Five days of Nadi charm
TRAVEL
By JESHER TILTO
BULA! I think I heard this being said by almost everyone during the five days I spent in Nadi, Fiji.
Although I was there for work, the time spent there was enjoyable and it was an experience I will never forget.
Much can be said about Fiji but having the opportunity to go and see it firsthand was truly a blessing.
After almost a month of preparation and planning, the day for my travel arrived and I was on a morning flight for almost six hours from Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby headed for Nadi International Airport in Fiji. We also made a quick stop over at Honiara International Airport in Solomon Islands before continuing our journey to Fiji.
Although they catch some flak at times, I must add that Air Niugini’s service on the flight was very good. Without much trouble, we arrived at Nadi International Airport and I am taken aback by the facility itself and I had to admit that it was giving our own airport a run for its money.
By that time, it was already 7pm and my transport was waiting to take me to the Yadua Bay Resort, my home away from home for the few days in Fiji.
First impression
Fiji is a place with a scenery and people beautiful beyond measure. Nadi International Airport was truly something to marvel at.
As the first place travelers would see when they first arrive in Fiji, it was only the beginning of the standard and hospitality the country prides itself in.
The driver that was to take me to the resort was courteous enough to offer to carry my bag even though I had packed light. On the way to the resort we had a friendly chat about the place and the people.
It was almost an hour’s drive there so I decided to doze off for a bit. During the ride it dawned on me that there weren’t too many potholes, which made for a smooth drive all the way Yadua Bay Resort.
Upon arriving at the resort, I was greeted by the friendly staff who have me set up in a villa for the duration of my stay.
After unpacking and getting ready for the next day, I realise that Fiji is two hours ahead of the time back home and change the time on my phone and watch.
For work, we had to go over to Shangri-La Hotel, one of the first ever hotels that started the tourism boom in the country.
It was not until the second day when we drove on the bridge leading to the hotel that I realised that it was actually on an island.
Now that was impressive.
The hotel’s premises and establishment was built to a high standard. I observed that there were many tourists that flocked to the hotel.
Since the hotel grounds were so big, many tourists were carted to and from wherever they needed to go by the staff.
Taking a walk around both places that were frequented, I noticed almost no rubbish around the areas, no people loitering out late into the night, and it was new sight to see that there were no red stains littered on the ground-none at all.
I think it was only after the second day there that I realised the unqiue accent the locals had and thinking that we are Melanesians they would understand Tok Pisin, which they didn’t.
I was also fortunate enough to visit Serua Island to see the impact of climate change on the island and its people.
The traditional welcoming ceremony was very moving, along with the kindness of the people whose hospitality was unforgettable.
The environment and people of the Fiji definitely made reconsider returning back home.
After all the formalities were done, we had an opportunity to interact with the community members of Serua Island in Fiji. It was an enjoyable experience.
– Picture by RIMON RIMON
PNG and Fiji
One could say that the Pacific region is the last frontier of the world.
In the recent years, the world seems to be focusing more on the region.
Papua New Guinea can learn a lot from our brothers and sisters in Fiji, starting with the tourism industry. Tourism contributes to a large portion of their economy, with millions of dollars in revenue generated each year.
Currently, the Fijian Dollar has the upper hand of the PNG Kina. This should be sign of our need to step up our game. That does not mean we focus all our attention on tourism like our Melanesian counterpart.
PNG is blessed with abundant natural resources and boasts a rich biodiversity.
And as much as it has been said over the years, we do have all the resources under the sun that can enable us to become an economically stable country with its citizen’s living above the poverty line.
However, that is yet to happen.
During Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s visit to the country in May, Prime Minister James Marape said that Fiji was offering scholarships for Papua New Guinean students interested in their tourism and hospitality programmes.
He indicated that there were many Fijian investments in the country and PNG investments in Fiji as well.
The two leaders agreed on building relations not just on governing but also in business.
The recent Melanesian Spearhead Group Leaders’ Summit in Vanuatu covered many issues affecting the region, including climate change mitigation. The name United States of Melanesia (USM) was even coined during the meeting.
Much can be gained and achieved if we all work together to achieve a favourable outcome for each country.
With our 48th Independence anniversary celebrated a few weeks ago, it is up to our leaders and citizens to determine the future of our nation.
Going on one year
The main reason for my travel to Fiji was to participate in the Regional Media Dialogue Meeting facilitated by the Regional Pacific NDC Hub. Next month will be one year working at The National and it has been an experience unlike any other.
While writing this article, it dawned on me that one of my first ever stories published in the newspaper was to do with climate change (Report: Climate funds misused, Oct 6, 2022), so I guess it was only right that I had gone for the meeting in Fiji. I was (and still am) grateful for the opportunity to attend such a meeting.
Amid the media cohort at the meeting were a few seasoned journalists and editors who shared insights of their work over the years. Having engaged in conversation with them I gained a wealth of knowledge of the craft and will certainly put it to good use in my work.
Over the time working in the newsroom I have found a new sense of respect for the media industry and the work that goes on behind the scenes.
As someone who was on the consumer’s side of things for more than 20 years, I now have a better understanding of the production side of the news. Many do not know the effort it takes to produce something that is newsworthy and fit for public consumption.
What you see each working day of the week is the result of dedicated people, not machines, who uphold the legacy of the newspaper. I never really planned on becoming a reporter but as fate would have it, I have been one for almost a year now.
With this job I have travelled to many places and met many people and I am looking forward to whatever the future holds.
The experience of working in the newsroom will be memorable and the knowledge gained has helped me become better at doing my job.
With all that being said, I express my most profound appreciation to everyone who has helped me along the way.
Thank you once again or as the Fijians would say, vinaka vakalevu.