation (Taveuni): The first successful industry in Fiji was extracting the meat from coconuts and drying it into copra, from which the oil is extracted for cooking, cosmetics, and other products. In the 19th century, Europeans created large copra plantations, many of which are still operational. You can actually share one of them with the descendants of the original English

sin pelos en la lengua...

2009-01-24T01:23:00.000-08:00

"There are significant strategic interests in Oceania, and there's a lot of stuff going on that's important. Not just the United States. For example, France is doing some really vicious things there, in fact they're just wiping out islands because they want them for nuclear tests. And when the socialist government in France is asked, "Why to do this?", they say, "Well look, we have to have nuclear tests." Well, if you have to have nuclear tests, why not have them in southern France? Why have them in some island in the Pacific? Well, the answer to that is clear, after all they're just a bunch of little brown people or something. But you can't say that exactly, especially if you're a socialist, so something else is said"

Noam Chomsky, talk at UC Berkeley on the massacres in Indonesia and East Timor, 1982

France donates $250,000

2009-01-23T03:24:00.000-08:00

The Fiji Times published that the French Ambassador Michel Monnier handed over a cheque of $250,000 to the Fiji Red Cross Society to assist in its flood relief operations.
France and the French territories in the South Pacific have given grants to assist stricken families and businesses. Noumea provided $20,000 worth of school supplies and $65,000 to the Fiji Chamber of Commerce to help local businesses resume operations. In total, France, New Caledonia and French Polynesia have given Fiji $380,000.

And, what is the EU doing? Why ECHO assistance is not in the press?

Fiji: political overview

2009-01-22T03:34:00.000-08:00

In 1987 a coup by indigenous Fijians overthrew the elected, Indian-dominated coalition. This triggered a series of adverse events, including the introduction -and subsequent withdrawal- of a constitution enshrining indigenous Fijian political supremacy.
A further coup in 2000, led by businessman George Speight, saw the country's first ethnic Indian prime minister, his cabinet and several MPs held hostage for several weeks.
These events caused great harm to the economy -the tourism industry in particular- and Fiji's international reputation. Rancour over the 2000 coup persisted, with bitter divisions over plans to amnesty those behind it. The proposals underlay tensions which culminated in a bloodless military takeover in 2006 - Fiji's fourth coup in 20 years.
Fiji's population is divided almost equally between indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians, the descendents of indentured labourers brought from India. Mixing between the two groups is minimal, and informal segregation runs deep at almost every level of society. There are also very small non-Indo-Fijian, non-Fijian minority communities, such as Chinese and Rotumans.
Although the former British colony relies heavily on the sugar and tourism industries for its foreign exchange, its economy is diverse. Gold, silver and limestone are mined, and there is a strong services sector and some light manufacturing. Nonetheless, Fiji has been hampered by persistent trade and budget deficits, making it one of the world's largest per capita recipients of aid.

What to do in Fiji - Nausori Highlands

2009-01-21T03:07:00.000-08:00

Mention Fiji as a holiday destination and most people think of white sand beaches and coconut palms. But there is another Fiji: the Nausori Highlands, the south-west section of the mountainous interior of Viti Levu. It surprises many people to learn that mountainous regions make up over 80% of the 10,400Km² area of Viti Levu; 2/3 of the island is classified as "steepland", having slopes greater than 18%.
The product of violent volcanic activity millions of years ago, the Nausori Highlands rise abruptly from the coastal plain reaching 900 metres above sea level. Not surprisingly the overwhelming majority of Viti Levu’s population lives on the narrow coastal plains, while the interior is sparsely inhabited.
The Nausori Highlands is accessible by just 3 roads, all unsealed and all ending at Bukuya, a village consisting of a mixture of corrugated iron and traditional thatched bures spilling down the mountainside, home to about 700 people.
A day trip through the Nausori Highlands takes the Nausori Highlands Road from Nadi to Bukuya, and then return to the coast via the Bukuya-Ba Road or the Bukuya-Sigatoka Road.
Nadi to Bukuya
The Nausori Highlands Road is off the Nadi Back Road and begins surrounded by sugar cane farms. The journey from Nadi to Bukuya is 45 km but can take up to 3-4 hours, depending on the road condition.
After 5 km you leave the sugar cane fields behind and enter the grassed foothills of the highlands. At 11 km the road begins to wind steeply upwards with short stretches of bitumen in the steepest parts to allow vehicles to grip the surface. At the top of the scarp you should stop to take in the magnificent views back towards the ocean and inland to the mountains! For the next 5 km you pass through forests and then lush tropical jungle. After 23 km the jungle gives way to grassland where slatted wooden bridges straddle rushing streams. It is common to see the occasional horse tethered by the side of the road but no sign of its owner.
Bukuya to Ba
The Bukuya to Ba road is 30 km long but the journey can take 2-3 hours. Of the 3 roads through the highlands this is the roughest. For much of the journey the road follows the ridge of the highest mountain range, so that you will not so much be travelling through the Nausori Highlands as above them. The road culminates at Navala, the most photographed village in Fiji because it is the only one which still consists solely of thatched bures.
Bukuya to Sigatoka
Bukuya to Sigatoka is 66 km. This area has plenty rivers and streams, so roads and bridges are more likely to be under water after wet weather. However, the last 20 km of the road is sealed and offers a picturesque journey through the Sigatoka River valley.

Accommodation: There are two options: The Bukuya Alpine Eco Centre offering traditional Fijian village stays & Heaven's Edge, a backpackers resort with panoramic views of the highlands.

Attention:
Roads in Fiji can be extremely rough with bare rock surfaces, loose stones, potholes, puddles and stretches of mud. There are no fuel or food services so, travelers should ensure they have adequate supplies of water and fuel. Take a picnic lunch as there are many beautiful riverside locations perfect for stopping. Roads and bridges can be washed away after storms. Before setting off always check that roads are navigable with the Fiji Visitors Bureau (tel. 672 2433) or local police posts.

