Basics - Rough Guide to Fiji - page 60

VISITING A FIJIAN VILLAGE
Visiting a traditional village is one of the highlights of a trip to Fiji. As soon as you arrive at
a village, excitable kids call out “bula!”, elders take the time to shake your hand and you'll
invariably receive offers to stay for a meal or longer. To do so will provide a unique insight
into Fijian culture.
TOURS AND HOMESTAYS
Most resorts offer village tours , often including a trip to a craft market and a simple
yaqona ceremony. While these can be a good option for those short on time, you may end
up with a rather sanitized experience, as resorts tend to visit nearby villages which have
become over commercialized. The best tours visit the more remote, traditional villages and
are often combined with adventure activities such as rafting or kayaking. Look out for tours
running from Nadi or try a trip to Kadavu .
There's nothing to stop you visiting a village unaccompanied , providing you follow
the tips given below. For a fuller immersion into Fijian life consider staying overnight at
a village homestay , which involves staying with a family, usually in a traditional bure.
Homestay accommodation is listed throughout the guide.
VILLAGE ETIQUETTE
When visiting a village there is a certain amount of etiquette to be aware of. As an outsider,
locals won't expect you to follow all the rules but the more you pick up the more you'll be
respected. The following are a few useful pointers:
• Dress conservatively - men and particularly women should cover shoulders and
knees, and preferably wear a sulu (Fijian sarong) around the waist.
• Avoid visiting a village on a Sunday , which is a special day for religion, family
and rest.
• Before entering a village, remove your hat and sunglasses and carry any backpacks
in front of you - don't hide them as this arouses suspicion.
• On arrival, ask to see the turanga ni koro (village headman) to whom you should
present a sevusevu or introductory gift. Yaqona is the most appropriate form of
sevusevu and can be bought at all town markets, either in root form or ready pre-
pared as waqa (powder) - about half a kilo or F$30 worth of roots is appropriate.
• Other appreciated gifts include topics and magazines; food (if staying overnight);
school stationery for children or toys such as balloons or balls.
• On entering a home, remove your shoes, crouch when passing through the door
and sit cross-legged with your head a little stooped as a sign of respect. It is
polite to shake hands with anyone already present and introduce yourself simply
by name, town and country.