Comin’ at you live from the Aussie Outback, Chris and I have some answers to your Fiji questions (thanks for those, by the way!).

Q1: What are some examples of interesting local lingo/slang that the? natives use and what do those words/phrases mean? – SereneFire88 on YouTube

Here are some essential phrases and things to know that will get you far in Fiji.

A Fijian Village

Bula! – Hello!

Vinaka (vaka levu) – Thank you (very much)…act suave and say “naka” if you want people to think you’re one of the islanders.

Moce! (pronounced mo’-they)- Bye!

Kaivalingi – what you’ll probably be called in Fiji, which means foreigner, traveler, European, etc…point to yourself and sat “kaiviti!” And hear them laugh when you call yourself Fijian.

Kisimai – Come here! (accompany with come hither hand gesture)

Jilou (pronounced chill-O) – said when walking behind someone seated…meaning excuse me…use this often.

Au mai Merika – I’m from America.

Au nakwati e koko daro danisi – I want you to dance with me.

Au nakwati e koko – I like you.

Isa (someone) – I miss (someone)…or I’m thinking of (someone).

How to drink kava like a pro:

Sit Indian style in your sulu (long sarong), cup your hands and clap them together, saying “Bula!”, and drink you’re entire bowl. The final millimeter is the most potent, and many throw that over their shoulders into the grass. When finished, say “Maca!” (pronounced ma’-tha) and hand the bowl back to the server. You may now go pro.

Q2:  If you only had one day in Fiji, what are the must-see attractions or must-do activities? – ksherman424 on YouTube

Goodness, one day? Why on Earth would you fly across the biggest ocean on the planet to stay for one day? Silly goose. I’ll answer this one anyway, though I’d recommend you get your flight’s worth with a week, at least.

Hit up the islands with a ferry from Nadi or Lautoka if you want to get all up in those awesome beaches. Chris and I don’t know much about this part of Fiji but heard of their grandeur.

However, if you don’t like being a tourist, only hanging with Westerners or walking around in a bikini, give yourself a treat with a village visit. The Namosi Highlands are friggin ridiculous with landscapes and people. Plan on spending most of one day in transit up the mountain roads in the back of a truck, a good five days living amongst the people in someone’s home, and another day making your way back down to the coast. You’ll leave a happy traveler.

Q3: How would you describe Fiji in 11 words? -0frankie0and0julius0 on YouTube

Clark – Lush. Third World Hawaii. Deliciously remote. All about kava and relaxation.

Danner -Smiling rugby players who enjoy more than one bowl of kava.

Q4: On your WTI Twitter you said “The volunteers told us the people in village are pretty happy with their lives.” Could you see this? Do you believe they are indeed happy with their lives, and how/why? - Gnatty288 on YouTube

It has been my discovery that the majority of those with the most are the least happy. On that same line of thinking, those with just what they need are the most content. The village of Nakavika is relatively set up, with clean water, plumbing, and a strong emphasis on education. They live a relatively free life and get what they need from their own land. The culture is open and friendly, all about sharing and caring, and in my eyes, that makes one happy group of people. They know how lucky they are to live where they do. Though they could use some basic necessities like a health clinic, they want little, which makes Nakavika one content community.

I (Chris) would agree. It is a matter of relativity. We in the US are used to much more and may not think we could be happy there but the people there live within their means and are very aware of the benefits a more simple life has compared to the busy life of a city.

We are about to wrap our trip to the Australian Outback and are headed towards India. Ask us some questions about our trip to Oz over on YouTube for a chance to win a World Traveler Intern sweatshirt courtesy of Jansport.