Suva is the capital of Fiji, and is also the largest town in Fiji.  Suva also serves as a commercial hub for the many South Pacific Islands located within a few thousand miles.

The Fiji Museum can be a bit gruesome, since they do not shy away from the history of cannibalism, however there are many other interesting artifacts on display. Cannibalism was abolished when the Fijians were converted to Christianity.

Some of the sights to see in the downtown area of Suva include the harbour, the Parliament Buildings, the Grand Pacific Hotel, and of course the shopping district.  The Governor General's residence used to be another landmark.  Now that Fiji is a republic, I wonder what that building is used for? 

It's too bad you can no longer go to the Grand Pacific Hotel. Ordering a gin and tonic or a martini in the lounge and imagining what it was like here when British colonialism was at its height was a kick. Unfortunately, the Grand Pacific is just a shell of a building which is run down and no longer operating. The building was bought eventually by the Fiji government, who are planning to renovate it, but this is taking a long time. You can pay a few F$ to a toothless but friendly elderly lady to go in and have a look round but it's a pale shadow of its former self!! No gins at the lounge, just echoes, gloom and dust. Still, quite romantic and a good stop on the walk from the Suva city to see the changing of the guard at Government House.  Take a walk around the cricket ground while you are down at this end of town.

Boat trip, Suva - I took a day trip on a boat, leaving out of Suva harbour.  We went to a nearby offshore island, had a look at some tropical marine life, and were generally entertained by the excursion staff.

One of the reasons for travelling to Fiji was to reconnect with the Fijian Family our Canadian family had known so many years previously.  It was interesting to meet everyone in their extended family, and to be treated as an honoured guest.
 

Vanua Levu - the next leg of my travels, which includes Namale Plantation resort.