Suva, Fiji: a tourist tour

Suva is on the peninsula on the island of Viti Levu and is the largest city in the South Pacific. It is the political and administrative capital of Fiji. Suva was the last of the South Pacific island ports for us before moving on the New Zealand.

As we stood on our balcony just after arriving in port before disembarkation started, several people gathered at the end of the port building on the dock. They pulled out large signs advertising the glories of the private excursions they offered and waved them at whoever on the ship would look at them. They were too far away to hear, but they shouted what we assumed were the virtues of their tours. One guy pointed at Ruth and enthusiastically waved his sign of pretty pictures. He and Ruth engaged in a weird kind of conversation consisting mostly of waving their arms at each other and yelling things neither could hear. At one point, Ruth grabbed our binoculars, and the guy froze while Ruth studied his sign. Upon the end of the “conversation,” we went back into our cabin.

Later,

we disembarked with no planned excursion. As we exited the port building (actually a large warehouse), we were pounced upon by independent tour operators, urging us to take THEIR tour because it was better. Ruth found her new friend and his sign. We signed up for his tour, much to the chagrin and dismay of the other operators, and off we went in a somewhat battered-up blue minivan with several other tourists.

The first stop was the President’s mansion.

Boring political stuff follows, skip to the pictures if you want.

Fiji’s government is a little confusing, mostly as a result of coups and its growth from the old tribal systems. The head of State is the President, elected by the Parliament after being nominated by the Prime Minister. The position is largely honorary, somewhat like the British Monarchy. Real power is in the cabinet, presided over by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is elected by the Parliament.

In addition to all this, there is a Great Council of Chiefs (Bose Levu Vakaturaga) which runs the hierarchy of provinces, districts, and villages.

Anyway,

Ceremonial Guard (guys in fatigues were nearby)

As close as anyone can get to the President’s Mansion

The President’s Helipad, with a nice background

Our second stop was one of the highest points in the city, with a scenic view of the port.

Our third stop was to watch traditional fire dancing in a traditional village. Unfortunately, when we pulled up we were advised that the family of the Chief, who lived in the next village over, had a serious medical issue. Tradition demanded no celebrating or dancing, and everyone stand around quietly. We looked from the van at several people standing around quietly and left.

Our fourth stop was a natural area with ponds and falls and nice photo opportunities. We were joined by two, later three, tour buses as well as a scattering of minivan tours and cabs.

Our guides told us the area was home to several rare birds. They said we wouldn’t see the birds because they were only around late in the day, but there were pictures of them, as seen below. Look carefully at the sign.

Trail or Trial. A suspected typo.

The walk to the ponds and falls was a bit strenuous, particularly given it was a typical “warm” tropical day. The destination was worth the effort.

First of the upper pools

How some offset the tropical climate

End of the Upper Pools

Lower Falls of the Upper Pools

Water in motion

A trail to???????

Ruth conquered the jungle

Our last stop was “shopping.” We were dropped off at a large complex of stores about ten minutes from the ship. After a bit of mandatory shopping, we decided to walk back to the ship instead of riding the free shuttle.