When the travel agent told me that I was flying back from US to Melbourne via a transit in Fiji, I toyed with the idea of checking out the island. But due to lack of holiday time I didn't plan to spend any time longer than was absolutely necessary for the transit. I didn't think I would actually get the opportunity- to wonder out of Nadi airport. Nadi is a fairly small airport. After landing we were greeted by a local band with very relaxing island music. This was a very pleasent entertainment as passengers waited in long ques at the immigration check lines and through the windows I could barely make out the sun was starting to rise. It was about 6 am.
As I went through the immigration, I was confronted with the situation that it was compulsory for transiting visitors to 'exit' the airport before checking back in.. Pick up luggage and check back in 10 hours later.. I was quite surprised as were other transitting passengers. The flight from US was long and we were tired. And before that I had a 12 hour transit and outing in LA. Frankly I had little energy left. I felt frustrated for not having been informed of this requirement earlier...and feeling dis-organised. Even at this stage I didn't seriously consider wondering out of the airport. What am I to do carrying around a suitcase full of clothes?

When my annoyance settled down, I started to see the opportunity I had. I cheered up, and got excited. But I was peacefully calm too. I made a plan. There must be somewhere I can securely leave my luggage. I had little spare money and changing this I got about 100 Fijian dollars. I had no idea how much this would be worth. I needed to have some food, clean myself and get changed before I felt decent enough to venture out into the city. I consulted the friendly lady at the information desk for advice. Her spirit filled me with enthusiasm. I'm on a tropical island! where people are pretty much always friendly and cheerful!
I moved from the arrivals area to the departure area. Outside the airport, it was a relief that there were no crowds and congested traffic as is the case outside the Sri Lankan international airport. I was told Nadi had luggage lockers..and I discovered this, although basic, was as good as such a service could be. I freed my hands but for a backpack with essentials like camera, money, water and travel documents. After breakfast and a little rest, I cleaned up and decided to set off and explore the city, perhaps pcik up a few souvernirs.

I walked back to the arrivals section. A new lady was at the information desk and from her I got a map of the city and modes of transport. I chose to catch a bus, to save money and experiance the local culture. I had about 7 hours of free time.

As I stepped out of the airport, I thought of beautiful beaches; yet I had no idea Fiji had mountains! I waited at the bus stop and felt a bit anxious. A van came whcih stopped a bit in front of the bus stop. It had no sign. Thinking of Sri Lanka, it was not like a public bus, more like one of those private 'buses'. Some people ran to get on the van. I follwed them, not knowing where the van was going. I thought it must go somewhere! As I had no previous plan, it didn't matter and I didn't care where it went. Actually its a wonderful way to travel.

No one paid as they got on. As the van ride continued I realised that people paid the driver when they got off. People didn't pay much attention to me. I wonder if it was because I look Indian, if they thought I was local. But my manner of action was alien and so it would have been clear to any one who cared to observe. But I doubt any one took notice. They must come across many foreigners. I didn't talk to anyone during this trip. I noticed how people talked to each other..their language was broken English mixed with some Fijian. It was not difficult to follow. The operation of the bus and the look of the greenery outside, remided my of Sri Lanka, in a pleasent way.

The other thing I couldn't help noticing during the bus ride was, on to my left, in the far distance, there was a mountain range. A brown-green shade carpeted mountain. I immediately felt a longing to go there..If only I could go there!