Tag 59: Suva, Fiji - Capital of the Republic of Fiji

Suva is the capital of the Republic of Fiji and is located in the southeast of Viti Levu, the main island of the archipelago consisting of 332 islands. With a population of around 95,000, Suva is not only the largest city in the country, but also in the entire South Pacific region. The "University of the South Pacific" is also located in Suva, and the approximately 8,600 students from the Pacific states bring life to the multicultural cityscape, whose residents mainly have Melanesian, Polynesian, and Indian roots. Suva's charm comes from its friendly residents and the mix of local markets, modern shopping centers, and colonial buildings. In the hinterland, there are original rainforests waiting to be explored, and further west is the beautiful coastline of the 70-kilometer-long Coral Coast.


Food and DrinkThe range of restaurants and food in Suva is diverse. Everything from fast food to Italian pizza to Melanesian and Polynesian cuisine can be found in the capital. Indian cuisine is also popular. Around 37.5 percent of the population in the country has Indian roots, which is also reflected in the culinary scene. Curries are available in almost every variation, including many vegetarian options. Traditional Fijian dishes often consist of fresh fish in various variations. The most popular is fish steamed in coconut milk ("Kakoda").

Following the proven method, we head to the exit of the port. There we meet Samy. He suggests a four-hour tour for $25 per person in Suva and the surrounding area. Hardly have we gotten in, a rain shower pours down. That's a good start. Afterwards, we go for a photo stop in Colo-i-Suva Forest Park. While Petra and Marion stay with the taxi, Pius and I go on the jungle path. It goes over rocks and stones, small bridges and slippery rocks to a waterfall and then along a stream. Later, we go back up steeply. The humidity of 85% makes us sweat from every pore. The 45-minute walk is still a real adventure. We continue to a restaurant where we are supposed to pay an entrance fee. Therefore, we look for an alternative. Samy makes a quick phone call and then turns into the driveway of his own house. A woman comes to escort us into the house with an umbrella, as it is now pouring rain again. We find ourselves in a combination of a living room and a souvenir shop. Before we continue, we have the opportunity to shop and have a beer. Afterwards, we go for another drink in the Bowling Club on the edge of Albert Garden, within sight of the government palace and the historic colonial-style luxury hotel where Queen Elizabeth II stayed before returning to the ship.