Suva

We took the express bus into Suva today, the capitol of Fiji. The ride was a bit more luxurious than the local buses in that it didn't stop at every village. The passengers were fewer and quieter which could have been due to the fact that it is Sunday. From the looks of the dresses and dress shirts, everyone seemed to be bound for church.

The scenery along the coral coast was stunning. The reef, on one side, extended far from the shore and waves crashed in the distance where it ended. On the other side, hills poked from behind palms and flowering trees. Everything was green.

The entire ride of approximately 90 km took two and a half hours. The buses are old here and hills are not their strong suit. To get up them, they chug and sputter. The noise was deafening.

Eventually at 1:09 we pulled into Suva's bus station. Since it was Sunday the city was closed, so we pulled our packs on and walked the kilometer or so to the South Seas Private Hotel. We knew nothing about the place other than what our invaluable Lonely Planet Guide told us. It should be noted that when the Guide book describes a place as having clean rooms with louvre windows and an overhead fan, this is exactly what you get and no more. Our 10'x10' room has one window (with the aforementioned blinds), one metal chair and a bed plopped in the middle. Sort of akin to a cell block without the bars.

Downstairs there is a lovely communal kitchen for all the guests to share, complete with stained counters, mildewed walls and a plethora of tiny bugs. Careful not to touch anything I managed to make a delicious noodle soup in my hot pot. A Fijian woman graciously gave me part of an onion, some cabbage, lemon and ginger to spice it up a bit.

But, as I discovered when I arrived on the island, you do not come to Fiji for the immaculate hotel accommodations; you come for the experience. And Fiji has certainly given us that.

What we will do for the rest of our stay here is uncertain. John has developed a nasty sore throat and fever. I have prescribed bed rest and hot liquids. If he is better tomorrow, perhaps we will stroll through the beautiful Albert Park across the street from our hotel.