Day 2 Fiji Wednesday 14/09/2011
Nadi and Denarau Island
After a sleep in, a buffet breakfast, an 1.5hr gym workout we headed off to explore the local area. We wandered down to the main road where we were told the local mini buses travelled regularly along the Queen’s Road into Nadi. Sure enough along came the little rattler and we jumped in with all the locals for the bumpy ride into town - great deal! F$1 each - no matter where you get on it is a F$1! Nadi is a small clean tidy town with all the usual businesses and the people going about their daily activities. Some clothes shops stood out as they sold the local fashion. We liked the “Bula Wear”!
The local craft markets were in full swing showcasing their excellent woodwork, shell jewelry and other arts and crafts.
The Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Hindu temple in Nadi, the largest in the southern hemisphere, stands out at the end of the main street because of its colourful facade and striking architecture designed by architects from India. It houses sacred Hindu deities and its Dravidian architecture is rarely seen outside India. You must wear clothing that covers the knees and the shoulders to visit the temple. The temple attracts devotees from around the world.
We hopped on the local mini bus again and headed out to Denarau Island in Fiji Bay. Yes,
F$1 each to ride and sightsee! The Port of Denarau is an upmarket but very casual environment with shops and dining set on decking overlooking the bay and marina. The marina is Fiji’s premier marina facility and is the gateway to the sun drenched tropical isles of Fiji’s Mamanucas and Yasawas The development on the island showcases beautiful homes on canals, as well as housing eight major resorts nestled on the sands of Nadi Bay.
Lined up and set in beautiful manicured topical grounds were The Hilton Resort and Spa, Sofitel Resort and Spa, The Westin Resort and Spa, Sheraton Denarau Villas and the Sheraton Resort, The Radisson Resort and Wyndham Resort. All very nice.The beautiful Denarau 18 hole Golf Course covers the centre of the island.
Lunch over looking the water at the Marina was delicious!
The contrast between life on Denarau and the some of the areas around Nadi was greatly contrasted!
As we headed back into Nadi on the bus we caught “schools out” for the day! What an array of uniforms from all the different schools, and the shouts and laughter of the students as they ran and milled along the sidewalks heading home and into town was very noticeable!!
Stopped at the local supermarket on the way home to get water and some supplies of bananas!!! $F1 a kilo!!! Peter's overdosing!!!! - his favourite fruit!!! lol (In Aussie they have been averaging $14.99 the past few months!!!)
A very interesting and fun day!
Learnt a new word today - vinaka (vee naka) = thank you!
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