FIJI: Nadi – Entry Point to the Fijian Islands

One can’t help be taken with three musicians joyfully playing and singing as you approach passport control upon arrival in Nadi International Airport. You become immediately aware that things are going to be very friendly and pleasant during your stay in Fiji. Every corner you turn will find you greeted with a smile and the Fijian greeting of “Bula.”

TRAVELERS BAMBOO BEACH RESORT NADI

SUNSET BEACH VOLLEYBALL

CUT SUGARCANE

This is the site of the original Fijian settlement. People are selling inexpensive souvenirs, and a lady took me on a brief tour of the property.

BREADFRUIT

A wedding was held here the day before.

This is the main square. Official business is dealt with in the building on the left, and the Chief’s house is on the right.

 

LALI – This wooden instrument is used like a bell to gather the villagers for church and other events. It has a nice resonant woody tone.

This monument was erected in honor of the abolition of cannibalism on the Island. 200 years ago missionaries converted the natives to Christianity and managed to dissuade them from consuming one another.

Here is the church where the villagers go on Sundays to consume the body of Christ and drink his blood. I guess it could be considered a sort of methadone treatment for their old cannibalism habit. It all seems oddly ironic.

 

 

SLEEPING GIANT ORCHID GARDENS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUNGLE WALK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HINDU TEMPLE – It’s fifteen years old. How can you compare this with the 7,000 year old one I saw in Kashmir? I just shot the picture and carried on.

NADI – Nothing to write home about downtown area.

NEW NADI FARMERS CLUB – Lunch by the river followed by a little souvenir shopping.