Swedes love the Pacific

2009-01-21T02:53:00.000-08:00

Swedes have voted the South Pacific as their dream destination in a survey of over 30,000 readers of the Sweden's main evening newspaper. This was reported in the regional tourism promotion agency, South Pacific Travel. Second and third were the Maldives and an African safari.

What to do in Fiji - Koroyanitu National Heritage Park

2009-01-20T02:09:00.000-08:00

If you are a keen walker, biker or nature lover, the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park in the mountains about 10km southeast of Lautoka is definitely worth a visit. There are six villages within the park that cooperate as part of an ecotourism project. They maintain the landscape and tracks and subsequently earn tourist dollars through village stays and manning the office.
Abaca village is at the base of Mt Koroyanitu (Mt Evans). The area has beautiful walks through native Dakua forests and grasslands, bird-watching, archaeological sites and waterfalls.

Contact Ms Kalesi Bose at the Abaca Visitor Centre (666 6644, after the beep dial 1234; admission $5) for more information. Pictures

What to do in Fiji - Nananu-i-ra

2009-01-19T02:23:00.000-08:00

This pocket-sized paradise is a must on any northern Viti Levu itinerary. Beautifully hilly, the 3.5-sq-km island is surrounded by scalloped bays, white-sand beaches and mangroves. Cattle grazing has cleared much of the dense vegetation and today rolling hills of grass inhabit the interior. It's only 3km north of Ellington Wharf, but the atypical landscape and small enclave of wealthy holiday homes exaggerates the distance. Nananu-i-Ra is an excellent option for those who want an offshore-island experience but minimal boating and associated cost. It's also renowned for windsurfing and diving. The island has no roads and no village - most of the residents are of European descent so there's not much contact with traditional culture here but there is a nice & relax atmosphere all around. Bring a book & relax in a "hamaca" between two coconut trees or, just start the day fishfeeding. Enjoy life's little pleasures.

Further info: http://www.nananu-i-ra-fiji.com/

Accomodation: Nananu-i-Ra offers accommodation for all budgets. Originally a backpacker destination with low-cost rooms at MacDonalds Cottages and Betham's Beach Place, the island has developed more mid-range and luxury options. If you like sports (specially kitesurf), you will love the Safari Lodge, which offers lots of watersport activities such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving, fishing and more! It is often booked by New Zealanders & Australians sport-lovers & they also offer courses (= beginners are welcome).

But, food is not great... Tip: if you want something more than basic sandwiches and breakfast stuff, bring it with you.

Activities: Diving in the waters around Nananu-i-ra is a very popular activity with a number of dive operators in the area. Scuba diving available includes: Night Diving, Deep diving, Wreck diving (the 'Papuan Explorer') & Drift diving. All are great for underwater photography.
Since this island is surrounded by a coral reef there is excellent snorkelling just off shore. Especially on the Viti Levu side of the island if you are looking for a large number of tropical fish. The east side of the island, in particular Mile Long Beach is ideal for windsurfing and kite boarding. There are a few places to rent windsurfers and kite boards on the island. Check out Safari Lodge, who operate from Ellington Wharf and on Nananu-i-Ra.
Safari Lodge also organise fishing and sailing activities. Sailing is for novice or experienced sailors and includes local guide/skipper. Great opportunity to explore deserted beaches, and good snorkelling spots. Fishing, again, can be enjoyed whether you are a keen fishing enthusiast or just want to try your luck! Game fishing, sport fishing and hand line fishing is available.

Discovering Suva

2009-01-18T08:57:00.000-08:00

Although you could easily spend several days poking around the capital, eating, drinking, shopping and hanging around with locals & expat community, there some tourist attractions in Suva also.

Sitting on a ridge about 1km southeast of downtown, the Parliament of Fiji (tel. 330 5811), resides under a modern shingle-covered version of a traditional Fijian roof. There are no organized tours, and access has been restricted since the 2000 coup, so call the main number or check with the Fiji Visitors bureau before coming up here. If you can get in (and another coup isn't in progress, God forbid!), you can watch the debates from the visitors' gallery.
At an altitude of 121 to 182m, Colo -- I-Suva Forest Park, 11km from downtown Suva (tel. 332 0211) provides a cool, refreshing respite from the heat of the city below. You can hike the system of trails through the heavy indigenous forests and stands of mahogany to one of several lovely waterfalls that cascade into swimming holes. Bring walking shoes with good traction because the trails are covered with gravel or slippery soapstone. The park is open daily 8am to 4pm. Admission is F$5. Take a taxi or the Sawani bus, which leave Suva Municipal Market every 30 minutes. If you drive, do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
A vast array of tropical produce is offered for sale at Suva's Municipal Market. It is Suva's main supply of food and the largest and most lively market in the South Pacific. If they aren't too busy, the merchants will appreciate your interest and answer your questions about the names and uses of the various fruits and vegetables. The market teems on Saturday morning, when it seems as if the entire population of Suva shows up to shop and select television programs for the weekend's viewing. Few sights say as much about urban life in the modern South Pacific as does that of a Fijian carrying home in one hand a bunch of taro roots tied together with pandanus, and in the other a collection of rented videocassettes stuffed into a plastic bag.

Finish the day going for a walk at Albert Park and visiting the Fiji Museum. You'll see a marvelous collection of war clubs, cannibal forks, tanoa bowls, shell jewelry, and other relics here, in one of the South Pacific's finest museums. Although some artifacts were damaged by Suva's humidity while they were hidden away during World War II, much remains. Later additions include the rudder and other relics of HMS Bounty, burned and sunk at Pitcairn Island by Fletcher Christian and the other mutineers in 1789 but recovered in the 1950s by the famed National Geographic photographer Luis Marden. Don't miss the masi cloth and Indian art exhibits in the air-conditioned upstairs galleries. The gift shop is worth a browse.

