Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Does anybody know where Fiji is?


If you are thinking about a Japanese city when you heard Fiji, then you are absolutely wrong. Fiji is a republic country and is an archipelago (comprises of many islands). I just came across with this country when one of my pax was looking for such destination for his honeymoon. This country was believed to be formed by some volcanic eruptions 150-200 million years ago and is is obviously showing with its many island state. 

I admit this was my first time knowing Fiji and its existence, really for sure and I have made some research on this. The country is ruled by a President, their currency is Fijian dollars (FJD), with 4 major languages namely: English, Fijian, and Fiji Hindi. The economic growth of the country is determined by their rich natural resources specially marine life. Knowingly because of its location in the south pacific ocean, it has one of the richest supply of minerals and marine resources. The capital of the country is Suva and it has its own International Airport. People have divided religion with Christian as the major, then followed by Hindi, and some Muslims. Because of the diversity of each islands, the country is divided into 4 parts North, South, East, West whilst their central part is lively Suva its capital city. Residents inside enjoys mostly with Rugby and Football their major sports. 

One interesting fact in Fiji is the tourism promotion. Many, I mean still not known by all but this place is truly a great blessing from above. With the fine seashore, island hopping, scuba, snorkeling, and island excursions, I am sure that you will never forget this place once you visited. 


Travel Tip: Note that the touristic cities will be Nadi and Denarau Islands. The airport is Nadi International Airport. I can recommend Fiji Resort by Hilton to stay in providing you 5 star luxury comfort and nature relaxation.


The present conversion in Saudi


"Money keeps the world rolling". I am earning Saudi Riyals here in the kingdom and is satisfied with the load. I am not that kind of rich guy that has everything in his hand. I just have enough to send to my family in the Philippines and keep my siblings on their college courses. 

Present Conversion: 
1 SAR = 11.30 PHP

The biggest question now is the trending of Riyal into Peso. From a good rating of 12PHP=1 Riyal in the past 10 years and now it went down to 11.30. For me this is fine because I can still survive, what I am worrying is the number of people living here "kabayans" who are really struggling hard to cut it up to normal. With the ongoing economic crisis worldwide, suppliers lowering down as compared before and the government wanting to over rule its people then there is a mere change of getting it back.

What we can do now is just to face the reality and perhaps work hard the same as before. Luck is just there and anybody can grab their respective opportunity. Though we are facing the hardships in life, yet still there is a place for laughter. A laughter that was once borrowed and now still we are owing for it. Let us together face these challenges and should be proud to shout out our personal motives. Keep surviving! Keep rolling!



Electrical Plugs in Saudi


Just as about a usual Traveler, you should be aware of your destination requirements. I'm living in the kingdom for 8 months now are noticed a distinction of their electrical plug outlets. You may wonder why this distinction occurred and why. The answer is simply "per country" preference. That is not a big deal after all, what we are after for is awareness and that should be it. So when you are an expatriate like me and wanted spend some years here in the Kingdom then do remember two hints that I'm giving. Note the image on the left shows 2 types of outlets. One is the usual design and the other below looks different. The authorities here in the Kingdom did this on purpose.

The usual face of the outlet above is mainly intended for 110v. So if your appliance or gadget needs only that amount of voltage to kick out then plug it there. Now, if you have some heavy ones that need 220 v then plug it on the below kind of plug.


This is just a simple yet helpful house rules in the Kingdom that you should be aware of. So prepare, pack up your things and be ready to travel. Remember that all homes here has 110v, or 220 v options. 

Cheer up!