TSoT

Fish

Clique

13.9.11

FIJI: Taxi Cab Adventures

Hello Friends,

For this post, I will guest write with Tunesky B.K.A Ariel.

As you already know my comrades and I are headed west to New Zealand. In transit we stopped over in Fiji for 20 hours- The following is a recap of those 20 hours.

Fiji

Flying in, the first thing I noticed was the clear baby blue water surrounding every little island as far as the eye could see. It also appeared that there were white sand beaches all over the place. We got off the plane in Nadi and were immediately met with a Fijian band playing music. Their style was very similar to that of a traditional Hawaiian band. Well-traveled Jeff, for whom Fiji was his first 3rd world country, let Ariel and I know that we didn't have to pick up our checked bags as they were "in transit" straight to New Zealand, so we went right through customs to celebrate our new passport stamps. Next step was to see how we could rent scooters to tour the island a bit. It turns out that you need a massive deposit on a scooter (about $300) or a car. We were actually considering a car since it would be more cost effective than three scooters each. After hearing that a cab was a $20 flat rate into town from the airport, that's on what we decided in the end. (Note: As is common in other less organized countries, there actually is a structure- in this case a taxi meter- that is willfully ignored by the majority of people. Even the clerk at Eurocar, a well established business, went along with this.) As optimists, and firm believers in the feeling that Fiji was on first impressions hands down one of the nicest and most welcoming places on the planet (to a white foreigner), we joined the school of thought that Fijians handle tourism in a way that will benefit their fellow countrymen instead of trying to take advantage of the foreigner. This was even later explained to us later by- Enter Nazir, our driver.

We left the airport and one of the Eurocar workers showed us where the taxis were. As luck would have it, we linked up with Nazir, a Muslim Fijian man who's family dates back to Kerala, South India. There is such a large population of Indians in Fiji, whose families emigrated years ago for farm work. Ariel tried several times to use his rusted HIndi-while it did earn us some brownie points, it turned out easier to use English, since it (along with HIndi and Fijian) is a national language as well. Nazir told us that town wasn't really that exciting, it was getting late anyway, and that the nice white sand beach was 45 minutes away. We asked him where he would go for food and he brought us to a local curry shop with an outdoor deck, a small homestyle kitchen, and food so fresh that by the time we got there they had run out of the fish of the day. We washed our hands, had some water, and in minutes were silent, using our hands to shovel delicious prawn curry, lentils, squash, and home made roti into our mouths. It was intense, flavorful, fresh, authentic, and delicious. Especially in the food (and traffic patterns), the deep rooted Indian influence is very present. Over lunch we got down to brass tacks- Nazir told us that he could take us on a tour, ending back at the airport, lasting about 4 hours. This included a hike to a cave and rivers, fresh sugarcane, fresh pineapple, a cava session, and dinner at his wife's family's house. We agreed on a price. He explained to us that with the price of petroleum and the way the meter worked, that he wasn't profiting that much. I know that this sounds quite sketchy, but he said it in such an earnest way that he made us believe that an off-the-books deal was not a stupid tourist move. None of the three of us are fools, but call us suckers if you want. We each converted $50 US when we landed, and spent it all- we gave ourselves a cap, exhausted it, and made the absolute best out of 20 hours.

As is customary and generous, we wanted to arrive at his family's house with a gift- we ended up bringing passionfruit ice cream for his nieces and nephews- their favorite. We paid for most of Nazir's lunch, so he in turn bought us the cava powder. Jeff and I went into the store with Nazir as Matt watched the car. During this, Matt got approached about buying weed, and about what we were doing.Some guy pretended to be a military official who in the end was just looking either to cause trouble or for a bribe. He said that work outside of the taxi meter was illegal- yet he never even asked for Nazir's license- the first step an actual official would take. We saw the open market, school children walking home, a Hindu Temple, and the closing stores of Nadi- the closer, more touristy city to the airport on the main island of Vitilevu. Sevu, the capital- was too far.






