Bula!
Here in Fiji that is how you are greeted by anyone and everyone so don't be surprised if you walk down the street and you hear someone and then next someone and the next someone say bula :) The people here are absolutely amazing.
So for all of you reading this who were worried about me or Hailey getting here safely or you are my father haha, we made it safe and sound. I think Hailey wanted to take a detour to somewhere else before cause she almost got on a wrong plane, haha but everything all said and done, here we are. In the beautiful world of Fiji.
So I think many people come to Fiji to experience the beaches or food or resorts but I am convinced that the best thing about Fiji is the people. The people here in Fiji are such beautiful people. You know how when you visit a new place and you don't know where you are trying to get to, people around you usually seem to busy to help you? Well not here. The people here will go out of their way to help you. They will show you where bus stops are. Give you directions and help you pretty much in any way they can without hesitation.
Our second day here a girl on our team turned around on a bus and asked if someone would teach her the Fijian language. So they were doing their best to teach her. It was quite a funny experience for all of us. The people here are so open about life. And they are so happy. It's as if each individual has their own way to happiness and everyone around them just accepts its. They accept that the one guy is happy when he sings along out loud to the music he is listening to and they are happy for him.
I absolutely love it.
People are also very religious here. No one cares what religion anyone is, but just that you believe in something. It is absolutely beautiful.
Very soon we will begin one of our first projects working with a local group here in Fiji called FENC - Fiji for Educating Needy Children. We are going to help tutor them and work with them. I am so excited to help them! And I cannot wait to share this experience with you guys!
So far here are some facts I have learned about Fiji :
- Modesty in dress is part of their culture here. They wear short sleeved shirts, skirts past the knee, shorts past the knee, sulus (Fijian wrap around skirts), dresses, and pants. The people here believe the immodesty offends Fiji.
- They have sulus for formal occasions
- Driving here is VERY different. They drive on the opposite side of the car and the opposite side of the road. And pedestrians do not have the right of way.
- Some nutrition facts on packaging are funny. They tell you how much energy something has in it
- Sharks are considered to be kind of a god here. There is a famous huge shark in Fiji waters named Lady. Look her up if you get the chance.
- Here in Fiji, Fijians are actually born with land rights.
- Fijians say good morning and bula to anyone and everyone. They are immensely friendly
- Vinaka (vee - nah- kah) is how you say thank you/ good
Anyway, that's all I have for you today. But don't worry I'll keep you guys right here with me the best that I can. Fiji is such a beautiful place. And the most beautiful thing about it is the people.
Until next time in this grand adventure!
Here are some images of Pacific Harbor and some other areas near Suva, Fiji!
~ Hailey Ann
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