When visiting a village, it is customary to present a gift of yaqona (kava root), and you should dress conservatively with shoulders and knees covered (also remove your hat or sunglasses from your head as per #15 above). I didn’t know too much about Fiji before going there last summer but we certainly learned a lot of interesting and unique things about this country while researching before our trip and during our short visit. Large families with four or five children, are also common. From history & geography, to culture & things to do. Its literal meaning is "life," and means anything from hello, goodbye, welcome, love and more. From November through to April the weather can be hot and humid with the occasional tropical downpour. You're literally safe as houses.There is no gender specific word in Fijian so often they say "he" when referring to a woman and vice versa. One time when visiting a church with a Fijian friend, I witnessed a public confession. When receiving kava, a drink made from the bare root of a pepper tree, you clap once with a cupped hand, drink in one gulp and then clap three times. As the Fijians say, "no hurry, no worries".How many airports in the world employ a band of smiling locals in floral shirts to serenade you on guitar and ukulele as you pass through immigration, or as you sadly depart for home? The pastor then prayed for the couple, and they were accepted back into the flock.It doesn't matter what's going on, if Fiji are playing an international game of rugby, you'll think the Apocalypse has happened. If you can, try and embrace it. Most people sit on large grass woven mats on the floor inside open air buildings. Fijians also pronounce an 'n' or 'm' in words that aren't spelt with one. Nadi, the main entry point for travelers arriving into Fiji, is for example pronounced "Nandi', Toberua is "Tom-barua". This is believed to be due the fact there is only 10,000 odd words in the Fijian language. Fiji: 25 Things to be Aware of When Visiting If you’ve booked a trip to Fiji, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Even on the main island of Viti Levu, or on popular tourist islands, Fijians still live a traditional life. Many Australians, myself included, return annually for their Fiji fix. This is also cyclone season. Sure it's a tropical utopia, but it's the people themselves that keep me coming back. I wouldn't be surprised to see a tumble weed roll down the main street. Locals tend to dress up to go to church, and services can go on for hours. Here are the We know of its superb white sand beaches, reputation as the soft coral capital of the world, friendly locals and swaying palm trees, but first time visitors will find Fiji packs plenty of surprises – especially if you venture beyond the resort confines.Things happen in Fiji, but with no particular urgency. "That side" could mean 50 metres away, or 10 kilometres away.
There's plenty to learn about Fiji before you say Bula to this South Pacific nation. When you do return, they will say "welcome home", and you will honestly feel like you are.
For example, moce (goodbye) is pronounced "mo-they".Be warned when asking Fijians for directions. The man walking with the machete is typically a farmer (like the man we came across), or worker who has been slashing the lush vegetation. through someone else). Make use of the resort's fabulous kid's clubs and nannies; you can feel confident your kids are in the best of hands. In many destinations, understandably, this would be incredibly disconcerting, but in Fiji there's no need to feel threatened or scared. Many of Fiji's older generation adamantly believe cousins of the opposite sex should not speak at all. Shows how much people think the problem in their community are property crimes (home broken, car theft, etc. Your tour didn't start on time? On the volcanic island of Rabi (pronounced Rumbi) the Micronesian population even speak their own language. You might think you’ve entered paradise , as the turquoise waters, towering palm trees, and the friendliest people on Earth surround you with peace and tranquility. Pristine and postcard perfect, Fiji's 330 islands are made up of one thousand miles of unspoiled white sand beaches, fabulous coral gardens and azure lagoons. Give it a go though; it's lots of fun to try.The lowest the temperature drops to in Fiji is to about 18 degrees at night. This is the busiest time of the year (July and August) tourist wise, when Australians and Kiwis escape the worst of our cold weather back home. Heading north, the Vanua Levu islands of Qamea, Rabi and Kioa are smaller, less populated and more in touch with their traditional roots. Ah, Fiji time.
Many shops will close, tools will be downed, people will call in sick.
For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. | 24th April 2019 Still, it’s always important to be aware of the hidden treasures and dangers of your destination.