Fiji is synonymous to fun n frolic; this exquisite tropical destination is a must visit in the bucket lists of travelers across the globe. Being a comparatively nascent and unexplored tourist destination unlike highly clichéd places, where extensive commercialization leads to a very mundane experience, Fiji waits to be explored and devoured. Apart from the famed glory of its picturesque beaches and turquoise blue waters, there are some relatively unknown facts about the place that would lend you a new perspective altogether.
1. Fiji Really!
The word Fiji comes from the neighbors in Tonga, who used to call their homes ‘fisi’, but later, it started being pronounced by the English people as ‘feejee’. While the country is a big group of isolated islands, with a few islands actually inhabitable, there is no specific island called Fiji. The most common pictures shown up as Fiji are bigger island chains of Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands.
2. Date Swap
Tired of sticking to one date? Fiji might be just the place for you. Fiji is actually located right on the International Date Line. Well, here in Taveuni there is a spot where one can step one foot in one date, and the other foot in the other date. Wow, is that a time machine?
3. Not all Fun…
Though Fiji looks like the exotic paradise to westerners, it has been under military rule since 2006. Owing to this, its press is wrecked and hushed up, and the economy has declined due to the sanctions imposed by the EU and its neighboring countries, New Zealand and Australia.
4. Want a Bargain?
Though traveling to Fiji and most South Pacific islands may seem like a costly affair, flights from Australia and nearby New Zealand are much cheaper and quick. So, if you either happen to be in any of these countries or planning to visit them, it can work up as a wonderful opportunity to squeeze a trip to Fiji, at quite cost effective prices.
5. Last Minute plans?
If you are someone who believes in making spontaneous plans then Fiji will suit you just well. For the convenience of travelers, Fiji allows visa free entry to Indian citizens. So, no need to plan well in advance.
6. Drink and Dine
Fijians thrive on a drink called grog. This is traditionally produced from kava roots. Grog is drunk out of shorn half-shell of coconut, known as bilo.
This popular drink is common among young men, and is often used to bring people together for social events. Drink with caution since, drinking grog for long can bring a numbing and relaxing effect. It can also numb your tongue. This pungent drink is now served on this island at various kava bars that line the beaches.
7. Manners Matter
Fijian locals are very friendly, and follow a community centric way of living. Here, hats and sunglasses are a privilege reserved for the village chief. Entering the house with your shoes on, and touching someone’s head are considered rude. Photographs can be taken only with permission of the individual, to respect their privacy and ethical sensibilities.
8. Don’t sweat it…
There is a common assumption that Fiji’s climate is bound to be humid, similar to other coastal regions, but surprisingly, Fiji has a much drier climate, reason being the surrounding Pacific Ocean and cool breeze, which makes it quite pleasant out there all year-round.
9. The Brits always have their way
Fiji had been an English colony for most of its modern existence; in fact it got its independence most recently, in the year 1970. Among the locals, the Queen of England still holds the title of paramount chief of the great council of chiefs of Fiji. Her image is included in colorful banknotes and coins in Fiji.
10. Play Time
Other than its beautiful locales, Fiji is a popular rugby and golf destination proudly boasting one of the best rugby teams in the world. It’s the nation that has a larger chunk of its population, about 80,000 people, involved in this sport. Rugby is religion to Fiji, and there doesn’t seem to be a better opportunity to try your hands at this sport. Watching a match is equally fun thing to do!
11. Watering it up
The famous, premium mineral water brand, Fiji’s water as it is claimed, does come from Fiji. The water is pumped out of an underground aquifer, in a remote valley in Fiji. This also does some good to the economy by giving much needed job opportunities to the villagers, and by improving the drinking water quality in surrounding areas.
12. OUCH…
Fiji primarily had cannibalistic origins, the last act of cannibalism was in 1867, when a missionary named Reverend Baker and his colleagues were attacked on a disgrace of attempting to touch the village chief’s head or hat, a gesture that primarily meant war. The national museum in Fiji bears a testimony to the infamous incident, as Reverend Baker’s boot with teeth marks on it, are put on display here.
13. The Indian Connection
Fiji’s population primarily consists of 40 % Indians, since their ancestors were basically brought down by the Brits as slaves during the colonial era, to work in the sugarcane fields. Thus, it wouldn’t be very difficult to find a good Indian delicacy there (or a delicacy with Indian-Fijian influence), just in case you start craving authentic Indian food. Hindi is also spoken in parts of the nation where Indians are a majority.
Fiji is the most suitable getaway for people who have been planning a picture perfect vacation. With its unique blend of culture, thrill and affordable luxury, it would surely keep you mesmerized till the end as you would bid Moce (goodbye) with a smile.
Shilpa Ahuja
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