Rod Ewins recalls… 

I didn’t know anything about the subterranean complex in Suva, but it makes sense. What I DID know was that the Fiji Museum moved a lot of its stuff into subterranean storage during the war scare and as a result, because of the wetness in the Suva area, most of the fibre material they had (including virtually all of their old masi) got mildewed and some rotted, all beyond help. So they actually have rather a poor collection of old fibre material. If they had been a bit smarter they would have sent the stuff to the dry side of the island, where it could have remained for years without perishing. I know when my family moved from near Ba to Suva when I was a kid, we were all horrified by the way everything in sight grew mildew — even our shoes if we didn’t wear them for a few days. All of which should have been within the mental ability of the bureaucrats to figure out, but obviously wasn’t.

– Rod Ewins, Just Pacific.

Mike Gosling remembers…

As a kid growing up in Suva, Fiji post World War II, we used to enter the subterranean soapstone caves that housed the two 4.7-inch naval gun battery (with a 9,600 metre range) on Muanikau Hill to protect the Suva Harbour entrance. This battery was in preparation  for the threat that Fiji would be the next objective in the seemingly irresistible Japanese drive south. In December 1940 two 6-inch naval guns replaced  the 4.7 -inch guns at Muanikau Hill, which were then diverted to Bilo Battery to protect the inner harbour of Suva. George Towson was the officer commanding the batteries.

The Muanikau Battery caves were a stones throw away from where we lived in Muanikau, and where we kids played postman’s knock, far from the glaring eyes of parents. The rules were that we divided into two groups – a girl group and a boy group. One group went into the darker section of the cave, which was called “the post office”. To play, each person from the other group individually visited “the post office”. Once there, they got a kiss from everyone in the dark cave. They then returned to the lighted entrance. Once everyone in the first group had taken a turn, the second group went into the dark cave, and the game began again. Unfortunately for us boys, parents got word of our antics and the Battery caves were sealed!

Bula Fiji

Is there something in the whole world that was the best thing you ever did in your life, but you had to give it up? For Joe Walsh of The Eagles it was giving up alcohol. For others it’s giving up sugar. For me it’s giving up Fiji. Each time I visit I feel that wrench away from something I love deeply and passionately. The good thing is that I can return time and time again for my ‘top-up’ of Fiji.

As Connie Chew says in her beautiful magazine, Explore Fiji, Fiji is “the only country on earth where you are welcomed with a warm ‘BULA’ everywhere you go”.

It’s that warm greeting of “BULA’ as soon as you set down in Nadi Airport that stays with you every day until you leave and are wrenched away.

For many, Fiji represents an opportunity to experience a holiday on an exotic island or resort far from the madding city life, while making the most of the excellent climate and outdoors leisure pursuits. For others who live and work in Fiji, the country provides exciting opportunities.

1. Let’s talk about the people of Fiji

For those of you who have been to Fiji, can you imagine anywhere else on the planet where you will constantly and consistently be greeted with warmth and affection that is shown by happy Fijians? The multiracial people of Fiji are really excited to see you and share with you freely of their customs, culture and way of life. They are also deeply saddened to see you leave. Listening to the local group singing in your hotel or resort or to the sounds of iTaukei meke or Indo-Fijian culture will shoot ripples up your spine and neck. Such exquisite sounds from dedicated people faithfully creating the spirit of Fiji in every performance. And as you listen to the Fijian farewell song, “Isa Lei”, (see below) you feel the pull of the islands drawing you back into its bosom, calling you back to Fiji because visiting Fiji is the best thing you ever did in your life!

2. And what about the food! Oh my…

Your favorite dishes served to perfection in 5 star resorts prepared by some of the world’s best chefs or a visit to the local iTaukei, Indian, Chinese, Philippine, Korean restaurants.  Perhaps you’ve been to a Fijian magiti where food has been prepared in an earth oven or lovo! Dalo, tapioca, breadfruit, yam, seafood, beef, chicken, pork, and vegetable all wrapped in banana leaves, placed on hot coals, and left for 2 or 3 hours to slowly cook to perfection. If you’re a curry lover like me, you head straight for a curry lodge on arrival for your favorite chicken, mutton, eggplant and other vegetable curries and a good size bowl of chili hot dhal with 2 or 3 rotis to wrap your curry in. And then there are the seasonal vegetables like duruka cooked in coconut milk – heaven!

3.

 

Now for 18 Reasons Why Fiji Has To Be Your Next Vacation Destination  >>

Isa Lei – Fijian Farewell Song

Isa isa valagi lasa dina
Nomu lako au na rarawa kina
Cava beka ko a mai cakava
Nomu lako au na sega ni lasa.

CHORUS

Isa lai, na noqu rarawa
Ni ko sa na vodo e na mataka
Bau nanama, na nadatou lasa
Mai Suva nanuma tiko ga.

Vanua rogo na nomuni vanua
Kena ca ni levu tu na ua
Lomacqu voli me’u bau butuka
Tovolea ke balavu na bula.

Domoni dina na nomu yanuyanu
Kena kay wale na salsalu
Mocelolo, Bua, na Kukuwatu
Lagakali, Maba na rosi damu.

English Version

Isa, Isa you are my only treasure
Must you leave me, so lonely and forsaken?
As the roses will miss the sun at dawning,
Every moment my heart for you is yearning.

CHORUS
Isa Lei, the purple shadow falling,
Sad the morrow will dawn upon my sorrow;
O forget not, when you’re far away,
Precious moments beside dear Suva Bay.

Isa, Isa my heart was filled with pleasure,
From the moment I heard your tender greeting;
Mid the sunshine, we spent the hours together,
Now so swiftly those happy hours are fleeting.

O’er the ocean your island home is calling,
Happy country where roses bloom and splender;
O if I could but journey there beside you
Then forever my heart would sing in rapture.

Go to Mike’s Favourite Fiji Songs  >>