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You also have the traffic, noise and crowds in Suva. On the positive side, there are the government offices and the American Embassy and you get to mingle with mostly professional expats at the happy hour bars. Just stand on Victoria Parade, the main thoroughfare, and you're bound to see if not a familiar face, a foreign one. On the other side of Viti Levu, the main island and biggest of the group, is Nadi (Nan di), the jet city, called this, I imagine because it's where the airport is. There are night clubs, a good supermarket and a small community of expats. Suva on a smaller scale. Lautoka, the sugar town, is north of Nadi, and called the sugar town because of the large amount of sugar cane farms and the ever present sugar train shugging through. It's also a seaport town and some cruises leave from here. Lautoka is quieter and slower than Nadi. A quaint place where you can find lace mosquitoe nets and unique pots and early century kitchen do dads that can only be found here in second hand shops. Rents are cheaper. Not many expats. Coming back down southeast of Nadi but still on the west side of the island is Sigatoka (Sing ga toka), a small one road town. It was a one bridge town before hurricaine Sina (1992) destroyed half of it. It was one lane with a stop light on each end. Traffic going to Nadi had to wait until traffic going to Suva cleared. The government was building a four lane bridge when I left. Sigato is the last city before going into the interior or "salad bowl" as its called. Thats where the majority of the vegetables on the island are grown. The Sigatoka market is great though Saturday is best. You can buy three heads of cabbage or lettuce for fifty cents. A bunch of bananas for fifty cents, bunch of string beans for the same price. There's also a supermarket where you can buy a head of lettuce from New Zealand for almost $5. But why? Basically there's nothing to do in Sigatoka but in Korotogo (koro tongo, named after the village) there's a couple of ma and pa Indian run stores, friendly locals and a few expats. Let it be known that I spent five years in Fiji and never ventured further than Korotogo. I went on a few tours but I haven't seen anymore of Fiji. Plan to though, on my next trip. The Reef Hotel is located here on the coral coast as the area is called. It has a nice restaurant and a great bar for afternoon drinks or night dancing. Coral coveres the beach but there are plenty of spots to sunbathe and the ocean, protected by the reef, is clear and great for swimming. Or just sit on the beach and watch the sun set. Fijians are mostly Methodist and don't go to the beach on Sundays. You may find a few Indian families and some tourists. Mainly, you will have it to yourself. For $300 a month, you can get a three bedroom unfurnished flat with a large fenced yard. These new flats are about seven years old. They have hot water and lots of flowers and fruits trees in the yards. These are in Korotogo on the backroad. If you plan a long stay, try bargaining the price down. Fiji living can be a very laid back mostly hassle free stay but as with all paradises nothing is perfect. You'll want to associate with the locals. Good. But just like home, pick your friends wisely. Don't let just anyone into your house. Things can go missing. If offered a free carving (gift) by Fijians on the street, say not thanks. They say its free then ask your name, carve it on the piece tahen want to charge you $75 or more. It's illegal. If you refuse, they act threatening. Remember in Fiji, like home, nothing is free. And lastly, learn to like grog. WORKING Getting a job in Fiji is almost impossible. I lucked up and got a teaching job. I taught high school English in the interior. Thlis was after I had my degree sent down. They want to see the original. They did provide me with a free two bedroom barely furnished house. We had a generator that came on for a few hours at night. No hot water, outdoor non-flush toilet (a big hole with commode over it). I did manage to save some money and really got a chance to mingle with the locals and see the Fiji tourists don't see. At present, there is more of a need for accounting, science and math teachers. To start a business, you need a Fijian as your partner and permission from Immigratin. You may also be asked to deposit $1800 as bond. (If all fails, they want you to havae airfare out). Their approval could take from a few weeks to years. If you just want to work there, you have to have some skill that a local doesn't and you are to train them to take over your job in three years. This can be extended. You can always try though, but have enough money to carry you through all the hassals and paperwork and explaining. If you're creative, perhaps you can come up with some unique job ideas of your own. All in all, Fiji is a great place. Reminds me of America 30 or 40 years ago. But its changing as is everywhere. Still, Fiji is the way the world should be. Vinaka! (thank you) Moce. (moe they) Goodbye. |
