Lautoka, the second largest city in Fiji (total population around 44 thousand) with a predominantly Indian Fijian population, is not exactly on the list of places to visit on the tourist map. Even though it’s about a half hour’s leisurely drive from Nadi International Airport; tourists never visit this place.
But if you happened to chance upon it or if you are a die hard curious traveler like me; you could keep yourself entertained with the various signs and signboards that abound in this small but lively town - as there’s really not that much to do here! And as you can probably guess that as in every little corner of the world - there are Chinese restaurants even here. *sigh*
But on the other hand this is the ‘real’ Fiji that 99% of the tourists to Fiji will never ever see - dirt, grime, warts and all; and all very real. Lautoka is by no means a shanty town; far from it. It is neat, clean and well organised sitting on a gently undulating landscape with views of the sea and mountains. The town center is thriving with a busy fish and vegetables market and while we were there on Saturday morning the sidewalks were packed with people going about with their shopping and other activities.
I think tourists everywhere have a blinkered view. Fiji is not just about 5-stars resorts, golden beaches and amazing waters. And all is not well in paradise and if you travel anywhere in the country outside of the usual tourist beaches and islands resorts, you’ll notice the lack of development and economic activities. They need to resolve the issue of the interim coup-government and the conflict between the indigenous Fijians and the Indo-Fijians to allow all that to happen so that Fiji can be a paradise to their own people as well besides to the tourists.
Anyway, enjoy the signs - they are simple, far less complicating, real and entertainingly educational. I love small towns; especially ones where there are no tourists.
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hi i am roshan from Nepal /when i listen a news about Mahandera choudhary many years before then i know about fiji /from that day i wann know abou fiji and indian socaty at fiji l i have got few referace from here thanx of lote
i love to fiji native who have a indian backround if any body wann hepl me pls keep in touch email tantu210@yahoo.com
Great perspective of Fiji, Im originally from Scotland and came here initially on a 2 month consultants contract for a new dive company…. that was in Sept 2001……………. Im still here and after 6 years of Dive Management jobs have decided to voluntarily retire and Develop sport in the West of Fiji (tired of everything being in Suva!!!)Great to see someone else has finally found the good things about Western Fiji life outside of Tourism…… THANX!! BesTT regards Steve