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Background: Fiji became independent in 1970, after nearly a century as a British colony. Democratic rule was interrupted by two military coups in 1987, caused by concern over a government perceived as dominated by the Indian community (descendants of contract laborers brought to the islands by the British in the 19th century). A 1990 constitution favored native Melanesian control of Fiji, but led to heavy Indian emigration; the population loss resulted in economic difficulties, but ensured that Melanesians became the majority. Amendments enacted in 1997 made the constitution more equitable. Free and peaceful elections in 1999 resulted in a government led by an Indo-Fijian, but a coup in May 2000 ushered in a prolonged period of political turmoil. Parliamentary elections held in August 2001 provided Fiji with a democratically elected government and gave a mandate to the government of Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE.

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By Lisa n Toby
July 6th 2008

Eels, sharks & sailboats

Oceania » Fiji » Taveuni

Toby in his sulu
Sorry I missed adding this previously!

We flew to Taveuni, "the Garden Island of Fiji." It's called the Garden Island because it rains ALL THE TIME. We hiked to a waterfall and spent the night at the lodge there. No power and worse yet, no beer or wine. Oh the travesty! We passed the evening talking with a Dutch girl about travel and then tucked in to our twin beds. Not the most romantic anniversary we've ever had. We boated across the Somosomo Straight and stayed at the Dolphin Bay Divers Resort. It's right on the beach and we were able to get our dog fix in [View Full Entry]

By Kate and Han
April 11th 2008

Fiji: diving with the sharks, sunshine and nights spent in Nadi Airport

Oceania » Fiji » Taveuni

Garden Island

We arrived in Fiji to be greeted by torrential rain which wasn't really what we had in mind but it was still incredibly humid, we went to a nearby hostel just for the night as we were leaving for Taveuni the next day. We got a good nights sleep somehow despite being in a 32 bed dorm and headed to the airport ready for our fight. As it was our first full day in Fiji we weren't yet aware of the 'Fiji time' the country operates on, which basically means people can be constantly late for everything without feeling guilty by [View Full Entry]

Sunset on Garden Island fromt he hammock!

By traceyp
January 19th 2008

Vanua Levu & Taveuni

Oceania » Fiji » Taveuni

The older the plane....
...the bigger the moustache. An old Air Chatham plane (a bunch of islands to the east of NZ) masquerading as an Air Fiji plane.

My Christmas holiday started in Labasa - the main town on the second largest island, Vanua Levu. My fellow travellers and I spent the first day looking around town. Labasa is a big centre for the sugar cane industry here so it wasnt unusual to see huge trucks spilling over with sugar cane trundling through the main street in town. Next stop was Savusavu - about a 3 hour bus ride from Labasa. Its only about 70kms from Labasa to Savusavu but given the steep hills and the age of the bus, we averaged around 20-30km/hr. It was a great way [View Full Entry]

By Whiskeyspoke
December 1st 2007

Bula Blowfish, No Vinaka on the Kava

Oceania » Fiji » Taveuni

Oh yeah,, this is gonna be fun...

One last night in Fiji and then we're off to New Zealand. Had lots of great diving in the Somosomo straight just off from Taveuni. Amazing all the soft coral there, although of coarse it does meaning to learn to adjust to current diving. That being said, the diving was quite superb. Things of curious note in Fiji. When you get fired/leave work they post your picture in the news paper! Just imagine, you get sacked from yer job and then get the extra bonus of knowing that the whole country gets to see your picture in the news paper announcing [View Full Entry]

donhh donhh (Sound of Star Ship Destroyer flying over)

By bec and dan
November 25th 2007

Last day in paradise

Oceania » Fiji » Taveuni

Bula

Last day in Fiji - sort of a big bummer, especially because it’s the most beautiful day we have had yet. But it’s bitter sweet because we know we have a bunch more exciting places to head to next! So, our flight out of Taveuni was at 4 - so I had all day to dread getting on that little puddle jumper. But I did it in style - long walks on the beach, yummy breakfast & lunch, lounging time in the sun, and a massage in the shade. It was damn hot out. Like, can’t sit still without sweating [View Full Entry]

By bec and dan
November 24th 2007

Lavena Coastal Walk

Oceania » Fiji » Taveuni

Bula!

What a day. I woke up with a running start - it was gorgeous outside! Finally! I saw those blue skies through the corner of my eyes and I was out and ready to go at like 7am! Had a nice leisurely morning - breakfast, walk on the beach (found the coolest shell!), played with the Jimbo (he loves coconuts), and packed our stuff for our day out. This time we drove down the eastern coast of the island. The road was only paved for a short bit of it, so it was quite a bumpy ride. There is basically one [View Full Entry]

By bec and dan
November 23rd 2007

Island Life

Oceania » Fiji » Taveuni

Bula

Finally, we woke up to day that was somewhat nice out - that is, a small break in the clouds and we could actually see a little blue. Of course that got me ecstatic! So we had a nice breakfast and set off on our day. Babu was our driver and he showed us the west coast of Taveuni Island. Drove through quite a few villages on our way south - all similar in size and the way they looked. It is all extremely rustic, with the families living in only what I could call metal rusted shacks - they look [View Full Entry]

By bec and dan
November 22nd 2007

Another day of rain...

Oceania » Fiji » Taveuni

Bula

Another day of paradise in the rain - alas, what to do to keep us entertained. We did go snorkling by the reef on our beach - quite amazing things down there (makes you think twice when you go swimming in the ocean). Then massages on the deck shielded by the rain, a delicious lunch, reading time (I finished Suite Franccaise - i enjoyed it, the story behind the book and its author is the best part), a game of scrabble (Dan won, i give credit where credit is deserved), a nice nap, another delicious dinner (chicken & prawn sushi, tomato [View Full Entry]

By bec and dan
November 21st 2007

Paradise...with a few clouds

Oceania » Fiji » Taveuni

Bula
Daily tides

So, we woke up to a few clouds. Kinda sucks, but it is so hard to complain when you are amongst all this beauty! From the next few days, i will admit, my posts may be a bit boring. You see, we have finally entered into the "honeymoon" portion of this trip - consisting of walks on the beach, naps by the pool, massages with the ocean sound in the background, and delicious meals. So, i know you don't want to hear all the mundane information of our full day - even if we had to sit under the shade to [View Full Entry]

Travel Blog » Oceania » Fiji » Taveuni