Advertisement
Published: February 11th 2006
Edit Blog Post
We had really smooth conditions on the flight over so we actually landed ahead of schedule, but this gain was shortlived due to being towed to the terminal because of works being conducted on the tarmac, and a very slow moving line(s) in customs. We were told by the captain that it would be 25 degrees in Nadi, which I assumed would be the maximum for the day, but this was the temperature when we disembarked at dawn just before the sun came up. Very humid.
When we came out the other side of customs we were directed to the bus pickup, but then there were people telling us we should catch a taxi. I was wary the taxi driver would rip us off, but we ended up in a taxi anyhow. Rajendra (pronounced like VIRENDER Sehwag the swashbuckling opening batsman for India) ended up getting us to our hotel for $10 Fijian dollars, and on the way offered us his own personal tours, but still being a bit cautious we didn't commit to anything.
After a few hours sleep we rang Rajendra, and he came and picked us up within 20 minutes. Our first port of call was
the 'Garden of the Sleeping Giant' which is a garden that was established by American actor Raymond Burr and features fantastic tropical gardens and orchids. The backdrop is these mountains that have been formed from a volcano that is now extinct, so they are an amazing sight, they actually look like they are out of a prehistoric era. The gardens were a bit of a 'touristy' thing to do, but it was still worth doing. I don't think the photos did the garden justice, because of the lighting. It was very steamy in the tropical garden, and we were glad to take up the offer of a yummy complimentary juice at the end of it, although we insisted on no ice.
By now we were picking up some of the local language, but I'm not to sure on the spelling as it doesn't follow the same rules as English.
'Bula' (correct spelling) means hello; it means life; it means welcome.
'Vinaka' means thank you.
'Bula vinaka' means thank you very much.
'Senga' means no.
'Mode' pronounced more-thay, means bye or goodnight.
'Senga na lenga' means no worries (my favourite!).
Advertisement
Tot: 0.349s; Tpl: 0.016s; cc: 26; qc: 109; dbt: 0.1018s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.2mb
Margot Bail
non-member comment
Margot's Mail
Hi Guys, Bulla Bulla! Fiji is a magic place and so is vancouver. Congratulations on your job placement so soon Danny. You must be in Vancouver a while to take on such a position. This travel log is a great system. Take care!