Check this video to get a first idea about Suva

Sample prices (1€ = 2,3 FJD)

2009-01-17T06:04:00.000-08:00

A night in a backpacker/cheap resort = 15-30 FJD

A day in a backpacker/cheap resort (incl. 3 meals) = 70-120 FJD

A dive (PADI) = 150 FJD

A long distance bus ticket (Viti Levu) = 50 FJD maximum. See Coral Sun Fiji

A cheap lunch in Suva/Nadi = 5 FJD

A good lunch in a middle/high class restaurant (ie. Indian, Japanese) = 20-25 FJD

A coffee = 2-3 FJD

A beer = 4 FJD

Fiji Times newspaper = 0,85 FJD

6 pinneaples (in the market) = 3-4 FJD

To rent a 4x4 car for the weekend = 20 FJD

Food & Drink

2009-01-16T01:37:00.000-08:00

Fiji has very good restaurants serving food from around the globe - although we will recommend to try the local Fijian & Indo-Fijian specialities, of course.
Lovos and Mekes
Like most South Pacific islanders, the Fijians in pre-European days steamed their food in an earth oven, known here as a lovo. They would use their fingers to eat the huge feasts (mekes) that emerged, then would settle down to watch traditional dancing and perhaps polish off a few cups of yaqona.
The ingredients of a lovo meal are buaka (pig), doa (chicken), ika (fish), mana (lobster), moci (river shrimp), kai (freshwater mussels), and various vegetables, such as dense dalo (taro root), spinachlike rourou (taro leaves), and lumi (seaweed). Most dishes are cooked in sweet lolo (coconut milk). The most plentiful fish is the walu, or Spanish mackerel.
Fijians also make delicious kokoda (ko-kon-da), their version of fresh fish marinated in lime juice and mixed with fresh vegetables and coconut milk. Another Fijian specialty is palusami, a rich combination of meat or fish baked in banana leaves or foil with onions, taro leaves, and coconut milk.
Most resort hotels have mekes on their schedule of weekly events. Traditional Fijian dance shows follow the meals. Unlike the fast, hip-swinging, suggestive dancing of Tahiti and the Cook Islands, Fijians follow the custom of the Samoas and Tonga, with gentle movements taking second place to the harmony of their voices. The spear-waving war dances have more action.

Curry in Fiji
While not all menus include Fijian-style dishes, they all offer at least one Indian curry, which bodes well for vegetarians, since most Hindus eat no meat or seafood.
Fijian curries traditionally are on the mild side, but you can ask for it spicy. Curries are easy to figure out from the menu: lamb, goat, beef, chicken, vegetarian. If in doubt, ask the waiter. Curries are normally eaten with the hands, but you can also ask for roti (it is the round, lightly fried bread normally used to pick up your food. It is a hybrid of the round breads of India and Pakistan). Puri is a soft, puffy bread, and papadam is thin and crispy.
The entire meal may come on a round steel plate, with the curries, condiments, and rice in their own dishes arranged on the larger plate. The authentic method of dining is to dump the rice in the middle of the plate, add the smaller portions around it, and then mix them all together.

Wine, Beer and Spirits
Fiji does not produce wine, but Australian & New Zealand wines are common. Australian's have full-bodied, fruit-driven varieties, such as chardonnay, semillon, Riesling, shiraz, Hermitage, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot. New Zealand produces distinctive whites, such as chenin blanc, sauvignon blanc, and soft merlot.
The country does brew the robust Fiji Bitter beer -- or "Stubbie" to locals because of its distinctive short-neck bottles. Fiji Gold is a somewhat lighter version.
With all those sugar-cane fields, it's not surprising that Fiji produces a decent dark rum known as Bounty. A gin is produced here, too, but it's best used as paint thinner.
Freight and import duties drive up the cost of other spirits and all wines, so expect very high prices. You can always bring the two allowed bottles of spirits from the duty-free shops at the airport.
Coffee Lingo
Coffee lovers are in for a treat, for excellent beans are grown in Fiji's mountains. The robust product is darkly roasted and served throughout the country. The Bulaccino and Esquires outlets (similar to Startbrucks) will satisfy your daily caffeine needs.
The coffee lingo spoken in Fiji is different than the EU one. Over here, a short black is an espresso. A long black is two shots of espresso with extra hot water. A flat white is what we call a latte (half espresso, half steamed milk), while a trimmed flat white is a flat white with skim milk. A New Zealand coffee an experience you can not miss: a huge bowl of coffee (I'm sure the Italians will love this one).

Fiji flooding is worrying us... and Lenaic is flying back next Saturday

2009-01-14T12:59:00.000-08:00

Floods in Fiji have claimed the lives of at least 10 people and 24 have dissappeared. Meteorologists say Fiji faces at least 3 more days of storms, in what has been described as the country's worst flooding in recent history.
At least one major international airline has scheduled extra flights to help evacuate stranded tourists. A rescue team is scouring the waters off the main island, Viti Levu, after a boat carrying 24 people was reported missing in its way to Suva.
Several days of heavy rainfall have inundated towns, submerged roads and washed away bridges on Viti Levu. A state of emergency remains in place in the west of the island, with the tourist hub of Nadi badly affected. "Stay where you are, and take extra care" Patiliai Dobui, the head of Fiji's Disaster Management Office said. Thousand residents are now in emergency shelters, after their homes were swamped by muddy floodwaters. Sugar producers say tens of millions of dollars worth of sugar cane fields have been destroyed.
The US and China have promised immediate assistance, as have Australia and New Zealand - despite the current diplomatic chill (both countries have sanctions in place against Fiji's military government in the wake of the December 2006 military coup)

Fiji Water - a succesful Fijian private company

2009-01-14T12:28:00.000-08:00

Fiji Water is a brand of bottled water which is bottled in the Fiji Islands. The water comes from an artesian aquifer in the Yaqara Valley of Viti Levu.
The company was formed in 1996 by David Gilmour, one-time partner in Clairtone Sound Corporation Limited, and the first bottles were shipped to the United States in late 1997. Fiji Water later became available ( and fashionable) at more retail locations throughout North America, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Australia, much of the Caribbean, Mexico, as well as Germany. They are considered "trendy" and several Holliwood starts had declared drinking it.
The company claims that in the case of Fiji Water, location is key, and because of the islands' remote displacement from other continents, it is protected by its isolation from pollutants and other negative artificial contaminants.

But, on the other side...