The drive back to Nazir's in-laws was beautiful- vast fields, goats, sugarcane- and it was refreshing to be in another country. We passed the paved roads and started off into the country side, where the cab had to take it a bit easy over the rocky roads. Finally, we pull into a quaint tin-roofed home with wild chickens and roosters, multiple species of wild orchids, cows, cats, dogs, papaya and so on. Hawaii was tropical and beautiful, but the reminder that we were still in America was almost impossible to escape. Nazir's brother-in-law, Ayshan, is a sugarcane and pineapple farmer- you could see the spiky pineapple leaves in neat rows in random patches of open hillside. We were invited in, took off our shoes, has some water, and were off in the pick up truck with a machete. The five of us took a drive to a hollowed out cave fabled to be where ancient fairies would spend time- the holes in the rock side were where they would hold on to climb. Next, we were taken to a few streams, where the men fish for prawns during some nights. Upon seeing a few wild ducks, Ayshan lamented about how he didn't have his shotgun- duck makes for great curry. The air was sticky and humid, and they sky was overcast, but the breathing was clear and refreshing in that way that all country sides are. On the way back home, Ayshan cut a few fresh sugar cane stalks for us, and we smiled like kids when we chewed the fibrous stalks and swallowed the pure sweetness. The chewing and spitting of what's left over makes sugarcane one of those treats you can eat when you're bored or just want an involved food.





























When we got back and the goats were herded and returned from their grazing grounds we met the father-in-law dressed in pure white Muslim robes. He gave us a firm and welcoming handshake, and his affect suggested that he was amused and thankful for these tourists who were paying his family. When we thought about it, we realized that when Nazir landed a deal like this- he got to "work" at home, hiking, talking, sitting, eating home-cooked food, not using gas. He told us that the last time he did this was seven months ago and that he could tell that we were fun and open guys. He had a very sweet disposition and tired eyes, and it was nice for us to help each other out. Frankly, we felt like rockstars having an authentic experience and dominating a layover that most would spend in an airport fast food chain. Their hospitality was very Indian and unrelenting. No one but Nazir ever partook in anything with us, as we were the guest, and he was out host and liason. They cut up the sugarcane for us, and we happily chewed and talked while their good friend and neighbor prepared the cava. None of the family drank cava because of Muslim guidelines, but as the neighbor was Hindu, he got down with us. He filled the coconut bowl and passed it to Jeff and told us to say "Bula!" ("Welcome" in Fijian) as we clapped three times. Jeff took a tentative sip since we were told it would be unpleasant, and they told him that we take it in one straight shot. Jeff downed it, and it wasn't that bad at all. So it went for the next hour- pour, Bula!, clap clap clap, and pass. We watched the sun burn a perfectly spherical lava red circle into the sky as pitch black snuck around us. We were too happy, comfortable, and relaxed to notice. If it weren't for the fluorescent porch lights, we wouldn't have been able to see our hand in front of our face. Nazir opened the door to let even more fresh air in, and we just talked and talked. At first, as most tourist interactions go, it was awkward, and then we settled into each other. We talked about infrastructure, political coups, tourism, Fijian v. Indian racism and class divisions, farming, renting land, religion and more. Contrary to India, Muslims and Hindus get along quite well in Fiji, says Nazir- BUT, that might only be if they are all Indian. As it seemed and as it was told, the native Fijians, from whom Indian immigrants rent land from, still hold and act on a superior position- no matter how many generations a non-native has been in Fiji.






























Soon dinner was ready- beef curry that was slaughtered last week, home made lentils, roti, okra, tamarind chutney, rice, fresh picked chillies, and papad (packaged). The beef was cooked on the bone for such a long time that it was sitting in it's own fat and flavor and tender as ever. It was one of the most delicious meals I have had in a long, long time. Obviously our circumstance intensified the flavor- food is as much about what it means as how it tastes. Jeff was even compelled to try it- his first active meat eating in 5 years! Later on, he said it was just okay. Later on, I would say he doesn't know his ass from his elbow. When we thought we were stuffed, they brought out freshly picked papaya and scoops of passionfruit ice cream. Stuffed, satisfied, and tired, we said our thanks and goodbyes, exchanged emails and were off to the airport again. We paid the family $10 Fijian each for dinner (the exchange is .6 American to 1) and tipped Ayshan $15 Fijian. His english and dialect with us were near perfect, and he lived in Wellington, New Zealand studying electrical engineering for four years. Despite all of this modernity, he still had an arranged marriage like most of the Indian population in Fiji. What's weirder was tipping him. This is a man with a four year degree and a wife, and we tipped him about $10 American. Maybe it was self conscious, but there seemed to be some visible and unwanted embarrassment on his face. Nazir also seemed disappointed with his pay, so we gave him some more cash upon drop off. There is nothing cuter than seeing a grateful Indian man.












(Jeff eating meat for the first time)










Realizing the "International Lounge" was closed at the airport, we found a few benches and, you guessed it, slept...under them, on the floor. Fiji was welcoming as ever, but one can never be too cautious. We tossed and turned, holding shoes and covering zippers- changed positions when our arms fell asleep or our necks were stiff. When you're that tired, you'll sleep anywhere.


