Most visitors to Fiji stay in their resort(s) and don’t venture out to experience the colour and vibrancy of the local markets. A visit to the markets will, however, give you an insight into local life and culture. They are often noisy and hectic and you’ll find an array of local produce, herbs, spices and souvenirs. The fresh fruit is full of taste!
I have enjoyed the markets in Nadi, Lautoka, Sigatoka and Suva. Mind you, in Suva I did get cornered by a fast-talking Indian hawker who was flogging little hand-carved balsa wood canoes. His modus operandi was to ask your name and before you could say ‘Bob’s your uncle’ or, indeed, just ‘Bob’, he would have your name carved in the side of the boat so you would feel obliged to buy it. I told him that he had the spelling of my name wrong and he said, “No problem” and with one swift, swiping whittle he removed the previous name and asked for the correct spelling. No need to feel guilty if you refuse to play as I did and he’ll just swipe it again and approach another tourist. If I kept correcting his spelling it may have ended with a haggle over a toothpick.
Photo: Lautoka Markets Trip Advisor