Fiji Water has been criticized for the environmental costs embedded in each bottle. The production plant runs on diesel fuel 24 hours a day. The high-grade plastic used to make the bottles is transported from China to Fiji, and then (full of water) to the United States and other countries. A 1 liter bottle of Fiji Water contaminates 6.74 liters of water to stretch-blow mold the plastic, burns fossil fuel to transport plastics from China and full bottles to the country of sale, and produces 0.25 kg of greenhouse emissions, based on the U.S. as the country of sale. Recently, the company has taken efforts to curtail its carbon footprint in the hopes of becoming carbon negative through reduced product emissions, increased usage of renewable energy, and the offsetting of remaining emissions by 120%, starting in 2008. In addition, the company plans to reduce the size of its packaging by at least 20% for 2010, as well as explore opportunities to spur on recycling.

www.fijiwater.com

Festival of Pacific Arts

2009-01-14T12:07:00.000-08:00

The Festival of Pacific Arts is a traveling festival hosted every 4 years by a different country in Oceania. It was conceived by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community as a means to stem erosion of traditional cultural practices by sharing and exchanging culture at each festival. The major theme of the festival is traditional song and dance. The 2008 Festival of Pacific Arts (10th edition) was hosted by American Samoa from 20 July to 2 August.
The Pacific Cultural Council selects the host country and recognizes that each participating country desires the opportunity to showcase its unique indigenous culture by hosting the festival. Host selection is based on principles of equity and the host country pays participants' costs of local travel, accommodation, meals, and other forms of hospitality. Entry to all artistic events is free to the public thereby maximizing cultural outreach and inclusion.
By its vastness, the Pacific Ocean inhibits social and cultural interchange between the inhabitants of its mostly island countries. The festival, not a competition but a cultural exchange, reunites people and reinforces regional identity and mutual appreciation of Pacific-wide culture. Participating countries select artist-delegates to represent the nation at this crossroads of cultures, considered a great honor.

Pictures of 2008's festival of Pacific Arts can be found here

What to do in Fiji - Navua river tours

2009-01-14T05:19:00.000-08:00

Navua is near Suva so you can choose to join one of these tours as a trip from Suva

Tour 1 (2 days 1 night)

Day One: Namosi highlands by 4wd, Trek/walk up to 7 km. Overnight in Fijian village.

Day Two: Bamboo rafting, or tubing down river or kayaking or magic waterfalls swim. Exhilarating long boat ride back to Navua and transfer back to Suva.

Tour 2 (3 days 2 nights)
Day One: Namosi highlands 4 WD walk 7km to Navunikabi village. Overnight.

Day Two: trek through forest to Vunidavo village & overnight.
Day Three: Bamboo rafting or tubing or kayaking or inflatable rafting down river, swim at magic waterfalls, exhilarating long boat ride. Return back to Navua base

Tour 3 (4 days 3 nights)
Day One: Namosi highlands 4 WD walk 7km to Navunikabi village. Overnight.

Day Two: trek through forest to Vunidavo/Burotu village & overnight.

Day Three: After breakfast, trek through forest to Namuamua Village overnight.
Day Four: Bamboo rafting or tubing or kayaking or inflatable rafting down river, swim at magic waterfalls, exhilarating long boat ride. Return back to Navua base

Tour 4 (5 days 4 nights)
Day One: Namosi highlands 4 WD walk 7km to Navunikabi village. Overnight.

Day Two: trek through forest to Vunidavo/Burotu village & overnight.

Day Three: After breakfast, trek through forest to Namuamua Village overnight.
Day Four: Trek up river to Wainilotulevu river camp overnight
Day Five: Bamboo rafting or tubing or kayaking or inflatable rafting down river, swim at magic waterfalls, exhilarating long boat ride. Return back to Navua base.

Tour 5 (6 days 5 nights)

Day One: Namosi highlands 4 WD walk 7km to Navunikabi village. Overnight.

Day Two: trek through forest to Vunidavo/Burotu village & overnight.

Tour 6 (7 days 6 nights)
Day One: Namosi highlands 4 WD walk 7km to Navunikabi village. Overnight.

Day Two: trek through forest to Vunidavo/Burotu village & overnight.

Day Three: After breakfast, trek through forest to Namuamua Village overnight.
Day Four: Trek up river to Wainilotulevu river camp overnight
Day Five: Trek through forest to Navua river resort overnight Day Six: Bamboo rafting or tubing or kayaking or inflatable rafting down river, swim at magic waterfalls, exhilarating long boat ride. Return back to Navua base
Day Seven: Village cultural activities & orientation of native root crops and vegetable farming, Kava farming. Learn local Fishing methods. Witness the preperation of underground oven for cooking a Fijian Feast (Lovo). Tranfer back to your accommodation

Tour Features: Spectacular rocky-mountains, rainforest, interior villages, cannibal history of this province, culture, native birds, food crops, river gorges, cascades and legendary Fijian hospitality etc.
Important: Please bring insect repellent, proper walking or track shoes and any other personal essentials. Please also bring change as weather is changeable.
Price: 135 F$ per person including tax, pick-up/return transfers and all meals. A bus will pick you up in Suva at 9.00 am and will leave you back in Suva at 5.30 pm.

Fast facts

2009-01-14T04:47:00.000-08:00

VISA - Europeans do not need a visa to enter Fiji. They will be granted at the airport with a 4-months tourist permit free of charge.

VACCINATION - You do not need any vaccination to go to Fiji

LANGUAGE - English is an official language of Fiji and everyone speaks it (together with their local languages: Fijian & Hindo-Fijian). Everything is written in English.

INSECTS - Fiji has no dangerous insects and mosquitoes do not carry malaria. Mosquitoes are just "annoying" so, take an anti-mosquitoes with you or buy it in Fiji (wide variety of models available in the market). Tip: 2-3 weeks before coming to Fiji, eat a vitamin-B pill. That will protect you against mosquitoes.

ELECTRICITY - Electric current in Fiji is 240 volts, 50 cycles. Many hotels have converters for 110-volt shavers, but these are not suitable for hair dryers. The plugs are the angled two-prong types DIFFERENT TO THE EU ONES. Outlets have on/off switches mounted next to them.