Matt woke us up with tea and coffee, and we went for our breezy check-in, to find out that our bags were being held and we were actually meant to collect them on arrival in Fiji. Jeering at Jeff the whole way, we were treated like VIPs as we were taken to cut lines and get our stuff. It turns out that it ended up being more convenient for us as we didn't have to take them with us, or store them. Returning to check in- we were shocked to find out that being an American and traveling wasn't as easy as we thought. Being from certain countries, some people have to work very hard for access to other countries. We were told that we needed a ticket OUT of New Zealand and that whimsical one-way ticket buying couldn't really fly. Tried as we did, there was no way to skirt this one. As we planned to go to Australia after NZ anyway, we ended up buying our Australia tickets on the spot along with an entry level visa. Three months in New Zealand it is. We were wondering if we'll be thinking "Are we leaving yet?", "We need to extend!", or "We're ready to move on, in a good way".

Finally, we went through, talked to some folks who have SCUBA dived everywhere in the world, borrowed our GoPro charger from them, enjoyed a Fijian Bitter Beer, and got on the plane. Here we are, on our way, with our World Travel actually started, sitting next to each other on a 737 to New Zealand. Our purposeful lack of heavy planning as has really worked out for us so far, and we're going to try to keep it that way. We firmly believe that the world can sense your outlook and purpose, and the type of attitude you exude, and so far we've been brilliant.

We got lucky through a friend of Ariel who had ANOTHER friend who lives in Auckland- he's going to put us up on a couch for a day or two until we can buy our van that we'll use to tour the country. Expect us to turn into crazy hermits who sniff glue and eat garbage. Oh, also going to a bar in the morning and not leaving until well into the next morning whilst watching the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

This is actually happening.

Love,

The Tunas


PS- We went skydiving!!!!!! In Hawaii, didn't have time to post it before we left Hawaii but here are some pictures.





















This post read and approved by M@

39 comments:

  1. the feeling that Fiji was on first impressions hands down one of the nicest and most welcoming places

    ReplyDelete
  2. Impressive article, I am pretty much thrilled with all the glorious information I came to learn here in your blog, I was at the wordpress taxi booking system when reading this perfect article, Can't wait to try the Fiji service.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am glad to be a visitor of this utter website ! , appreciate it for this rare info ! . cambridgeshire taxis

    ReplyDelete
  4. Excellent article. Very interesting to read. I really love to read such a nice article. Thanks! keep rocking. Zanzibar airport taxi

    ReplyDelete
  5. It’s very informative and you are obviously very knowledgeable in this area. You have opened my eyes to varying views on this topic with interesting and solid content. Taxi Tunbridge wells

    ReplyDelete
  6. We are provide taxi service in Jaisalmer tour. Booking now if are you looking for private best taxi service in Jaisalmer. Taxi service in Jaisalmer

    ReplyDelete
  7. When you get the conventions achieved via air terminal specialists you will discover these taxis sitting tight for you. The drivers driving these taxis are very much experienced and knowledgeable with transit regulations of that city. bus rental for wedding

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hello I am so delighted I located your blog, I really located you by mistake, while I was watching on google for something else, Anyways I am here now and could just like to say thank for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining website. Please do keep up the great work. Stadstaxi Rotterdam taxi bestellen de nr. 1.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I think this is a really good article. You make this information interesting and engaging. You give readers a lot to think about and I appreciate that kind of writing. compact tractor attachments

    ReplyDelete
  10. Attractive, post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have liked browsing your blog posts. After all, I will surely subscribe to your feed, and I hope you will write again soon! Taxi To Gatwick

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. we will always appreciate all you have done here because I know you are very concerned with our. taxi booking software

    ReplyDelete
  12. Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i’ve been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share. taxi kosten

    ReplyDelete
  13. You have a real ability for writing unique content. I like how you think and the way you represent your views in this article. I agree with your way of thinking. Thank you for sharing. taxi rotterdam

    ReplyDelete
  14. Bei Autos, die in den letzten Steuerjahrzehnten bestellt wurden, können Sie 25% des Veröffentlichungsgeldes auf den noch nicht beanspruchten Gesamtbetrag geltend machen Koblenz Taxi

    ReplyDelete
  15. Frequently the international websites are unaware of, or fail to disclose, insurances, taxes and surcharges that will be charged at the counter. This may be due to the fact that many recognized car rental operator brands in Costa Rica are not a foreign branch of the branded car rental operator, but instead are a franchise operation.24v ride on

