Lautoka is the second largest city in Fiji, located on the western side of the main island from Suva.  Lying in the heart of Fiji's sugar cane growing region, the city has come to be known as the "Sugar City".  We arrived at the port at 7:00am.

Sleeping Giant Mountains
Arrival














We boarded our bus for the city of Nadi, for a panoramic drive through the city and passed nearby villages and sugar cane plantations. Along the Queens Highway, we stopped for a photo op of the picturesque Sleeping Giant mountain range.  In the pic below you'll see a "wife with child" and "her husband".  Husband's head is to the elft and feet to the right. The preganant wife's head is to the right, belly in the center, and feet on the left.

Sleeping Giant Mtn. -- Husband

Sleeping Giant Mtn. -- Wife with child















As we headed to Nadi we passed the largest Hindu temple in all of the Southern Hemisphere.  We realized after seeing the temple that we were here in December, 2012, when we took a P&O cruise out of Brisbane, Australia, when John finished his assignment in Perth!!!


We continued on to the town of Nadi, located on the western side of Viti Levu island, Fiji's largest. Nadi (pronounced nandy) is one of Fiji's most popular vacation destinations. It is also the main portal to many of the nearby islands and has the only international airport for Fiji.  Of course, no tour would be complete without a shopping trip, and the tour guide stopped at Jack's, where we had also been in 2012!  Funny, huh??

Warrior Drummer at Jack's store in Nadi

Next was the Vuda Lookout, from which we had a bird's-eye view of Denarau Island, where all the exclusive resorts are located, with white sand beaches, championship golf courses and Money, Money, Money!!!  Needless to say, tourism ranks high on Fiji's economy.  In fact, buses and taxi, may not exceed 60kph speed when carrying guests -- safety of the guests are that highly regarded!!

Vuda Lookout

Final stop for relaxing over refreshments, locally-grown fresh fruits (banana, papaya, watermelon, pineapple, etc.) and live entertainment at Vuda Marina 

Old Dugout Canoe Sailboat



Warrior Chief playing conch at Vuda Marina Resort 

Warrior Chief playing drum at Vuda Marina Resort











Then back to our "floating home" at the Queen's Wharf.  A great time and a great tour!!

Comments

  1. ReneeOctober 30, 2023 at 2:49 AM

    I think that's funny about the lower speed limit when transporting visitors!

    ReplyDelete

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