LAUTOKA, FIJI February 12, 2008Fiji is comprised of 300 islands, two of which, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, comprise more than 80% of the total land mass. The total population of Fiji is 850,000. Lautoka is the second largest city with a population of 30,000. It owes its existence to a large sugar mill (said to be the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere) and a deep-water port. It may be of interest to note that Fiji produces some of the world’s best sugar.
Today we traveled by bus to the home of the Burness Family. There we learned of the host’s great grandmother and great grandfather who independently traveled from Scotland and met in Fiji in the 1860’s. Their family grew as farmers and they raised sugar cane on their plantations. Now in addition they raise orchids and artheriums. In the first two pictures you will see examples of these plants.
Next we traveled to Viseisei Village which according to legend is the island’s oldest village. The chief of the village had some of the singers and dancers perform for us with much beauty and excitement. A cooperative market in the village helps visitors “discover” souvenirs.