TIME - Local time in Fiji is 10 hours ahead Brussels' time: when it's 8 am on Tuesday in Fiji, it's 9 pm on Monday in Brussels

CURRENCY - 1Euro = 2 Fijian Dollar

CUSTOMS - Fiji's Customs allowances are 200 cigarettes; 2 liters of liquor, beer, or wine; and F$400 worth of other goods in addition to personal belongings. Any fresh fruits and vegetables must be declared. Customs will X-ray all of your luggage upon arrival. You will need advance permission to bring any animal into Fiji; if not, your pet will be quarantined. They are quite strict on that in order not to bring illness to the island.

LIQUOR LAWS - Most grocery stores sell beer, spirits, and wines from Australia and New Zealand. Both beer and spirits are produced locally and are considerably less expensive than imported brands (extremely expensive). While local Bounty rum is okay, the other stuff is rotgut. The locally brewed Fiji beer is good. Fiji Gold is a lighter lager than Fiji Bitter. Most bars also sell Australian and New Zealand beers.

SAFETY - Fiji is not a dangerous country but caution is advised at all times, especially in Suva. Stick to the main streets everywhere after dark, and take a taxi back to your hotel if you're out late at night. Taxis are extremely cheap so do not risk! Do not leave valuables in your hotel room or unattended elsewhere.

HITCHHIKING - Local residents seldom hitchhike, so the custom is not widespread, nor do we recommend it.

EMERGENCIES - The police emergency number is 917 throughout Fiji. The firemen and ambulance nr is 911. There is an special service of the police called "Tourist police" and it is efficient. Call them if you have any problem during your stay. The best hospital in Fiji is the Suva Private Hospital and it has European standards. Fiji has well-stocked pharmacies or "chemists." Their medicines are likely to be from Australia or New Zealand.

NEWSPAPERS - Two national newspapers are published in English: the Fiji Times and the Fiji Sun. Both appear daily and carry a few major stories from overseas.

What to do in Fiji in two weeks....

2009-01-14T04:29:00.000-08:00

I start this post saying that we higly recommend to come for 3 weeks in order to have a first appreciation of Fiji & relax a bit (to understand what really "Fiji time" means).

Nevertheless, we understand that most of you do not have 3 weeks holidays, so we tried to summarice what are for us the highlights of Fiji in 2 weeks.

Days 1-2: Relaxing in Nadi
Take the first day to recover from your international flight by lounging around the pool or beaches near Nadi. Spend Day 2 on land-based excursions, such as to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant or Viseisei Village, the country's oldest native Fijian village. Finish off with dinner in Nadi (Port Denarau has excellent restaurants & nightlife). End the night in an Indian disco - an unique experience in life.
Days 3-4: Exploring the Coral Coast
Get up early and drive south to the Coral Coast, on the southern coast of Viti Levu, Fiji's "main island." On the way stop at the Momi Guns for a look at the World War II battery and a gorgeous view across Nadi Bay; the Kalevu South Pacific Cultural Centre for a glimpse into Fijian culture; and do not miss the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park for an example of its more interesting geology. The next day, visit Kula Eco Park to meet Fiji's interesting and unique wildlife, and hike to a waterfall with Adventures in Paradise Fiji. Catch an evening show featuring the "fire walkers" from Beqa Island.
Day 5: Rafting on the Navua River
One of our favorite Fiji excursions is on the Navua River, which carves a dramatic gorge through Viti Levu's mountainous interior before spilling into a flood plain west of Suva. The usual trip takes you upriver on a fast speedboat but brings you back on a bilibili (bamboo raft). Alternately, you can ride an inflatable boat over white waters with the excellent Rivers Fiji.
Day 6: Suva
On the way to Suva stop in Pacific Harbour for a presentation of native arts, crafts, and traditions at the Arts Village, the country's best cultural center. Once in Suva, take a walking tour of downtown, ending at the Fiji Museum. Be sure to have a Fijian lunch at the Old Mill Cottage and enjoy Suva's bars & cafes surrender by locals. If you have the chance, talk to them and discover the differences between Polinesian, Melanesian, Indo-Fijians, etc.
Day 7: A Trip Back in Time to Levuka
A day trip from Suva to Levuka always highlights a visit to Fiji. The country's original capital, the old town has retained its 19th-century appearance, and the backdrop of sheer cliffs makes it one of the South Pacific's most beautiful towns. Get Ovalau Watersports to organize a morning walking tour and an afternoon excursion to Ovalau. Either catch the late afternoon flight back to Suva or plan an overnight at the charming Levuka Homestay.
Days 8-9: Exploring Taveuni
If you slept on Ovalau, take the early morning Air Fiji flight back to Nausori Airport near Suva. You can connect from there to Taveuni, Fiji's third-largest island. Famous for world-class diving on the nearby Great White Wall and its Rainbow Reef, Taveuni also is a hiker's paradise. Stay near the airport, from where it's an easy trip to the waterfalls in Bouma National Heritage Park and the scenic Lavena Coastal Walk. The next day hike to the mountaintop Lake Tagimaucia, where you might see the rare flower of the same name.
Days 10-11: Savusavu: "Little America"
A morning flight will land you at Savusavu, on Fiji's second-largest island, Vanua Levu. Although it is rapidly developing, the town still recalls its days as a 19th-century copra port. Stroll along the harbor, have lunch at the Bula-Re Cafe, and visit the famous Savusavu Hot Springs, where Fijians still cook their evening meals. Stop by Rock 'n Downunder Divers to rent a kayak or arrange an excursion to a Fijian village.

Days 12-13: An Island Retreat
Spending at least 1 night on a small island in the Mamanucas or Yasawas is an essential ingredient of any trip to Fiji, whether it's in one of Fiji's first overwater bungalows at Likuliku Lagoon Resort, at the raucous Beachcomber Island Resort, the family-oriented Plantation Island Resort, a quiet couples-only hideaway like Matamanoa Island Resort, the charming Navutu Stars Resort in the Yasawas, or our favorite Bounty island. They are all like the paradise-island you always see in the brochures describing the Pacific.
Day 14: Last-Minute Shopping in Nadi
If your homeward flight departs late at night, you can stay in the islands for an extra day. Otherwise spend your last day catching up on shopping.

