Patrick & Erika
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WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TRAVELING TO Fiji & Taveuni PATRICK & ERIKA www.raiwasa.com Introduction Exotic. Colorful. Vibrant. Friendly. Gracious. Fiji has been described as every- one’s favorite South Pacific country and Taveuni is one of its most ap- pealing islands. Spectacular is a word that’s often used to describe the landscape from the palm-fringed shores and coral reefs to the lush, forested mountains. Once upon a time Fiji was identi- fied as the “Cannibal Isles.” Today visitors will discover a warm, hos- pitable welcome that makes it the friendliest place on Earth. Explore Fiji and Taveuni for the experience of a lifetime. Bula! WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TRAVELING TO FIJI AND TAVEUNI 2 Taveuni Fiji Known as the Garden Island, Taveuni, Fiji’s third largest island, is acclaimed for its lush, South of the Hawaiian Islands and multi-colored vegetation with about sixty percent of the land being tropical rainforest. North of New Zealand and Australia Its warm crystal-clear waters, soft and hard coral reefs and exotic marine life have lies the nation of Fiji, a scattering earned it a well-deserved reputation as a spectacular diving destination. of over 300 islands mostly formed On land, Taveuni offers equally stunning experiences with guided hikes through through volcanic eruptions millions remote villages to awe-inspiring, cascading waterfalls and natural water slides. Enjoy of years ago. participating in traditional Fijian cultural ceremonies. Whether you simply want to kick-back and relax or explore an incredibly diverse island, Taveuni has something The country enjoys a perfect South for everyone. Sea tropical climate with average winter temperatures ranging be- tween 20º-26ºC (68º-80ºF) and a summer average between 23º-30ºC (73º-86ºF). Pollution free, Fiji boasts some of the cleanest air and purest water in the world. Fiji gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1970 but remains a member of the British Commonwealth. English is the com- monly-spoken language while the native tongue is Fijian and the Indi- an population speaks Hindi. WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TRAVELING TO FIJI AND TAVEUNI 3 Fiji’s History and Culture The coming together of the Melanesians and the Polynesians created a highly developed society in Fiji long before Eu- ropeans accidentally discovered the is- lands. Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman, was the first to encounter Fiji in 1643 followed by English navigators such as Captain James Cook who sailed through in 1774. Major credit for the discovery and recording of the islands, though, went to Captain William Bligh who traversed the area after the infamous mutiny on the Bounty in 1789. As missionaries gained influence the practice of cannibalism disappeared. After Fiji was ceded to Great Britain in 1874, epidemics nearly wiped out the population only to be saved by measures introduced by the colonial government. WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TRAVELING TO FIJI AND TAVEUNI 4 The 20th century brought about im- portant economic changes in Fiji which has developed a major sugar industry and established productive copra milling, tourism and secondary industries. Fiji has been an independent country since 1970. Cannibalism So, what’s the story on cannibal- ism? Many years ago the islands of Fiji were referred to as the “Canni- bal Isles.” And with good reason. Cannibalism was an extremely popu- lar practice. The natives ate shipwrecked crew who washed up on their shores as they were said to have been aban- Government doned by the gods and cursed. They also ate the flesh of enemies they Fiji is a peaceful democracy and it is unlikely visitors will encounter any political unrest. conquered. The ultimate revenge! But it hasn’t always been that way. One chief is reputed to have eaten 872 people. It was a part of every- Fiji became independent in 1970 following nearly a century as a British colony. Since day life but cannibalism died (!) out then democratic rule has been interrupted by several military coups and a number of in the late 1800s as the result of the unelected administrations. As a result Fiji was suspended from the British Common- growing influence of Christianity. wealth in September 2009 but reinstated in 2014 after democratic elections won by Frank Bainimarama’s Fiji First party. WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TRAVELING TO FIJI AND TAVEUNI 5 Economy Tourism and sugar production are key to the financial wellbeing of Fiji. But its economy is somewhat more diverse than that. There is the mining of gold and silver; a strong services sector; and some light manufacturing, primarily garments. And don’t forget coconut and