Aussies love Fiji! Perfect for families and romantic couples alike, with the swaying palm trees, lovely beaches and the beaming, welcoming smiles from Fijians, Fiji really is an ideal place to visit.
Here are our top 10 things we love about Fiji..
The welcome
The moment you walk in to even just the Passport Control area, you will feel welcomed. Usually, all flights are greeted by a band of serenaders in their bright floral shirts, singing a welcome song to you on arrival.
Fiji time
Now you are here are relaxing, you will have little choice but to get used to Fiji time – it is a thing! They use it to cover any delays or issues. Embrace it. It can make for a super relaxing holiday if you get into the spirit of it all.
Kids
The Fijians love of kids is legendary. Apart from the kid’s clubs in resorts, pretty much any Fijian will see a child and their eyes light up, and the feeling is mutual. I have seen kids cry when having to leave their nannies at the end of a trip. Seeing their interactions, laughing and giggling, is heart-warming, and they are incredibly trustworthy.
Rugby
The winners and current holders of the Rugby World 7s, Rugby is a national religion for Fijians. To celebrate the World Cup, they introduced the world’s only (legal) $7 note. Back in 2006 in the middle of a coup, at one point they decided to delay the proceedings to watch a Rugby match.
The language
Fijians also pronounce an ‘n’ or ‘m’ in words that aren’t spelt with one. For instance, a D is always pronounced “nd”, so Nadi is pronounced “Nandi’. Some words spelt with a ‘c’ are pronounced as ‘th’. For example, moce (goodbye) is pronounced “mo-they”.
Kava
Undoubtedly, while you are there you will witness or be asked to take part in a traditional kava ceremony. The ceremony takes place with everyone seated on the ground, it looks like dirty dishwater, and tastes of aniseed, and will make your lips tingle. When given the cup, you clap once, drink in one gulp and then clap three times.
Weather
There really is no winter as such. Fiji is mild and tropical right through the year. In winter the lowest it gets is about 18-20 degrees at night. May to October is one of the best times. The rainy season is November through to April. Having said that, I have been there in February and had amazing weather and been drowned out in May!
Different areas
If up in the north of Fiji on the island of Taveuni, you will also find the international date line where you can actually place one foot in one time zone, and one foot in the other. There are other places apart from beaches, such as waterfalls, small villages and places with their own language.
The people
They are really the happiest people on earth. You can tell the relationship status of a Fijian. If they are wearing their frangipani tucked behind their ears (both male and female) on their right side they are married, and if on the left, they are single! Fijians lives revolve around an extended family unit and strong religious beliefs. They love to sing and dance and exude happiness which is truly contagious!
The beauty
Fiji is an amazingly beautiful place, with over 330 islands (not all inhabited!) but each with their own charm. The white sand beaches often portrayed in adverts are usually out in the islands. The mainland beaches are coral and not the soft white sand you may imagine. The cities are not places to holiday in, Nadi is particularly unlikeable and best to be used only as a gateway. The islands will give you that dreamy relaxing holiday with white sandy beaches and blue clear water.
Top Tip: With resorts being often insular, it is important to speak to an expert to make sure you are getting what you imagine! Mandi is our Fiji expert and has visited over 75 times. Her first wedding was there too, she considers it one her most favourite places on earth and cannot wait to visit her other “home”.
If you would like some advice on travelling to Fiji, Contact Mandi below!
