Bula from Fiji.
Although Suva and Nadi are both in Fiji, the two places have completely different atmospheres. On this visit to the capital, I found myself noticing the weather, the pace of the city, and the everyday scenes that make Suva feel so distinct.
Whenever I return to Suva after spending a long time in Nadi, I am always surprised by how different it feels.
The first difference is the weather. Of course, Suva has plenty of sunny days, but whenever I stay for a few days, there always seems to be at least one cloudy or rainy spell.
Before this trip, it had not rained around Nadi for quite some time. So when the rain began to fall in Suva, I was unexpectedly happy to see it. The wet roads and deep green trees revealed a softer, quieter side of Fiji that felt very different from the dry landscape I had left behind.
This time, I stayed at the Grand Pacific Hotel, one of my favourite hotels in Fiji.
Many hotels in Fiji are located in holiday destinations and have the bright, relaxed atmosphere of a cheerful “Bula!” The Grand Pacific Hotel feels different. It has an elegant and dignified atmosphere, with a sense of history and formality.
Conferences and meetings are often held there. In the lobby and around the conference rooms, I often see people in formal clothing discussing business. It is a scene that feels far removed from the usual resort atmosphere, and it always reminds me that I am in Suva.
Directly in front of the hotel is the spacious Albert Park.
When I went for a walk in the late afternoon, the park was full of activity. Students, office workers, and people of all ages were running around the park or doing their evening training.
A volleyball net had been set up along a wide pedestrian area, where a large group was enjoying a game. Nearby, what looked like a taekwondo class was taking place, with many primary school-aged children moving energetically together.
It was a lovely glimpse of everyday life in Suva—the kind of scene that can be easy to miss when simply visiting tourist attractions.
I had come to Suva to meet someone, which also gave me the chance to visit USP, the University of the South Pacific, for the first time. The spacious campus had a calm and welcoming atmosphere, and I could sense its special role as a place where people from across the South Pacific come together.
I had also heard that Nausori has been becoming an interesting area to explore, so I decided to make the trip there. Unfortunately, the rain meant that I could not walk around as much as I had hoped. Still, I enjoyed visiting the clean and colourful Nausori Market.
Next time, I would love to return on a sunny day and take more time to explore the market and the surrounding town.
Although I have visited Suva several times, this was my first visit to the Fiji Museum. I had wanted to go for a long time, but somehow the timing had never worked out, so I was very happy to finally step inside.
The museum gave me an opportunity to learn more about Fiji's history and culture. What stayed with me most was the way Fiji's close relationship with the ocean and nature has continued from the past into the present.
I have visited museums in many countries, and they often show a way of life that feels completely separate from the modern world outside. In Fiji, however, the connection with nature and traditional culture still feels very much alive in everyday life.
Traditional masi patterns, for example, are not limited to museum displays. They continue to appear on clothing worn by people today.
Seeing these traditions remain part of daily life made me realise once again that this continuity is one of Fiji's great beauties. The forms may change over time, but what people value continues to live on.
Suva feels very different from Nadi's blue skies and bright resort atmosphere. Here, there are rain-soaked trees, historic buildings, the energy of a business centre, and the everyday rhythm of the people who call the city home.
Every time I experience these contrasts within the same country, I am reminded that there is still so much of Fiji left to discover.
The next time I visit Suva, I hope to walk through a few more unfamiliar streets and discover the next part of this city's story.
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