Fiji water production. You’ll get a warm welcome in Fiji because Sugar is more profitable, though, with a Religion tourism represents one-sixth of the coun- quarter of the population relying on this try’s economy and three-quarters of its staple for its livelihood. About a quar- Christianity began to gain a foothold in Fiji export earnings. More than half a million ter of a million metric tons of the stuff is starting with the visits of missionaries in visitors grace the shores of Fiji every sent each year to the UK, Japan and else- the 1830s. About 53 percent of the popula- year—twice as many as go to the French where providing direct or indirect jobs tion identifies as Christian; about 34 per- Polynesian islands. for 45,000 folk. cent are Methodist and 7 percent Catholic while evangelical Christian churches are Language very much in the ascendancy. Sunday remains a day of religious obser- English spoken here! It’s the second official language of the country and spoken vation when many businesses close. Take by just about everyone you’re likely to meet. All signs and forms are in English. the time to attend a Sunday service and Native Fijians speak Fijian and Indo-Fijians speak Fiji-Indi. There are about 300 you’ll undoubtedly be impressed by the regional varieties of Fijian. Make the effort to learn and use a few common words rich, enthusiastic voices of the choir and and you’ll fid it’s much appreciated by the locals.(See list at the end of this book.) congregation. WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TRAVELING TO FIJI AND TAVEUNI 6 Village Etiquette Bula. That’s the word you’ll probably hear most often as you travel around Fiji. It’s the national greeting that covers just about everything from hello to goodbye, welcome and good morning…well you get the message. It’s customary to smile when you meet a stranger and exchange this kind of greeting. Fijian villages are private property—so treat them and their people with respect. Don’t go running around a village until someone greets you and escorts you to a village leader to whom you present a small offering (a “sevusevu”). Even then Men sit cross-legged; women with legs you will be assigned a guide. stretched out or knees up. And be sure Dress code is that modesty pre- not to point your legs at either the chief or vails. Men should wear shirts and If you want to picnic, surf or fish by a the bowl of kava. Kava is regarded as the women should make sure their village you should also get permission. national drink and is partaken with great shoulders and thighs are covered. ceremony. (It also has a middle sedative— Take off any shoes or sandals you are some say euphoric—effect). Don’t point. Don’t raise your wearing before entering a bure—the voice. Don’t enthuse about some- wood and straw huts. And stoop as you In the villages only the chiefs are allowed one’s possession—they might feel walk around inside. Shake hands with to wear hats. And don’t carry items such obligated to give it to you. your hosts. Clap your hands three times as backpacks and cameras slung over if you want to join others already sitting your shoulders—it’s proper to hold them Alcohol is a no-no. on mats. in your hands. WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TRAVELING TO FIJI AND TAVEUNI 7 Traditional Food and Drink The traditional Fijian diet consists of root crops and fruit as well as fish from the ocean and sometimes pork. Vegetables include taro, cassava, breadfruit, yams, and sweet pota- toes. The latter originated in South America and how it got to Fiji re- mains a mystery. The ancient Pacific Islanders came up with an extremely clever way of cooking in an underground earth oven—a “lovo.” Traditional food is usually steamed or boiled. Indo-Fijian dishes are usually spicy. WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TRAVELING TO FIJI AND TAVEUNI 8 Climate Temperatures Thanks to the influence of the surround- ing waters Taveuni experiences only modest changes in temperature through- out the year. The maximum temperature ranges from an average of 26º-30º C (80º-86º F) and an average minimum tem- perature range is 20º-23º C (68º-73º F). The coolest months are July and August and the warmest months are January and February. The weather is tropical all year round, with only two seasons, wet and dry. Dry runs from May to November. Wa- ter temperature remains at around 26º C (80º F) all year round. Winds Trade winds blow from the east to the south-east and are generally light or moderate. Strong winds are not at all common and when they occur (mostly be- tween June and November) do so through channels and around the headlands. WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TRAVELING TO FIJI AND TAVEUNI 9 For Nature Lovers Tides Fauna and Flora Tidal range throughout the sea- sons is very small—just 1.1m (3.6ft).