The untouched paradise of the South Pacific. Each island is fringed with coral reefs and lapped by warm azure waters – yet Fiji’s true beauty lies in her people. Indeed, the happy Fijians enjoy a global reputation as the friendliest people on earth!
Why not combine a meaningful cross-cultural excursion in beautiful Fiji and combine some adventurous activities for your students too? This Fiji experience is sure to be a winner with all!
There are so many ways to see and experience the Fiji Islands and the Fijian people. From a scenic coach ride around the major towns to longboats cruising along a river; bamboo rafting down pristine waterways to 4 wheel driving through vast sugar cane fields; being guided by a local through a small village and swimming in one of the many watering holes. Observe the Fijian way of life as it has been for centuries and along the way sample an amazing variety of food and drink.
Perhaps include on a 35 metre square-rigged topsail schooner. The crew will explain the basics of sailing a tall ship and invite you to lend a hand with the sails. Though nights are spent ashore in two-person bures at Liku Bay on Waya Island, limited cabin and dormitory style sailors berth accommodation is available on board at no extra charge.
Diving and snorkelling – the underwater scenery is spectacular and some of the finest, and most accessible, dives in the Pacific can be found here. Its reputation as the ‘soft coral capital of the world’ is well justified.
Helpful Cultural Notes:
The Fijians are pretty easy-going, but if you are invited into a village, wear modest clothing and take off your hat (wearing one is an insult to the chief) when in the village. Leave your shoes outside the door when entering a home and keep in mind that it’s also insulting to touch someone’s head – which can be tempting when you are surrounded by wide-eyed, smiling children!
Music is woven into the fabric of Fiji and the Meke embraces traditional song and dance to tell of legends, love stories, history and spirits of the islands. It can vary from a blood-curdling spear dance to a gentle and graceful fan dance. There are two groups in the meke – the orchestra (Vakatara), who sit on the ground and sing or chant for the second group, the dancers (Matana). The instruments are percussion (hardwood gongs, bamboo tubes, beating sticks etc). For the Meke the performers wear garlands of flowers (Salusalu), the men wear full warrior costume and the women, in traditional clothes, glisten with scented coconut oil.
The traditional magnificent feast, the Lovo, is cooked in the earth. It’s like a barbeque, only a little more smoked, and a very efficient way to cook large quantities of food at the same time. Don’t miss the experience of tasting a lovo feast whilst you’re in Fiji!
Fiji is rich in culture, tradition, and natural beauty from psychedelic fish and marine creatures to tree-clad mountains in the interior. What better place for a school tour!
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