

|


|

NADI
Most tourists experience bits of Nadi from the inside of an air-conditioned coach on the way to their resort and really, unless you are interested in how the town ticks, it’s not a bad thing to do. Most resorts have boutique shops where you can buy film, books & magazines, clothing and chemist items. There are duty free shops in town but you’ll probably find what you want at the airport. For handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing and jewellery, head to Jack’s Handicrafts on Queen’s Road. There are also Jack’s outlets in Sigatoka and at The Sheraton. Chef’s The Restaurant, one of Nadi’s better restaurants, is located behind Jack’s. If you are looking for nightlife, again, your resort may be livelier. The Bounty Bar and Restaurant could appeal for those wanting to see how expatriates enjoy a cold beer, especially if there’s international sport being televised. Ed’s Bar (up the street from the Bounty) is a livelier local place. Couples wanting to marry at a nearby resort (or in the Mamanucas) will get to see Nadi on their way to and from the Registry Office to get their licence.
NAMALE RESORT
Namale is on a private peninsula facing the Koro Sea. It’s a bit harder to get to than some resorts but it’s tranquil, private and pretty special. There are six tropical bures and four honeymoon bures with thatched roofs, private decks and great views. The resort offers diving, snorkeling, horseback riding, tennis, hiking, swimming and village tours. Honeymoon bures have king-size beds and double spa tubs. All meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included but scuba diving is additional. You’ve probably guessed by now that it’s not cheap, but hopefully you only get one honeymoon…
NATADOLA BEACH RESORT
Natadola Beach (about 40 minutes from Nadi) is one of Fiji’s best, for the sand, swimming, snorkelling and the sunsets. The resort is intimate - with only 11 suites and a maximum of 22 guests, there’s plenty of room in the 66ft swimming pool. Villa Sandcastle is a stand along honeymoon suite with a private balcony looking out over the bay. A drawback here can be the locals who hang around outside the resort's gate trying to rent horses to tourists or sell souvenirs. While on the beach, keep a careful eye on your valuables.
NATIONAL ANTHEM
Fiji became an independent Commonwealth country on the 10th of October, 1970. The anthem was written Michael Francis Alexander Prestcott and the melody is based on a traditional Fijian song.
The English Version
Blessing grant oh God of nations on the isles of Fiji
As we stand united under noble banner blue
And we honour and defend the cause of freedom ever
Onward march together God bless Fiji
For Fiji, ever Fiji, let our voices ring with pride.
For Fiji ever Fiji her name hail far and wide,
A land of freedom , hope and glory to endure what ever befall.
May God bless Fiji
Forever more!
Blessing grant oh God of nations on the isles of Fiji
Shores of golden sand and sunshine, happiness and song
Stand united , we of Fiji, fame and glory ever
Onward march together God bless Fiji.
Meda Dau Doka - Fijian Version
Meda dau doka ka vinakata na vanua
E ra sa dau tiko kina na savasava
Rawa tu na gauna ni sautu na veilomani
Biu na i tovo tawa savasava
Me bula ga ko Viti
Ka me toro ga ki liu
Me ra turaga vinaka ko ira na i liuliu
Me ra liutaki na tamata
E na veika vinaka
Me oti kina na i tovo ca
Me da dau doka ka vinakata na vanua
E ra sa dau tiko kina na savasava
Rawa tu na gauna ni sautu na veilomani
Me sa biu na i tovo tawa yaga
Bale ga vei kemuni na cauravou e Viti
Ni yavala me savasava na vanua
Ni kakua ni vosota na dukadukali
Ka me da sa qai biuta vakadua
NATIONAL COAT OF ARMS
(See Coat of Arms)
NATIONAL FLAG
(see Flag)
NAVINI
Navini Island Resort is one of the smaller Mamanuca resorts. The 10 units have bathrooms of varying sizes, which are reflected in the different prices. Families with children are accommodated here, but Navini is more of a place for couples in search of a quiet holiday. High energy socialites and activity freaks should choose another resort. Honeymooners too should be aware that most meals are consumed at long communal tables, although private dining is easily arranged. The food is good, and boat trips and watersports equipment are provided at no additional cost. The snorkelling off Navini's white beach is superb with lots of marine life since fishing has been banned here for a long time. The sort of catamaran daytrippers who disembark on islands like Plantation, Castaway, and Mana are not allowed on Navini.
NAVITI RESORT
The Naviti is located on its own Coral Coast bay. It’s hotel style accommodation with air-conditioned rooms that have large balconies facing the ocean or surrounding hills.They have room only or all-inclusive packages that can be good value. Facilities include 3 restaurants, 4 bars, 5 tennis courts, a 9-hole golf course, archery, watersports and there’s a children’s fun park.
NEWSPAPERS
There are three daily newspapers in Fiji, all coming out of Suva. The Fiji Times has been around since 1869 and currently belongs to Rupert Murdoch's estate. The Daily Post is a rather blander publication, as it's jointly owned by the Government of Fiji and Colonial Mutual Insurance. The Fiji Sun is run by an Indo-Fijian businessman and it tends to be more critical than the other two.
NUDITY
Keep your dangly bits covered thanks. Look, few us actually look good with our stomach bared let alone anything else (that means you too men) and it doesn’t matter how cool you think your tattoo/nipple/belly ring is. Doing nudity in Fiji is not appropriate in public, so please, keep your clothes on, unless you can find you own secluded beach. And even then beware. I met a couple on Tokoriki who took the day trip to a secluded honeymoon beach and the hubby returned with burns to the buttocks that immobilized him for days. I gather his bride was shaded.
|
|