Thursday, December 18, 2008
Fiji Overview
Fiji was discovered in 1643 by a Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman, while searching for Australia. The eighteen hundreds was the first time that Europeans settled the islands permanently. They became a British colony in 1874, and Britain brought over contract laborers from India. In 1970, Fiji became an independent state. Fiji consists of 322 islands, but about a third are not inhabited. Also, Fiji includes 522 little islands also known as islets. Two of these islands are more important than the rest. These are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Most Fijians are educated, as the typical time spent in school is a high school education. Three main religions of Fiji are Christian, Hindu, and Muslim. The three main languages are English, Fijian, and Hindustani.
Day 2 - Snorkeling
Today, we went snorkeling off the coast of Nadi, on the main island of Fiji. 
This is one of the 7 distinct, pristine reef regions in Fiji. They are Natewa Bay, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Kioa/Somosomo, Rainbow Reef, the Ringgold Atolls and Rabi Island. Taveuni is where we were today. Snorkeling is one of the greatest things to do in Fiji. Many know Fiji as the soft coral capital of the world, but this seems like an understatement of what I did today. I saw different types of corals with all different sizes and colors. Also, there were countless different types of fish which live within them. After this experience of a lifetime, we v
isited the Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Baths. These are considered a hidden gem of Fiji. In addition to that, they are believed by the Fijians to have healing properties because of the sulfur in the mud baths. There are three springs in the natural surroundings which lends to a perfect experience for travelers and locals alike. The mud felt so good and soothing and the hot springs were a great way to relax and let your stress melt away. Today was a fun, adventurous day and a great cultural experience which I will cherish forever.
This is one of the 7 distinct, pristine reef regions in Fiji. They are Natewa Bay, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Kioa/Somosomo, Rainbow Reef, the Ringgold Atolls and Rabi Island. Taveuni is where we were today. Snorkeling is one of the greatest things to do in Fiji. Many know Fiji as the soft coral capital of the world, but this seems like an understatement of what I did today. I saw different types of corals with all different sizes and colors. Also, there were countless different types of fish which live within them. After this experience of a lifetime, we v
isited the Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Baths. These are considered a hidden gem of Fiji. In addition to that, they are believed by the Fijians to have healing properties because of the sulfur in the mud baths. There are three springs in the natural surroundings which lends to a perfect experience for travelers and locals alike. The mud felt so good and soothing and the hot springs were a great way to relax and let your stress melt away. Today was a fun, adventurous day and a great cultural experience which I will cherish forever.Day 5 - Scuba Diving
Today, we went scuba diving off the coast of Vanua Levu. The regions for scuba diving here are Namena Marine Reserve, Savusavu Bay, Koro Island, Somosomo Straits, Motu Levu Reef and the Ringgold Atolls. The location we were at was Savusavu Bay. It was similar to the snorkeling in that there were beautiful reefs and a diverse g
roup of fish and coral, but with scuba diving, you can go deeper into the ocean. As expected, the deeper you go, the more amazing the wildlife. With 333 islands surrounded by reefs and all different types of underwater land, you would think there couldn’t be much more, but the marine life is exceptional. When you take sharks, rays, 1000 species of fish, an array of soft coral colors, sea stars and myriad shrimp, what you get is an amazing experience. I have never seen such bright and flamboyant creatures in my life. Some of these fish and corals were so crazy looking, it was as if they were alien to this planet. All in all, this was an experience that I will cherish forever and one that I will not soon forget. If you are an avid diver or just a beginner and want a marvelous diving experience, Vanua Levu in Fiji is the place to be.
roup of fish and coral, but with scuba diving, you can go deeper into the ocean. As expected, the deeper you go, the more amazing the wildlife. With 333 islands surrounded by reefs and all different types of underwater land, you would think there couldn’t be much more, but the marine life is exceptional. When you take sharks, rays, 1000 species of fish, an array of soft coral colors, sea stars and myriad shrimp, what you get is an amazing experience. I have never seen such bright and flamboyant creatures in my life. Some of these fish and corals were so crazy looking, it was as if they were alien to this planet. All in all, this was an experience that I will cherish forever and one that I will not soon forget. If you are an avid diver or just a beginner and want a marvelous diving experience, Vanua Levu in Fiji is the place to be. Day 6 - Wahoo Fishing with the Locals
Today, we had another memorable experience. We went fishing with some locals off the coast of the Northern Islands. What they fish for is called Wahoo which is what we fished for with them today. Wahoo is a dark blue fish similar to a tuna which is found typically in tropical areas. Wahoo are also fished for in Hawaii where it is referred to as Ono. We were very fortunate to catch 2 Wahoo because W
ahoo are very prized. This is due to their size, speed, and quality of meat. Wahoo have been recorded at 8.5 feet and 180 pounds! In addition to this, they can swim up to 60 miles per hour! Wahoo are considered one of the fastest fish in the sea. As you may have guessed, the ones we caught were much smaller. Out of respect, we through one Wahoo back into the sea but we kept the other one for a nice dinner. On the way back to shore, I asked the locals some questions about Fiji. They told us that fish, forest, and sugar used to be their main source of growth, but since then, tourism has been the greatest stimulator of Fiji’s economy. Also, both happen to be huge rugby fans and enjoy watching the Fiji Sevens Side, one of the most successful rugby teams in the world. All in all, it was an informational day but a fun-filled one all the same.
ahoo are very prized. This is due to their size, speed, and quality of meat. Wahoo have been recorded at 8.5 feet and 180 pounds! In addition to this, they can swim up to 60 miles per hour! Wahoo are considered one of the fastest fish in the sea. As you may have guessed, the ones we caught were much smaller. Out of respect, we through one Wahoo back into the sea but we kept the other one for a nice dinner. On the way back to shore, I asked the locals some questions about Fiji. They told us that fish, forest, and sugar used to be their main source of growth, but since then, tourism has been the greatest stimulator of Fiji’s economy. Also, both happen to be huge rugby fans and enjoy watching the Fiji Sevens Side, one of the most successful rugby teams in the world. All in all, it was an informational day but a fun-filled one all the same. Day 8 - Rugby Match
Today, sadly our last day in Fiji, we decided to go see one of the rugby matches which happened to be going on. It is considered to be the national sport of the country. We went and saw what is known as a Sevens match, in which seven men are on the field instead of the usual fifteen. This team is the Fiji Sevens Side, the one whose fans we spoke to while we were fishing. Today, the team played the London team and won very strong. This was not surprising as the Fiji team won the World Championship in the 2005/2006 season and finished runner up in the 2004-2005 season. The captain, Marika Vunibaka, led the team with 3 tries, which is comparable to a touchdown in American football. All in All, this trip was an eye opening experience and I would certainly encourage anyone to visit Fiji if they have the chance.
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