Highlights of Suva

Probably one of the best excursions of the cruise. At the pier boarded a comfortable large bus - not overcrowded, and early on visited the Suva Museum that was simply stunning. Artifacts of Polynesian history laid out a modern pristine manner and well documented. The Museum shop was filled with small books on local birds, etc., only available there because the Museum published them. Lovely local painted cards and art. So beautiful that after the tour, I took a taxi back to stock up on holiday gifts. The tour continued through Suva proper and stopped at a locally run restaurant for lunch. Welcomed clean bathrooms and prepared food that was delicious - do try the taro fritters - yum! No digestive terrors later, either. Great local tour guide, clearly a local leader. All in all, best tour outside of snorkeling!!

Great guide Emmi, knowledgeable, with a sense of humor, a good safe driver.Good history, Parliament, the first chief who went to England, the culture , Albert Park Pavilion etc. Visited Fiji Museum, walked around the gardens, great insight to the past. Suva Bowling Club, a treat. A man and his wife shared their knowledge. Learnt how to open a coconut, remove husk, how parts of the coconut is useful to make ropes, bowls, palm leaves are used to make baskets, no waste. Drank coconut water, kava, ate coconut, bananas.Learnt about certain leaves and roots, their medicinal uses. Passed historical buildings, learnt of Fijian coup, now the court complex. Stopped at Kanu Lance Seeto cafe, learnt of many movies made in Fiji, the first Robinson Crusoe in 1932. Food lovely, hospitality exceptional. Shopped at Tappoo, the markets, endless fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, flowers, amazing aroma. People were always smiling and welcoming.

We were pleased we met R2 the guide we had the previuos day. His enthusiasm and knowldge of island life was boundless. He was willing to answer any questions put to him. The tour was made by the Guide and the stories he told, the Museum we visited and many other highlights we seen. Thanks again to R2 - hope we get to visit your island again and get to see you again.

Tour gave us a good overview of the city, although it did miss out the WWII gun which was advertised. Enjoyed the kava ceremony and especially enjoyed where we had lunch, which was included.

Our guide was Artu. He was great. He told us of the local history and of its way of life. He spoke of being related to all people and the society where respect is normal. We saw the sites, the fish markets and the governmental buildings. We were taken to a bowling club where we learned all about the coconut and kava from experts who showed us how the coconut is used down to the last bit of fiber. It was an amazing demonstration of skill and pride. We were treated to a lunch at an old trading post restaurant. The photos and posters on the wall tell the story of its history in films, but the meals placed before us told the story of welcome guests of today. All along, Artu was with us. He and our bus driver joined us for lunch and entertained us with stories we loved to hear. If you are in the area, find Artu and tell him "Bula" from his friends from our tour. He will teach you what that word means and what it means to the folks you will meet. It's a good thing. Bula.

We enjoyed this tour. It was fortunate that we ended up at the Palace for the changing of the guard. Our guide did not explain what our Tea stop involved. Many people ordered plates of food only to find out that out "Tea" stop included a substantial amount of food for free.