For that, bus connections are available, but we recommend renting a car in order to have maximum flexibility. Ferries run from Suva to Taveuni and Savusavu, but flying is your best bet.

What to do in Fiji - Mamanuca Islands

2009-01-14T01:27:00.000-08:00

The perfect vacation destination for many, Fiji has a multitude of activities for all to enjoy. Offering some of the best snorkeling, diving and surfing opportunities you can find on the planet; the sailing, windsurfing and hiking is also truly world class.

Let's start talking about islands:

The first group of island you will find from Viti Levu are the Mamanucas.

These are the most touristic island but also the cheapest to go to (just a frequent ferry-bus is necessary).

A volcanic archipelago of 20 or so small islands in a lagoon, the Mamanuca Group is the perfect playground for those who are looking for sun kissed beaches to have some fun. You can enjoy a whole range of water-based activities from paddle boating and windsurfing to snorkeling, diving, sailing, banana boating, kayaking, waterskiing, jet skiing, fishing, and parasailing. Located west of Nadi there are over 22 resorts in the Mamanucas, with all kind of accommodation facilities (from backpackers to top-end).
The island we prefer is the Bounty island (backpackers craw, calm and not so touristic). The most appreciated island by the European craw living in Fiji is the Treasure island (high level standards and nice food). The Beachcomber Island is the place to head for if you want to party the night away. Full of young Aussies & Kiwis ready to have fun. For an exclusive getaway, the Vomo Island is the place to be. While if you are here with your family, the Plantation Island is a great option.

While most of the Mamanuca islands are grasslands with coconut palm fringed beaches, some islands are significantly forested and are home to many native birds and reptiles. The Monu and Monuriki islands on which the movie Cast Away was shot are two such examples.

How to get there:

The Mamanuca and Yasawa resorts arrange transfers for their guests (all of them require reservations), either by boat from the Port Denarau marina, or by seaplane or helicopter from Nadi.
The quickest, easiest, and most expensive way to the islands is via seaplane or helicopter. Turtle Airways and Pacific Island Seaplanes both provide seaplane service to the islands; the flights are on a charter basis arranged by the resorts. Turtle has a special one-way fare for backpackers headed to the Yasawas. It's even more expensive, but Island Hoppers flies its helicopters to most of the moderate and expensive resorts. Sun Air (tel. 672 3016) flies nine-seat planes several times a day from Nadi Airport to Malololailai, home of Plantation and Musket Cove resorts, and to Mana Island.
Most folk, however, take one of the fast, air-conditioned catamarans providing daily ferry service from Port Denarau to and from the islands.
If you're going to Musket Cove or Plantation Island resorts on Malololailai Island, you can take the Malolo Cat (tel. 672 0774) from Port Denarau. One-way fares are about F$70.
South Sea Cruises (info@ssc.com.fj) provides ferry service from Port Denarau to most of the Mamanuca resorts three times daily on speedy catamarans. Complimentary Coach transfers from Coral Coast and Nadi Area hotels are included. All vessels have 2 air-conditioned lounges, outer viewing decks, a fully-licensed bar and snacks are available on board. One-way fares are between F$45 and F$130.
Aimed at backpackers and other adventurous travellers, Awesome Adventures Fiji (info@awesomefiji.com) offers the Bula Pass allowing unlimited island-hopping in the Yasawas for up to 7 days at a cost of F$269, 14 days for F$389, or 21 days for F$419 per person. We strongly recommend this one!. Awesome Adventures Fiji uses the bright yellow Yasawa Flyer, a fast, air-conditioned, catamaran to make its daily voyages to and from the Yasawas. The company also has packages including accommodation and meals at the Yasawa hostels. The choices are many so you better check the website to match your criteria.
If you arrived at Nadi in the middle of the night and just can't wait to get to your offshore paradise, SeaFiji provides 24-hour water taxi service to the islands from Port Denarau.
Check the Bounty island video & photos. That will give you a first idea of how the islands look like

Suva

2009-01-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

Nestled into a yawning harbour on the southeastern coast of the big island of Viti Levu, Suva is sticky with sweat and industry, but this is Fiji's confluence of ethnicities and cultures. Within the urban milieu you'll discover the influence of every island and background. And, of course, the best discos, pubs are restaurants are located in Suva.

A top day in Suva

Any day in Suva proceeds at the mandatory pace of 'Fiji Time' which occupies a vague position between sometime and whenever. Even the bugs dally here, so slipping into holiday tempo is effortless. I'd begin my lethargic escapade in with a caffeine and healthy exotic fruit salad breakfast next to the swimming pool... chased almost immediately by one of their sweet, sticky slices (woman cannot live on yoghurt alone), especially the "coconut roll" at any of the Hot Bread Kitchen Backery. If the day in question was a Saturday I might be lucky enough to catch a rugby match at the National Stadium, just down the road. Sure the games are thrilling but the real spectator sport is the sport of the spectators - feasting, dancing, cheering...it's like Santa's 50th anniversary Bar Mitzvah on Christmas day. Even if you don't like sports, it's an amazing spectacle to see. In the absence of a match, I'd head to the second-best people-watching venue in Suva and amble through the botanic grounds of the University of the South Pacific. After burying myself in the bookshop here (you an get quality books on geopolitics, development & local culture), I'd jump on a bus into town and indulge my culture junkie for an hour or two at the Fiji Museum. But spending a whole day indoors is a crime in Fiji, so it's off for a stroll along Victoria Parade and onto Suva's harbourside esplanade, with its hazy mountain backdrop. Then, I'd cut across the city and bury myself in the sari and indian shops of Cumming St, Suva's Little India, and dig into a traditional curry house for lunch. If I had the energy I'd spend the afternoon trekking with a guide through the dense rainforest of Colo-i-Suva Forest Park before ending up enjoying the Suva nightlife at the Dog's Bar for a well-earned Fiji Bitter.

