It’s #BeachThursday on Twitter! Having just returned from the beautiful islands of Fiji, we couldn’t wait to share some Fiji beach photos portraying the breathtaking beauty of these unique South Pacific islands.
There were many surprises and firsts on our trip to Fiji. Like, we’ve never taken a charter A330 flight before! To celebrate Air Pacific finally becoming Fiji Airways, eight journalists, Fijian dignitaries, the artist who designed the wing’s art and a handful of others took the second brand new Fiji Airways A330 airbus to Fiji. What a sweet ride! When Air Pacific officially becomes Fiji Airways, those taking the new plane will be flying in latest airline technology and comfort.
Here are a few other surprising facts we encountered in Fiji:
It’s a LOT of Islands
333 to be exact and spread out over 7,000 square miles. Yet only 110 islands are inhabitable and the majority of the population lives on the two biggest islands Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.
Cannibals are Us
Yep, before the missionaries set foot on the islands, prior to 19th century, Fijians hunted each other (different tribes) for human sacrifices and for sustenance. Strange to think that modern Fijians, some of the most kindhearted, friendly people on the planet, descended from tribal Fijians that would prefer to eat you than greet you.
Islanders are Conservative
Due to the missionaries success, Fiji is predominantly Christian and very conservative when it comes to dress, male/female roles, etc. Women must wear sleeves and long skirts to church. “What goes around comes around. When the missionaries arrived, we wore nothing or maybe a few leaves and they told us to cover up. Now when visitors come, we ask them to cover up,” explained Jo, our tour guide from Rosie’s Holidays.
Manly Men Rock Girly Things in Fiji
What is considered masculine dress code in Fiji would certainly not fly in most of the world, except possibly Scotland. As formal wear, the men wear skirts, correction, sulas. And do not call them skirts unless you want a hairy eyeball shot your way. They also wear big, vibrant flowers behind an ear. On the right means you’re single, left, you’re married.
Fiji has only ONE Beach for Surfers
Because Fiji is surrounded by coral reefs, there really are no surf beaches within the archipelago. The only suitable place for surfers is off the coast of Tavarua. Currently, the Volcom Fiji Surf Competition is taking place there this week.
Here’s our Fiji Beach photo tribute!
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