1)
The name Fiji is a Tongan corruption of the indigenous name "Viti."
2) Fiji is made up of more than 800 islands and islets, 110 of which are inhabited. The largest islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, which together comprise more than 85 percent of the total land area.
3) Fiji has gone through two coup d'etats , with the latest one occurring May 19, 2000. Both coups were caused by racial tension between the native Fijians and the East Indians.
4) In Fiji- and other parts of Polynesia -- the drinking of yaqona
(pronounced Yangona) or kava, is a common ceremonial and social custom.
The yaqona ceremony has great significance in Fijian life but is now
considered a social drink as well as a ceremony.
5)
The population of Fiji is mainly split between indigenous Fijians and Indians. The Indians live mostly on Viti Levu, the main island, and are descendants of those brought from India by the British to work on the sugar plantations. Other Pacific Islanders, Chinese, and Europeans make up the remaining population.
6) In Fiji, there are many codes and rituals that are sill practised on a day to day basis. In visiting Fiji, it is helpful to be aware of some of these traditions in order to be respectful to the locals particularly when visiting a village or being introduced to a chief.
7) Indigenous Fijians live co-operatively in a lifestyle based on sharing within large extended families.
8)
Bures, the traditional name for their dwelling - are single room structures with bamboo woven walls and thatch roofs. Families perform all the activities of daily living under one roof in these intricately designed structures.
9)
Always ask permission when taking photos (which will almost always be granted), and as obvious as it sounds, never casually wander into someone's bure and start shooting.
10)
Chances are you will not find warmer, more hospitable human beings on the planet.
Guide to Fiji Nadi International Airport (NAN)
Fiji Nadi Airport is the biggest facility in the region and a hub for flights from Australia and New Zealand. The airport is located on the west coast of Viti Levu, 10 km from Nadi Town.
Terminals and check-in
As there is only one terminal, all flights are centralised in the one area.
Airport facilities
A café and restaurant are available in the terminal and serve sandwiches and fresh Fijian coffee.
To freshen up, you may take advantage of the showers available in the terminal. There is also a luggage storage facility in the terminal.
Shopping and money
Shopping facilities are found prior to security, with newsagents and convenience stores available. There are two large duty free shops after security.
There is a 24-hour ATM available in the terminal, as well as an ANZ bank in the Arrivals Concourse which is open 24-hours a day.
Information
There is a Fiji Visitor Bureau Kiosk located in the main terminal building. There are also many tour operators in the airport, providing information on local and regional attractions.
By car
The airport is located only 8 kms northeast of town, and is clearly sign-posted from the town centre. Suva is also clearly signposted from the airport, and is 144 kms away.
By bus
There is no special airport bus, however local buses are available. Sunset Express ( Tel 720266 in Nadi, 322811 in Suva) has airconditioned buses running twice a day between Lautoka and Suva, with stops at Nadi Airport and Sigatoka. These usually leave Nadi Airport daily at 09:45 and 15:45, with arrival in Suva at 13:15 and 19:15. Many hotels and guesthouses also provide transport; however, this needs to be pre-arranged.