Click here to see our pictures in Suva

Tourism in Fiji - intro

2009-01-13T02:37:00.000-08:00

OK, ok, I know a"blog" should be updated often (that's the whole point of it) but, due to a bad internet conection & a lot of work, the updates are not-so-often (to avoid the word "nonexistent") so, I profit the space to publish the tourist information that everyone is asking for: what to do in Fiji? how much it costs to go there from Europe? How much it costs life there?

Here it is:

Fiji has over 300 islands in its archipelago, each fringed with coral reefs and lapped by warm azure waters - the diving and snorkelling are superb. Amid its wealth of natural beauty, Fiji's true magic lies in its people and the fascinating blend of their diverse cultures. Fiji is an interesting blend of Melanesian, Polynesian, Micronesian, Indian, Chinese and European influences. For nearly 50 years, until the military coup of 1987 and the Indian emigration that followed it, the indigenous people of Fiji represented an ethnic minority in their own land.

When to go
Its mild tropical climate means that Fiji can be enjoyed all year round. Perhaps the best time to go, however, is in the dry season or 'Fiji winter', from May to October. This time of year has cooler temperatures (27-30°), less rainfall and humidity, and less risk of tropical cyclones.

Tip: I (ines) will be in Fiji from April until May 2009 only!. Lenaic is (almost) always there. Nevertheless, let us know as soon as possible when you plan to come to check that we won't be in mission/holidays at that time...

Money & cost
We use Fijian dollars 1€ = 2 F$
It's quite possible to travel around the Fiji islands relatively cheaply; however, because the country is so heavily geared for tourism, it's also easy to spend loads of money. If you stick to backpacker beds, eat cheaply and plan your inter-island travel well, you'll get by on around 20-40 EUR a day or less. Tipping is not expected or encouraged when paying for goods or services.

Sample Price Guide
bread F$ 0.70 international postcard F$ 0.25 bike hire full day F$ 30.00 movie ticket F$ 4.00 small bottle of beer F$ 4.00 cheap restaurant price F$ 15.00
Average Room Prices LowF$18-45 Mid F$45-100 HighF$100-150 DeluxeF$150+
Average Meal Prices LowF$10-18 MidF$18-25 HighF$25-35 DeluxeF$35+

Getting there & around
Although Suva is the capital, Nadi International Airport is where most travellers arrive. Plane tickets from Europe to Nadi cost 1000-2000€. It's the same distance via America or via Asia. The only difference is that Europeans need a transit visa to pass through USA. The best prices from EU leaves from London / Paris airports.

There are good transport connections in Fiji, making internal travel easy and relatively inexpensive. Ferries are inexpensive, frequent, reliable and very seaworthy, and rubbing shoulders with the local people while travelling between islands is a pleasant and interesting part of the Fiji experience. Ferry routes connect most major coastal areas of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu with all the major islands. You can charter boats as well, or catch one of the smaller unscheduled local boats between islands. Small local boats are sometimes the only transport option, especially for the backpacker resorts. But, if the weather looks ominous or the boat is overcrowded, consider postponing the trip or opting for a flight.
The larger islands have good bus networks, and outside the towns you can often just hail down a bus wherever you see one. Express buses travel between major centres and local buses seem to stop at every village they pass, but by either means bus travel in Fiji is a pleasant way to meet local people and an effective & safe way to get around.

Photos
http://picasaweb.google.com/inescudero
Resort we recommend: http://www.fiji-bounty.com/
Windsurf/kitesurf/surf lovers go to: http://www.govisitfiji.com/viti-levu/nananu-i-ra.asp
Rafting in Bambu/ village visiting http://www.discoverfijitours.com/tours.html

Suva Tourist Office Closes

2008-12-29T14:13:00.000-08:00

Regular visitors to Fiji will be saddened to hear that the landmark Suva office of the Fiji Visitors Bureau, now known as Tourism Fiji, has closed.

The defunct FVB Suva office was housed in the historic customs house dating from 1912 and it’s still not clear what the future holds for the building. The location at the head of Victoria Parade across the street from Suva’s General Post Office made it a convenient place for visitors to pick up brochures and ask questions. Now they’ll be dependent on hotel brochure racks for such supplies :(

Tourism Fiji seems to be trying to avoid you. The FVB information office at Nadi International Airport closed a few years ago and the only public Tourism Fiji office still extant is upstairs in Colonial Plaza between downtown Nadi and the airport. Few tourists pass that way and the office is hard to find so the staff inside aren't likely to be called upon to answer questions very often.

Marketing Fiji to the tourist trade is their primary mission and you should request their brochures from one of their overseas offices before leaving home. Be aware that virtually all of the well marked “tourist information offices” you see around in the streets are commercial travel agencies which provide biased information about their own products. They'll claim not to know about any hotels which aren't paying them a commission.

Fiji's 'legal' coup

2008-10-10T05:46:00.000-07:00

Fiji's highest court has rewritten the legal history books by ruling that the 2006 military coup was legal. The High Court says that President Ratu Josefa Iloilo's decision to use his reserve powers to back the coup led by Commodore Frank Bainimarama was justified because of the constant state of strife in Fiji at the time.

Vive la gouvernance!

Fiji's four coups

2008-08-30T04:14:00.000-07:00

Fiji has seen four coups in the past two decades. At the heart of each one lies the tensions between the ethnic Fijian majority and Indian Fijians. The latter make up more than 40% of the population.

