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| Image sourced from: http://www.flightcentre.com.au/holidays/fiji |
Fiji
The islands and associated culture of Fiji has seen many changes throughout previous centuries, and had continued to gain traction as a fantastic holiday destination for individuals across a wide plane of origins. While European discovery of the Fijian islands, also known as the Fiji group, has been claimed to have occurred in the early onset of the 17th century by adventurers such as Abel Tasman (Dutch) and later continued by the famous James Cook (in the 18th century), it is argued that the ascent into Fijian culture originated as far back as approximately 3 thousand years prior to such discoveries; emphasising the continued elasticity of Fijian culture as catalyst throughout the previous BC era. While traditional Fijian culture lays independent to future settlers, the onset of which predominantly included Indian and Australian migrants, it can be argued that a similar cultural cluster is shared; highlighting the existence of a laid-back and easy going lifestyle. Today, Fiji is represented by a 40% Indian background; a similar example to current day Malaysia. With a majority religious share of 52% Christian, and English existing as the primary linguistic measure, Fiji continues to attract travelers from across the globe. While the entirety of Fiji consists of 332 islands, the main destination of attraction for travelers is in relation to Viti Levu, and Vanua Levu; accounting for 75% of the total land area in the Fiji Group of islands. With a traditionally reclined culture, the age of traveller has seen a major shift in the Fijian market. In 2011, gross earnings from tourism equated to approximately $1 billion USD, totally more than the combined earnings from alternative exportation. Under this framework, and as expected, the Fijian government has seen a widespread interest in maintaining and continued acceleration of tourism! For the purpose of this blog, I will focus primarily on my experience travelling throughout Fiji’s main island; Viti Levu.
Image from: http://www.downunderendeavours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/D151-hero-fiji-romantic-couple-waterfall-adventure-2000x837.jpg
While it is often easy to contrast Fiji to smaller island destinations, as contrasted against the wide spread land mass of Australia, Viti Levu consist of 3 main city destinations: Suva as its capital, Nadi, and Ba. Similar to Australia, Fiji exists today as the future generation of a mainly agricultural orientated economy. While it is easy to create preconceived ideas about Fiji following this framework, an increased focus on tourism and attraction based elements, the opportunities experienced by any vacationer is endless. As an oceanic island, Fiji shares many common attractions with harboring neighbors, including PNG, New Zealand, and Australia. These experiences represent a harmonious living environment driven by an abundance of ocean environment, inclusive of but not limited to: fishing, snorkeling, diving, jet skis, and a generous beach environment. Growing up in Australia, Fiji felt like a second home throughout the duration of my travels. If you are in a similar situation, and feel like taking a trip without crossing the globe, I couldn’t recommend Fiji enough! Stay tuned for future blogs.
Matthew.
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