Many visit Fiji as part of a luxurious honeymoon package or for an adventurous island-hopping experience – it is made up of around 330 islands after all! One thing most of us would agree on, is that Fiji is not a destination one travels to very frequently, especially as it lies on the other side of the world for us Brits! Perhaps that was the reason behind choosing Fiji to volunteer abroad in– for that once in a lifetime memory. Although I do hope to visit once more in my lifetime (at least)!
It was during my time VOLUNTEERING ABROAD, living and connecting with the locals that I was able to gain an understanding of life in Fiji. That it is not just about idyllic beaches, coral reefs and their welcoming hospitality. There is more to life in Fiji than what may seem a laid-back lifestyle and that is what I hope to enlighten unto you.
Demographics of Fiji
Wandering through Nadi town centre, I was surprised to see so many Indians in Fiji! In fact, around 40% of Fiji’s population is of Indian heritage. Their ancestors migrated to Fiji under instruction of the British during the late 1800’s to work on sugar plantations. Of course, the majority of Fiji’s population is comprised of native Fijians or Melanesians (approx. 54%) and with the Polynesian islands being Fiji’s neighbours, many native Fijians also have Polynesian ancestry within them. The other ethnic minorities contributing to life in Fiji include Micronesian’s, Chinese and Europeans – all forming a part of Fiji’s cultural blend.
Fijian Culture
The best way to learn about life in Fiji is by visiting a traditional Fijian village where the local children will happily show you everything there is to know about their village. They freely run from one home to the next without a thought.
Fijian villagers live in land-owning mataqali (extended family groups) under a hereditary chief, who allocates land to each family for farming. Many villages have their own water tanks, meaning that local villagers no longer need to walk for miles to access fresh water, as well as a church, school and communal hall, where gatherings would be held. It is this communal sense of living that forms the cornerstone of village life in Fiji.
Within the villages and across the islands of Fiji, women have become artisans. They will often gather in groups to weave, create pottery, jewellery and other aesthetically pleasing items. This is something which is passed down to each generation and you will often see their children helping or playing alongside them. Particularly in the villages, it is a means of making ends meet.
As we strolled passed the houses, I came upon a magnificent view, a picture-perfect scene of nature - right in their 'backyard'. I was awe-struck, yet humbled to see the contrast in mindset. For many of us, a view like this would be seen as something of luxury. But standing there, in that moment, surrounded by shacks for houses, knowing that this was just part of their playground made me really appreciate that it is the simplest things in life that provide us with the greatest happiness.
My top picks of villages portraying life in Fiji to visit:
· Nakabuta Pottery Village, Sigatoka
· Fiji Culture Village, Nadi
Traditions
Meke is the traditional dance form in Fiji, it is a combination of dance and story-telling through song. The dancing and chanting are accompanied by rhythmic clapping and beating of a traditional Fijian drum. The male choreography demonstrates strong, virile movements, whilst the women touch on the more graceful and feminine movements
The Kava ceremony is the most traditional sign of respect and part of life in Fiji. When visiting a Fijian village or home, it is customary to present the chief (your host) with a Kava root, which can be found at any Fijian market. The rituals are performed around the communal Kava tanoa (bowl). Guests sit in a circle around the bowl which is placed in front of the chief who pounds the plant, the remaining pulp is placed into a cloth and mixed with water forming a brownish coloured liquid which is then strained and ready for drinking. The chief will offer guests either a high tide (full cup) or low tide (half cup) of Kava. When presented with the kava, clap once and yell 'Bula!' and then drink the Kava as a shot, clap three more times and end with the word ‘Maca’.
Biausevu waterfall
A visit to Biausevu waterfalls located in Sigatoka combines a life in Fiji with the more adventurous side of Fiji. Of all the waterfalls I have come across, Biausevu waterfall has been the most memorable to date. Located within a local village, we participated in the traditional Kava ceremony with the chief before being able to make our journey towards the falls with a local villager, a couple of children and a dog guiding us across 9 streams of clear flowing water surrounded by luscious greenery. We passed some of their dwellings, which looked more like shacks than those at the two villages I mentioned above. The difference in our abilities did make me laugh as we carefully placed our feet in attempt to cross the streams whilst the locals frolicked around bare-footed, knowing the path back to front and helping us along the way.
Top tips:
· Take extra mosquito repellent and sun cream
· Wear sturdy water shoes
Sri Suva Subramaniya Swami Temple
As the second largest demographic in Fiji is of Indian descent, I wanted to highlight Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple which is dedicated to the god of seasonal rains, Lord Murugan. The surrounding shrines are dedicated to Shiva, the supreme god and Ganesh, the elephant-headed deity. Both the interior and exterior architecture of the complex is ornately designed with brightly coloured murals which depict various scenes from Hinduism. It is by far the most colourful Hindu temple I have ever come across and the intricate details of the interior paintings are mesmerising to look at. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside the building but I can assure you that cranking up your neck to admire the works of art is worth the (slight) pain!
Top tip:
· When visiting, please remember to cover your shoulders and knees out of respect.
Dear Fiji, My time with you was too short, yet You left me speechless You gifted me with so much more than I could ask for The memories I have of you will forever hold a significant place in my heart Until we meet again
xXx
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