Author Archives: Team Bedarra

Fiji Coral Coast Sevens

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Sigatoka, the town situated in the Coral Coast is known as the rugby town of Fiji. You will find all the passion for rugby sevens here. Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka has been the stage for the last few years for Coral Coast Sevens.  It is held in November every year and this year it was from 14th to 16th of November. The major sponsor for this tournament is Bayleys Real Estate and it is a mixture of pride and excitement to see so many great teams competing for the “Champions of the Champions” title. When it comes to the great sevens players the names first thought of usually include Waisale Serevi, Eric Rush, David Campese, Jonah Lomu and Ben Gollings.

                The Bayleys Coral Coast Sevens tournament has grown dramatically from the first even in 2010, not just in the number of teams competing in both the men’s and women’s competitions, but in the international standing it has earned.  We were thrilled to have Jonah Lomu, as our ambassador last year and the great man became the latest rugby sevens superstar to receive a commemorative plaque on Sigatoka Rugby Town’s Walk of Fame.

                This year we had England’s best ever sevens rugby player Ben Gollings as both the tournament ambassador and to unveil his own plaque in Sigatoka. Ben was also a guest player in Waisale Serevi’s  (one of Fiji’s all time best players) team last year.

There were 24 men’s and 12 women’s teams competing against the best of our local Fijian teams. It was a great day to watch three days of the best rugby sevens you will see anywhere at Fiji’s premier sevens tournament and have loads of fun. “There was certainly a sense of anticipation as these 32 teams, up from 24 last year, really wanted to win their way through to the ‘champion of champions’ at the Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens, which offered a $30,000 first prize.”

Our rainy season brought two wildly contrasting weather cycles to contend with. Day one was bright, hot and steamy but overnight a tropical thunderstorm and rain for most of day two turned the playing surface into a quagmire. Despite this the action was frenetic.  Sports and particularly rugby sevens, is a great catalyst for the bringing together of families and uniting the country. We had loads of fun and also looking forward to next year’s Coral Coast Sevens

               

A bit of Fiji History

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According to Fijian legend, the great chief Lutunasobasoba led his people across the seas to the new land of Fiji. Most authorities agree that people came into the Pacific from Southeast Asia via the Malay Peninsula. Here the Melanesians and the Polynesians mixed to create a highly developed society long before the arrival of the Europeans.

The European discoveries of the Fiji group were accidental. The first of these discoveries was made in 1643 by the Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman and English navigators, including Captain James Cook who sailed through in 1774, and made further explorations in the 18th century.

Fiji history lets us know that European traders and missionaries made their way to the Fiji Islands in the early 19th century, which brought about many wars between the Fijian people. After the British gained control, Fiji Islands history began to emerge in a totally different direction. In 1874, under British rule, the islands were transformed into a colony. At this time, Indian contract laborers added to the history of Fiji as the British brought the laborers to the islands.

After Fiji was ceded to Great Britain in 1874, epidemics nearly wiped out the population and it seemed as if the natives were doomed. But the colonial government took the Fijians side.

Land sales were forbidden, health campaigns implemented and the population picked up again. Independence came to the Fiji Islands on August 10, 1970, which was a large milestone not only in Fiji history but a major change in the overall Fijian culture.

The 20th century brought about important economic changes in Fiji as well as the maturation of its political system. Fiji developed a major sugar industry and established productive copra milling, tourism and secondary industries.

As the country now diversifies into small-scale industries, the economy is strengthened and revenues provide for expanded public works, infrastructure, health, medical services and education.

The country’s central position in the region has been strengthened by recent developments in sea and air communications and transport. Today, Fiji plays a major role in regional affairs and is recognized as the focal point of the South Pacific.

 

Shopping in Fiji

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 Talk about shopping, who doesn’t love it!  Fiji shopping is one thing you must not forget to do while you vacationing here. You are sure to be disappointed if you go home and realize that you have missed a bountiful time of duty free shopping in Fiji. It is better to exchange money, at banks and carry Fiji currency because some small shops do not accept foreign currency and credit cards however if you wish to use credit card and foreign currency then you can use them in larger duty free shops.

In Fiji you can bargain, so it is better to keep Fiji currency as you might be surprised as it could be at times cheaper than using your credit card.

The most popular shopping in Fiji is found in Fiji Handicraft shops that offer traditional artifacts that are designed by locals. Fiji shopping is not only fun but is a great way to find several treasures totake back home to family and friends.

Fiji shops offer a wide variety of items from Fiji artisans such as clothing made from masi or tapa cloth, several woven items, and beautiful carvings. Shopping in Fiji would not be the same if you did not venture off to these local Fiji shops to find such gems as carved cannibal bowls, forks, crockery, and clay pots.

If you are searching for a more affordable souvenir, you should look for a sports wear Fiji shop offering bula shirts and a wide-ranging selection of swimwear. These types of shops offer many different items that will be perfect to take home to friends or family members without costing you large amounts of money.

