Suva is the commercial and political center of Fiji. A cruiser can check in, get permission for traveling in the Lau Islands and provision in this busy cosmopolitan city of 250,000.

Suva Harbor is well protected by a fringing reef about 1 1/2 miles offshore. The opening is wide enough to enter a night with plenty of room for commercial ships. (right)

Here's another photo Scott took from the top of the mast. It shows the anchorage with the typical number of yachts (< a dozen). You can see some pretty big commercial boats anchored nearby. The outer reef is almost at the horizon. The big ships aren't that far from us little guys! Also, it's pretty flat water except when there's high winds south of us (like now!) and the waves break high over the reef and cause a swell al the way across the harbor.

It's essential to have the flags of the countries you wish to visit before you arrive. It's a matter of courtesy that countries take VERY seriously. Although Fiji is an independent country she remains closely allied with Britain - thus the UK symbol on the flag. (left)

Fiji port control is very responsive on CH16. And, you will be told to anchor in the quarantine area until officials come aboard to clear you in.

  Right and left are all the officials who came to our boat to provide customs, immigration, health clearance and agriculture check. We were pretty happy that we didn't have to run all over town to each of these offices (as is true in many countries).

At night we had a rather neat view of the moon and planet.

And, at the docks a big communications ship was in from China. We thought the lighting was pretty eyepopping! There's a story that goes with this ship about three dead crew and the ship was impounded by Fijian authorities.

Right is a nice view of the anchorage of the Royal Suva Yacht Club.

If you need to know which way the wind's blowing, just ask these guys! (left)

Coming ashore at the Royal Suva Yacht Club is convenient and pain free as the club provides food, drinks, laundry, showers and comfortable lounge area (where I'm working on the website!).

Thought you might like a picture of downtown Suva and the prosperous looking people there.

This MacDonald's is across from the University of the South Pacific which serves many of the Pacific islanders.

Thought you'd enjoy a few scenes from the Suva Market. Saturday morning is the best time for this!

These are all the products available to the Fijian people on a regular basis.

There is a huge Indian presence in Fiji. They live in the cities as property ownership is chiefly held by Fijians in the villages. Much of the political unrest in the country stems from issues of property ownership and ethnicity.

These photos show many Fijian and Indian stall owners, but the Chinese are also a presence in Suva.

The scene on the left is from a different market. Mostly clothing and woven baskets and mats. We got Scott a couple of native shirts, and also something else: (below, right)

I think the locals take a certain pride in cleaning up the yachties! They (the locals) typically are well groomed - I think it's an issue of heat, hygiene and custom.