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Fiji is made of 300 picture postcard tropical islands of impossibly white sand and coconut palms. The 300 islands range from tiny patches of land a few feet in diameter to the main island of Viti Levu (big island) that is 10,390 sq km. It is said that when the tide is out that there are over 700 islands in Fiji.
The most hospitable people in the world live in Fiji, making you feel incredibly welcome. When you walk down a street in Fiji everyone, even the dogs will say hello or “Bula!” the traditional Fijian welcome to you. Fiji is one of those countries that places a smile firmly on your face, that never leaves.
The people of Fiji are a mix of indigenous Fijian and Indian with a small minority with a Chinese background. One of the most famous Indo-Fijian’s is Vijay Singh one of the worlds most successful golfers. It seems that most Fijians with the last name of Singh claim him as a long lost relative.
It is this mix of cultures that gives Fiji some of the most incredible food in the Pacific. The fusion of Indian food mixed with Island ingredients, makes an delicious combination. My favorite is Chicken Curry in Coconut Milk with warm freshly hand made Roti. With a percentage of the population following Hinduism eating vegetarian is easy, with lots of tasty alternatives to meat.
Diving in Fiji is truly amazing, and is home to some of the most famous diving in the world, such as the Great Astrolabe Reef in Tavarua offering incredible walls of soft coral. Some of the deepest oceans in the world are around the islands of Fiji. If snorkeling is your thing, you can see the vibrant colorful fish just a few feet off shore, and snorkeling in the coral reefs is very safe as long as you are careful of the sharp coral.
If you get tired lying on of beautiful islands and beaches (is it possible?) you can explore the largest city in the South Pacific Suva. Suva is the capital and has a population of 358,500. A great place to go for duty free shopping or if you are hanging out for a cappuccino. Its colonial buildings are mixed with modern shopping plaza’s surrounding Suva Harbor. Definitely make time and visit the Hari Krishna shop (16 Prat Street, Suva) where they sell unquestionably some of the best ice cream you have ever tasted. There is so much to do in Fiji; hiking, bird watching, surfing, golf, duty-free shopping, horse riding, sailing and fishing are so easily accessible. So if you are active or want to lie on the beach and read a good book, there is something for everyone. |
Old Mill Cottage
Diving