Fiji shopping has to include a market that offers spices (You may have to declare food items when you arrive at your country) for you to take home and enjoy. Some of the popular spices you can purchase with Fijian currency or in some cases your own currency are cardamom, pepper, ginger, and cinnamon. In most cases, you can find the best-priced spices at the Fiji municipal Market.  Happy Shopping!!!

 

Hibiscus Festival

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Mother of all festivals

The Hibiscus Festival is held in Suva – our capital city, every year in August.  This year it is from 17th to 24th August. The Hibiscus Festival, which is the largest festival staged in the country, is also a melting pot of social interaction for people from all walks of life. The 2013 Hibiscus theme is: “Pacific Wellness – Treasure Life, Choose Health”

Thousands flocked to the Hibiscus Festival that opened on Saturday and continues this week which is now the premier festival in Fiji and the Pacific region and features Pacific arts and craft, traditional and contemporary dances, sports and many fun and exciting activities.

2013 Vodafone Fiji Hibiscus Festival Queen contestants

Every year, one of the main attractions of the “Mother of all Festivals” is the Contestants that vie for the prestigious title of Miss Vodafone Fiji Hibiscus. Beautiful queens from all around the country are vying for the highly coveted Miss Hibiscus title.

Contestants above performing on stage

The Hibiscus Event Group (Inc.) through the Hibiscus Festival has assisted many charities, children’s homes , homeless children and adults, large families in need, senior citizens homes and blood drive amongst others. Since 2006, they have distributed over $1 million to needy groups and organisations, all over Fiji.

The festival spirit in the city draws a lot of people from all parts of Fiji and even from the region and beyond.  A lot of people plan holidays to visit Suva during this one week carnival.

 

 

Fijian Village Life

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In a Fijian village you will see few, if any fences between homes and children run from one home to the next at will and without thought. This communal sense of living forms the cornerstone of Fijian village life and most Fijians find it not right to build a fence or wall between their homes. Most homes are now not thatched like a traditional bure but are simple rectangular, pitched roof houses made from industrial materials. Fijians are known as to be very friendly people but as friendly as they are, it is important to know that it is considered rude to just turn up and wander around in the village.

You will always receive a treat if you are invited to a Fijian village. We, Fijians are famously hospitable. It is good to take a ‘sevusevu’ when you visiting a village. ‘Sevusevu’ is a presentation of a gift such as kava for, say, permission to visit a village or just a token of appreciation for being a part of some special event in the village. Kava or Yaqona is sold at most markets and you should buy a minimum of half a kilo in waka (root) form rather than pounded. The chief normally accepts the gift and will welcome you to take part kava ceremony. The chief and the village elders sit around the yaqona bowl engaging in a ‘Talanoa’ (gossip) session.

In everyday Fijian village life you will expect to hear the pots and pans clattering early morning.  The women tend to do most of the domestic duties – washing, cooking, cleaning and looking after the children. Men spend most of their time farming and fishing. Evenings are often spent sitting in the chief’s house talking and drinking yaqona.

 

Bula Festival 2013

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Bula Festival is held in Nadi in the month of July every year. The 2013 theme of Bula Festival is “Festival of Unity”. It is a weeklong festival with lots of things to see and do. Food stalls, baby shows, games and fun rides and private judging of contestants are some of the highlights of Bula Festival.

During this unique and exciting Fiji event, you will be able to enjoy all the merriment of the locals, watch the parades, and even see Miss Bula crowned. Along with all the Fiji events planned for the festival, the locals come out in style dressed in cultural attire dancing and singing for this festive time.

Bula Festival is something I look forward to every year. It is fun to be a part of such a big event.

 The annual Bula Festival started in 1960 by a number of Nadi business entrepreneurs, became known as the Nadi Bula Festival Association, when other members of the Nadi community joined with their business colleagues to ensure a perpetual annual Bula Festival in Nadi.

Money generated from the annual festival has been going to charitable oganisations like helping the poor in Nadi and medical evacuation, assisting flood victims.

Over the years the festival had been sponsored by various sponsors until 12 years ago when Vodafone became the major sponsor for the Vodafone Bula Festival. This year they intend to assist 27 high school students and 26 primary school children that still need assistance after the January and April floods this year with their school needs such as fees, books, uniforms etc.

 

Snorkeling In Fiji

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Snorkeling is simply the best in Fiji. There are so many places to explore. With its warm crystal clear waters, amazing coral reefs and heaps of marine life, snorkeling in Fiji is great.

Fiji is often referred as the ‘Soft Coral Capital of the World’.  May through October is the best months for snorkeling and the underwater visibility is superb at over 30 meters.  I believe there is no such place as the best location for snorkeling because there is such a wide variety of marine life everywhere in Fiji. There is something special and unique that makes snorkeling in Fiji waters a great experience with its reef system well preserved.