5 DECEMBER 2006
Fiji's military chief, Frank Bainimarama, wrests control from the elected government after threatening for months to force Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase from office. He says the takeover is temporary, and that a caretaker government will be installed before fresh elections are held. Commodore Bainimarama said he was compelled to act over government plans for legislation that would allow the plotters of a coup in 2000 to be pardoned, as well as allocate the ownership of coastal land to ethnic Fijians. His actions have drawn condemnation both at home and abroad, and led to Fiji's suspension from the Commonwealth.
19 MAY 2000
An armed group of indigenous nationalists stormed Fiji's parliament and took the first ethnic Indian Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudry, and several MPs hostage. Mr Chaudry was held for 56 days. Coup leader George Speight, a local businessman, said he was acting to restore the rights of indigenous Fijians, whom he claimed were being oppressed by the Indian minority.
Ten days later, Cmdr Bainimarama moved against Speight and declared martial law, later handing power to an interim administration headed by Laisenia Qarase, who went on to win two elections. Speight and his gunmen were initially granted amnesties by Cmdr Bainimarama when the coup was put down, but were later arrested. Speight was sentenced to life in prison for treason in 2002. In November 2000, soldiers who had supported the coup and were angry at Cmdr Bainimarama's actions staged a mutiny at the military headquarters in Suva, Queen Elizabeth Barracks, forcing him to flee for his life.
MAY AND SEPTEMBER 1987
In similar circumstances to the coup in 2000, Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka led armed soldiers into parliament on 14 May 1987. He seized power from then Prime Minister Timoci Bavadra, head of a recently-elected multi-racial coalition government, with the aim of making indigenous Fijians politically dominant. Unhappy with the way political negotiations were progressing after his first coup, Col Rabuka staged a second coup in September. He declared Fiji a republic with himself as its leader, and withdrew from the Commonwealth. Thousands of ethnic Indians fled the country as a new constitution was brought in guaranteeing indigenous Fijians more seats in parliament and the post of prime minister. Col Rabuka was elected prime minister from 1992 until 1999, when Mahendra Chaudry came to power. Fiji was readmitted to the Commonwealth in 1997 after it abolished the constitution's racially-based provisions. Col Rabuka is currently on trial, accused of inciting the mutiny against Cmdr Bainimarama at Queen Elizabeth Barracks.

Fiji Times

2008-08-29T13:44:00.000-07:00

The Fiji Times is a daily newspaper published in Fiji.

Established in Levuka on 4 September 1869, it is Fiji's oldest newspaper still operating. It is owned by the Fiji Times Limited, which subsequently is owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. The former publisher Evan Hannah was forcibly removed from Fiji in 2008 as he was accused by the interim government of meddling in Fijian politics.

Coups and censorship
The Rabuka administration censored the Fiji Times for a while following the first military coup of 14 May 1987. In protest, the newspaper published an edition with large blank spaces, where articles censored by the military would have been placed.
The Fiji Times announced on 5 December 2006, in the wake of the overthrow of the civilian government by the military, that it was suspending publication rather than bow to government censorship. Military officers had visited the premises that evening to prohibit the publication of any "propaganda" in support of the deposed government. Their online edition would be continuing publication as normal, however. Just before midday on 6 December, the military granted permission for the Times to resume publication without censorship.
The Times reported on 9 December that two members of the public had been detained and questioned by the Military over letters they had written to the Times editor during the week, and were given a "verbal warning."
The Fiji Labour Party has been highly and consistently critical of the Fiji Times, accusing it of political bias. In July 2008, the Party published a report alleging Fiji Times had collaborated with others in a deliberate effort to unseat the 1999/2000 Labour-led government.

Political views from "inside"

2008-08-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

Letter to the editor, Fiji Times

Coups and religion
The two first coups were done for hunger, for power, money, and supported by the church, chiefs and nationalist party which was completely wrong in the eyes of God and men.
But the third was by the powerful power of prayers of the poor and right-thinking, honest people of this country enabling justice to families of this land.
So Frank Bainimarama and his men carried out the takeover to save the country from corruption and injustice.
VAREA BASILIO, Suva

Not everything here is a paradise

2008-08-28T15:13:00.000-07:00

Article at the Fiji Times today:

Rape horror: A 70-YEAR-old woman is admitted in hospital after her 49-year-old son allegedly raped her.

Increrible

Tongo en Tonga

2008-08-07T23:18:00.000-07:00

En un lugar del Pacífico, muy cerca del Paraíso, habita un hombre cuyo trabajo es peculiar: Rey de Tonga.

Debe ser un puesto muy estresante: elegir gobierno, a los jueces, legalizar el partido único... Vamos, el no parar. Pero ya se sabe que si las cosas van estupendamente, para qué la democracia.

Su coronación ha sido esta semana lo más de lo más en Polinesia.

Cuento desde "el lado oscuro"

2008-08-06T19:15:00.000-07:00

Érase una vez dos niños tan guapos que todo el mundo quería verles. Tanto deseaba la gente contemplar sus caritas, que una revista pagó a los padres de estos niños 14 millones de dólares para poder fotografiarles.
Érase también otros dos niños tan feos que nadie quería verles. Eran tan feos que, aunque una vez alguien les hizo una fotografía, nadie pagó nada por ella: nadie quería ver a estos niños.
Colorín, colorín, esta historia no tiene fin.

Pictures: Suva

2008-07-31T14:41:00.000-07:00

We don't have a PC yet so my access to internet is very limited
Nevertheless, today I managed to upload some photos. Here you can find what I saw from Suva so far. Enjoy & ... come to visit us!!!!
http://picasaweb.google.es/inescudero/

PS. as you can see Fiji is GREAT. It's a paradise but... I miss you guys (friends, colleagues, neighbours & those dear to us). This place would be just perfect if you were around so… take a ticket, travel half of the world and come!!!! :)

A great Fijian idea: the sulu

2008-07-30T15:05:00.000-07:00

In the picture you can see the most common men's wear in Fiji: the "sulu".
It's a kind of skirt. Really practical for the heat and very elegant.
People wear it either with a t-shirt, a "bula"-shirt or a chemise/tie. Funny enough, even if people here wear very bright colours, the "sulus" are always dark blue, black, grey or clear brown.
We would like to buy one as we find it very beautiful but we're not sure if Fijians will be molested seeing a "white" person with a "sulu". We'll find out.

By the way, we already bought a "bula-shirt"(flowers-shirt). Here everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) wears it. It's like a Bacardi-advertisement all around….
I promise to upload a picture of Lenaic with a Bula-shirt. Something not to be missed! :)

Have you ever seen turquoise fish? or dalo?

2008-07-28T17:49:00.000-07:00

Suva flea market