    ReplyDelete
  16. Your posts always have got much of really up to date info. Where do you come up with this? Just stating you are very imaginative. Thanks again MINNEAPOLIS AIRPORT TAXI

    ReplyDelete
  17. nice post, keep up with this interesting work. It really is good to know that this topic is being covered also on this web site so cheers for taking time to discuss this! Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

    ReplyDelete
  18. While client hunger for cars keeps on developing, tight inventories and tangled stock chains are making it hard for auto organizations to stay aware of the interest. Limo Hire Liverpool

    ReplyDelete
  19. Relatively few assessment forms are enquired into as the framework depends on trust however taxi drivers ought to guarantee their records don't contain this major duty fiddle. dunlop tires in dubai

    ReplyDelete
  20. This is my first visit to your site. Today I have got a new site. I am really happy to be here. I am stay tuned here for your next blog. I am really impressed by this wonderful stuff. I always prefer to read the quality content and this thing I found in you post. Thanks for sharing tire shop Abu Dhabi

    ReplyDelete
  21. Jährlich werden mehrere Taxis erworben und verkauft, Read More

    ReplyDelete
  22. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  23. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  24. The recent increase in taxi driver training around the nation leads to the question: Is it really so hard to drive a cab. What we find is that taxi school is not so much about driving a taxi, although it is valuably linked, it is about being ready for the prelicensing exams and platform from which to build the drivers knowledge of the respective cities geography. taxi Sydney

    ReplyDelete
  25. The taxi license referred to as a TLC license NYC means the license given by the Taxi and Limousine Commission of New York City that is required to drive a medallion yellow cab or a black car limousine in the five boros of New York City. Here are the steps for getting this taxi license. advanced cab booking

    ReplyDelete
  26. i love food and drinks that are very tasty. i do eat a lot and drink a lot of alcohol these days:: https://downloadlagu321.live

    ReplyDelete
  27. Taxi services serve people. The fleet of yellow-checkered cabs is the pride of the New York City. For years, these legendary cabs have been taking people to their destination. Roads look incomplete without these taxis. Taxi Weybridge

    ReplyDelete
  28. buy twitch followers There are limitless types of card games to be played. People think because two games use the same deck of 52-cards that they are similar games, but nothing could be more different than Barbu and Speed, or Pai Gow and Pinochle. Here's a list of twenty different kinds of card games, and some facts about them.

    ReplyDelete
  29. https://dynamichealthstaff.com/nursing-jobs-in-canada-for-indian-nurses The popularity of video games has led to the expansion of the industry and technology advances. Today, there are many different game types and the genre is still expanding rapidly. One video game differs from another by its gameplay, category and interaction.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Great article Lot's of information to Read...Great Man Keep Posting and update to People..Thanks bike

    ReplyDelete
  31. Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i've been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share. tractor

    ReplyDelete
  32. https://www.buyyoutubesubscribers.in/2022/01/20/highest-viewed-video-youtube-india/ I'm sure you have heard of YouTube. It is very popular and top-ranker more than you could ever imagine. YouTube is the name that connects people to amusement and fun.

    ReplyDelete
  33. You have outdone yourself this time. It is probably the best, most short step by step guide that I have ever seen. luxury car rental

    ReplyDelete
  34. https://www.visualaidscentre.com/lasik-eye-surgery-in-delhi/ Many businesses are asking this question because they want an SEO or online marketing solution, but they don't know where to start. How much can a SEO consultant handle and when should you use a big company? As an SEO consultant (I know it may seem biased), some small businesses ask me this question so I would like to answer, "I can handle any campaign".

    ReplyDelete
  35. I am thankful for the blog. Thanks Again. Really Great.
    crete taxi

    ReplyDelete
  36. I’ve been searching for some decent stuff on the subject and haven't had any luck up until this point, You just got a new biggest fan!.. friend of bus

    ReplyDelete
  37. Only aspire to mention ones content can be as incredible. This clarity with your post is superb and that i may think you’re a guru for this issue. High-quality along with your concur permit me to to seize your current give to keep modified by using approaching blog post. Thanks a lot hundreds of along with you should go on the pleasurable get the job done. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Profile/betvulkab

    ReplyDelete
  38. If you are an owner of your own taxi company, you already probably know how hard it is to obtain good policies in regards to the insurance of your taxi units. As much as it is important to have insurance, taxi operators should always take in regard the type of policies they get into when signing up for an insurance company. Naples Florida Real Estate

    ReplyDelete
  39. It extraordinary article with Loads of data to Read...Great Man Continue To post and refresh Individuals.
    Graphic Designing agency in Pakistan

    ReplyDelete