Sunday, January 1, 2012

Around the World: The Road to Suva

January 1, 1992



I am on a bus to Suva. Let me rephrase that. I have put my faith and my life in the hands of the bus driver.

The road that follows south coast of the island is periodically optional. If there's pavement or dirt, it's okay to drive on that. If the road completely disappears, it's okay to drive on that too. Left side, right side, down the middle of whatever road exists and at any speed that keeps us moving.  The bus has no windows, except for the windshield, and it's wise to remain aware of the scenery to avoid the occasional bit of bush and tree that makes its way along the side and into the bus.  Fortunately, I'm sitting in the back so at least I can see the greenery coming.

Despite being somewhat harrowing at times, we have arrived safely.  Suva is a big city, by Fiji standards, and unlike the Hideaway Lodge, it has the added bonus of being inhabited by local folk. The hotel costs $4.95 a night and is conveniently located close to the Indian Curry House, where very few things on the menu cost more than $2.


One of my room mates
Photo from hackingfamily.com


The room I'll be sleeping in tonight is furnished with four beds and a complimentary gecko on the ceiling.  The very kind lady who runs the hotel explained that they don't bother people, unless you bother them first.  The only thing that really interests a gecko is insects so I have no intentions of bothering my little lizard sentry.  Whenever this gecko catches a bug, it makes a series of clicking sounds in delight.  Or possibly digestion.  Either way, Gecko is quite welcome and by the frequency of its clicking, it is ambitiously efficient.

• ¤ •

"These things I warmly wish for you:
Someone to love, some work to do, 
A bit o' sun, a bit o' cheer, 
And a guardian angel always near"
~Irish Blessings