Under water marine life photos taken in front of Bedarra Beach Inn

On the main island of Viti Levu, there are a number of good snorkeling sites along the Coral Coast and even Pacific Harbour.  Dive Away Fiji dive company based in Coral Coast  can take you to some great spots along Coral Coast for snorkeling and diving. At Pacific Harbour you will get to see the extinct volcano crater known as Beqa Lagoon. In the outer island near Mamanuca Group and Yasawas, it is great to snorkel and dive too. It is always important to wear t/shirt and lots of sunscreen while in the water. We should also be careful not to touch or hold coral or any other form of marine life. This helps preserve Fiji’s underwater ecosystem, and you also may not know if something is poisonous. Snorkeling at night can be a unique experience too.

 

Sigatoka Town

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My home town is called Sigatoka, pronounced as Sing -a-toka.  Sigatoka Town is the only urban centre for Nadroga Navosa Province,  one of the 14 provinces in Fiji.  The area covers some 127 hectares on both sides of the Sigatoka River on the Queen’s highway.  Sigatoka is the main commerce and trading centre for the coral coast region of Fiji, with its close proximity to the resort and tourist attractions on the Coral Coast. Sigatoka has become a very important centre. When I have time I normally spend some at the new library at the Sigatoka Town Council building.

Don’t expect to see large department stores and the type of sophisticated shopping centers that you have at home.   The shops in Sigatoka town are mostly small, family run businesses and you won’t find the hustle and bustle of big cities.

The local market in Sigatoka is a highlight for tourists visiting the Coral Coast and a most interesting place to visit. The market is important as it connects the whole of Fiji – to the wide range of fruits and vegetables that come from the famously fertile farming district known as “Fiji’s salad bowl”.  Every day locals come to trade and sell their produce. The Saturday market is extremely busy and active with farmers bringing their products from all over the Sigatoka river valley.

It’s fun and interesting to wander around the market to see the wide variety of tropical fruits, vegetables, root crops including yagona roots (kava) and spices, freshwater mussels, fish etc.  I forgot to mention that we also have one of the biggest Hindu temples here.  The temple’s grand opening was in November 2010. Our town council is doing a fantastic job by keeping our town clean and further developing “My Town”. More updates to come soon…

 

Ratu Rakavi Carnival 2013

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Ratu Rakavi 2013 is a weeklong event being jointly organized by Nadroga Rugby Union and The Poverty Eradication Unit under the Prime Minister’s Office, the Provincial Development & National Disaster Management Office- Nadroga/Navosa and other Government Ministries.  Having registered as an affiliated to Fiji Rugby Union in the 1960s, Nadroga Rugby Union has a come a long way in producing good players for the provincial team and for Fiji Rugby.

Ratu Rakavi is a part of Nadroga Rugby Union’s objectives to promote all sports through rugby and create development projects to address welfare of the former, the current, and the upcoming sports people of the Nadroga/Navosa province. This event starts on the today and ends on the 22nd of June at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka. Activities include Cultural Performances, Live Musical Concert, Sports Tournaments like Netball, Volleyball, Rugby 10s, Rugby 15s and Western Rally Parade. There will also be Food Stalls, Sigatoka on Sale, Government Roadshow-Information Stalls, Activity Stalls and much more.  It is expected to draw over 5,000 to 6,000 plus visitors throughout the week on a daily basis. It is fun to watch rugby especially when the Nadroga players are on the ground…

 

 

Fijian Food

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I love Fijian traditional cuisine.  My favourite is the Fijian Lovo.  If you are here and you don’t try the Fjijan ‘Lovo’ meal then you have missed something big.  The Lovo is cooked very differently from other types of cooking. Normally we use fish, chicken, sweet potato, cassava which are wrapped in banana leaves and then cooked in a makeshift underground oven for at least 2.5 hours.  Palusami is coconut cream mixed with corned beef, herbs, lime juice and tomatoes and is a must in the Lovo. These are the main dishes consumed in Fijian homes on special occasions.  Have you heard of ‘Kokoda’? Pronounced Ko-kon-da.  This dish is also famous at weddings and special functions. It is raw fish (mainly Wahoo) marinated in coconut milk with lime, tomatoes and onions.  Coconut cream is widely used in Fijian cooking. You will see coconut trees everywhere in Fiji so people here make good use of them.

Bedarra Beach Inn Boys busy preparing Lovo Feast

 Almost half of the population in Fiji is Indian so Indian food and Indian restaurants are also popular in Fiji.  Indian curries are the most famous of all.  Indian restaurants throughout Fiji have curries prepared to suit your taste buds with mild, medium or very chilli hot. I can remember the last time I tried Indian curry (made south Indian style with lots of spices) it was sensational. I would not mind having that every week.  You will also find Chinese and European meals in the restaurants.  In all the towns around Fiji particularly in Suva , Lautoka, Sigatoka and Nadi you will get many varieties of food.