Fiji – another country in the South Pacific made up of many scattered islands.  Over 300 in fact.  But only a third of them are populated.  The largest of its islands – Viti Levu – contains the two largest and most productive cities of the country, including its capital – Suva.

On the northwest side of Viti Levu resides Lautoka – first recorded in the maps of Captain Bligh of HMS Bounty in 1789.  Today it is described as the sugar city since sugar cane has been the major industry of Fiji and Lautoka is the base with the largest sugar mill, loading facilities and a large wharf for its shipping.  This activity dominates the town and area not leaving the impression one might have of Fiji.

The downtown area of Lautoka is small and almost reminds one of small towns throughout the US where there are many vacant properties or those in disrepair.  The municipal market is something to see at approximately 200,000 square feet!  You can get any fruit or vegetable that you might want here.

The sights in Lautoka were as diverse as the neighborhoods of Fiji.  From ocean views to sugar cane plants and nice to very basic.  BUT – always colorful – –

Leave Lautoka behind and venture to the southeast coast of Viti Levu to Fiji’s capital city of Suva.  This is a much more attractive city, since it lacks the overwhelming industrial sugar cane plants.  The tropical rainforests seem to come right down into the city making it quite green.  Therefore, one doesn’t need to go far to enjoy very pleasing sights.

But – venture the hour out of Suva to Raiwaqa Village for a traditional Kava ceremony followed by a longboat ride to the Magic Waterfall.  Villagers dress in traditional garb to perform the Kava ceremony, which is a welcoming ceremony.  It includes the preparation of the kava drink for sharing with guests followed by traditional dances and entertainment by the men and women of the village.  The older members of the village feel this welcoming of tourists allows them to teach the younger members of the village the rituals of their culture and provides the opportunity for the younger members to ‘practice’ daily.  The traditions of the past are being lost by so many cultures, it is wonderful to see how these people have found a way to keep theirs alive.  Join us for a day in Raiwaqa Village – –

Now that they have won you over, climb into a longboat and let them take you on a 40 minute ride up the Navua River.  The scenery is stunning as the sides of the river grow around you with the greenest, lushest vegetation you have ever seen.  Just be sure to hang on as the boat bounds over the rapids!

Suddenly the boats pull over and you are helped out to finish your trip walking up a tricky path through more luxuriant vegetation to the Magic Waterfall – –

What an educational, enriching and adventurous day!  The community of Raiwaqa Village was so warm and welcoming and so eager to share their customs with gracious hospitality.  Don’t miss this experience when visiting Suva, Fiji.

E & G – Quite grateful to the Raiwaqa villagers