from w
Perhaps the politics in Fiji is like riding one of the Fiji buses. The old driver of last year had to manoevre over many potholes, put up with overweight luggage, some people who skipped on paying fares, a few chooks, and on some occasions many passengers telling him where to go, where they wanted to go, and advice about taking short cuts or dodgy bridges. Trying to please everyone surely gave that driver a huge headache. Now we have a new driver this year and he of course has the same problem, lots of passengers yelling at him, criticizing him, telling him to go slower, to watch the bends, not to drive on the wrong side, and there are still the passengers who think they know everything.
One trip I made from Nadi to Suva was a bit strange. A video was shown to the docile passengers - that one called Speed with Sandra Bullock in it - about a speeding bus. Well, I hope that the Fiji bus will soon slow down and safely take the passengers to a good destination!
This is so true! I love Fiji so much, so a chiled laid back atmosphere, even on the roads which can be quite scary. And the irony of showing speed on the bus brilliant.
ReplyDeleteMark Bowness
Hello Mark,
ReplyDeleteThat film 'Speed' was a brilliant choice for the Fiji bus trip from Nadi to Suva. No-one seemed fazed by it, watched it, or just had a snooze.
Occasionally Fiji buses break down and the people just patiently stand beside the road waiting for another bus or whatever to help out.
Hey guys, yeah, I loved that chilled back atmosphere and environment. I have seen it in many similar countries including Jamaica and Africa. Across Jamaica you will hear, 'In Jamaica we have no problems only situations'. What is the Fiji equivalent? Would it be Senga nelenga (forgive spelling) which I think is 'no worries'?
ReplyDeleteI remember being in Labasa ready to get the flight to Nadi and the plane was delayed, and then cancelled and then the next delayed. Ultamately there were about 50 people waiting for a flight but not one of them was complaining (probably used to the situation) but they were not bothered.. they enjoyed the Sun, the relationships and there was no pressure.
Here, in the UK, people start flapping if the bus is five minutes late!
Mark Bowness
I haven't got the patience of those people. Our son was recently in Labasa and the last plane of the day was cancelled. The passengers were offered accommodation at the Takia hotel but he just went back to his cousins.
ReplyDeleteThe Qantas/Air Pacific plane from Nadi was delayed the other night and passengers were given a $15 voucher to buy food etc. Our son bought a bottle of Fiji water (and food) but later at Customs was told he couldn't take the water on board, so he sculled the lot on the spot!
w.
P.S.
ReplyDeleteSega na leqa. No worries.
Yeah. I suppose patience is key. Dont think I would have the patience, not if my bottle of water was confiscated.
ReplyDeleteSega ne leqa
Should it be:
ReplyDeleteTailevu no leqa, no Bus- paidar!
Sa dina! These boots were made for walkin'!
ReplyDeletehahahaha!
ReplyDeleteMark Bowness