Fiji Wrap-up

The Great: Snorkeling in Malolo island.

Fiji is not renowned for its great surf. In fact, most of the islands (there are 330 islands in Fiji) are surrounded by coral reef, which acts as a barrier against waves. When we stayed at Walu Beach Resort on Malolo Island, we were stunned to discover that the reef extends in all directions in the water. Walk 20 meters in the water and enjoy the show. All for free! We saw Nemo, all sorts of colorful fish, and stingrays! Snorkeling is a great feature of Fiji islands. We still have the Great Barrier Reef ahead of us but so far, this is the best snorkeling we’ve done in our lives.


The Hidden : Mainland Fiji (Viti Levu)

Most tourists land in Nadi (mainland) and go directly to the outer islands (the small paradise islands the surround the mainland). We can’t blame them. Nadi is a small town that you will never see on the postcards from Fiji. It looks run down and shifty in many places.

That being said, those who go directly to the outer islands will miss out on the real Fiji: the public bus without windows that churns more smoke inside the bus than outside; the great encounters on the street with the locals; the fresh fruit and vegetable market; the best curry Ania and I had in years; the beautiful landscape of mainland.

Fiji will always be about the stunning turquoise water and white powder beaches. No doubt about it. But mainland Fiji is a definite stop for those who really want to indulge in the local culture.

The Overrated:

There was nothing in Fiji that disappointed us.

The Ugly:

Wild dogs everywhere. Ania loves those. And worst of all, wild dogs are often allowed on the premises of hostels. Walking down our street with all these dogs made Ania very nervous. Fortunately for us there were no dogs on Malolo Island.

Other observations :

• Fijians and Indians two distinct groups according to the law. Although Indians make up over a third of Fiji population, they are discriminated against in several ways:
o Customs card – Are you Fijian, Indian or European (I didn’t know I was European :))
o Indians for the most part cannot possess land; they can lease it, but are not allowed to own it. Most Indians are running the businesses while Fijeans are working the land.
• Fijians are very curious and will approach us just to chit chat. The greatest part is that they will not try to sell us anything. They just want to talk. Like Ania said in an earlier post, Fijeans have a very severe face. Some of them look permanently angry. They look at us as if they want to eat us (“hmm, should I start with his arm? Oh, but his left thigh looks delicious too!” :)), but they crack the nicest smile I’ve seen. Very friendly people.
• Indians will approach us to talk as well, but most of the time, it is to sell us something. Not too pushy though.