A Business Trip to Fiji!!

Welcome back! I have lots of exciting news and information to share with you fellow Fijian-travelers! Since I have been so enthustaic about planning this lush vacation my boss is interested in planning a conference in Fiji. I would of course either extend my stay or go back depending on when they pin-point the time frame to.

Which leaves me with lots of work to do. First I need to find out what our Business Associates will need to wear so they don't look and feel so out of place. We need to blend in as much as we can if we're wanting to start our business venture with the Fijian people.

Since it is a tropical environment, the clothing matches that, it is very cool and light. The dress code  is mostly smart and casual rather than being elaborate. Fijians are cool and casual dresser and generally prefer light dressing in any time of the day. For women the dress code is unique and versatile and one dress can be worn out in many different forms especially among the women folk and they are the trend setter of Fiji Clothing. Crazy right? They're still someone concered about fashion. Business Attire is slightly different I will explain that as well.

Traditional Fiji Clothing is known as “Sulu” and it’s very handy and is quite similar to pareau or sarong. One dress can be worn at least in ten different forms and are worn by both men and women. The material is very light and Fiji men wear these skirts to schools, events, and workplace and also prefer them on special occasions. Women mostly wear skirts and the elder ladies prefer floor length skirts. Short length skirts and dresses are the choice of the young ladies.

Taboos-
Since we know little about the Fiji Culture as Americans, I took the liberty to find out a few things we need to refrain from while we are there. Most of these apply to the villages, but its all helpful information

-Touching anyone on the head. The head area is a sacred storage of knowledge- it's even taboo to wear hats and sunglasses in the villages. Carrying bags is even considered taboo because of shoulder straps which approach the head area.

-Eating while walking in the village

-Standing while others are seated in a room. If you must stand to get up, or must move through one's personal space, you must crouch over and repeatedly say "tulo."

-In the village, women must wear skirts and have their shoulders covered. Mostly, women (and men) wear wrap around pieces of cloth (sulus). Men must also wear skirts when visiting another village.

-Shoes are not worn in any house, church, or community hall

-Women cannot shower after dark

-Legs should be crossed when sitting around the tanoa bowl. You must ask permission to stretch you legs and should never have your feet pointing at anyone.

-No pointing at anyone

-No running through the village

-No loitering in the doorway

Business tips

There are cultural differences between indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians or Fiji-Indians (ie. Fiji citizens of Indian origin). Most business people are Indo-Fijians, although there is a growing presence of Indigenous Fijians in business.

Business dress is informal. Normal attire for men is trousers with an open-neck, short-sleeve shirt. For more formal business meetings, (eg. with a Government Minister) a tie might be worn, normally with a short sleeve shirt. Suits and jackets are seldom required.

Taboos fir Business:

• Standing with hands on hips is seen as an expression of anger or arrogance.
• Indigenous Fijians do not like to be touched on the head - it is a traditional taboo.
• Pointing to a person while talking to them is generally considered rude.

Most business people prefer to be called by their first name, rather then using Mr/Mrs (surname). It is a normal practice to use titles in formal correspondence. Certain indigenous Fijians have the title 'Ratu' (for men) or 'Adi' (pronounced ‘An-dee’, for women), meaning that they are of chiefly status. The title should always be used with their first name when addressing them.

Culturally, the Fijian people are very polite and respectful. You will find that they are hesitant to ask for clarifications or ask questions, thinking they could be seen as being rude or offensive. Therefore, it is important to develop a good rapport and discuss issues thoroughly to ensure that both parties interpret each other correctly. When discussing business with Fijian people note that ‘yes’ doesn't always mean, ‘I agree with you’ - it could mean ‘I understand you’.

Fiji Indians can be quite direct and want to know the ‘deal’ fairly quickly, ie. ‘What’s the price?’ They are traders by instinct and often base their evaluation on price. So if other aspects of your product are important, such as quality or service, then it pays to emphasise, and if possible, quantify them.

Part of the culture is Fiji time. Timeliness is not strictly observed, however, in recent years, this has become less apparent. Meetings and appointments may not start on time - delays of 10-15 minutes are quite normal. Guests invited to trade displays or seminars often arrive up to half an hour late.

It is not unusual to be offered a bowl of yagona or kava. Kava is often referred to as the national drink and is offered to visitors on special occasions. We suggest that you accept the first bowl offered so as not to cause offence and then politely decline should you not wish to drink anymore.

Alcohol is consumed in the business community and red wine seems to be becoming more common. Spirits are commonly consumed at business gatherings.

The exchange of gifts is not a widely accepted Fijian business practice. On occasions as a gesture of friendship, one may be presented with gift but it does not necessarily mean that you have to respond likewise.

Need a Translator? (I have a feeling we will) here is where we can hire one for an assignment
http://www.abcotranslations.com/interpreting-services/interpretation/fijian-interpretation.html

Holidays:
We should be aware of what Fijian People observe as holidays, to better prepair our meeting. These are a list of the holida

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Breakfast:
breakfast is usually bread and tea and occasionally deep fried pancakes

Lunch & Dinner
Meals are mainly Fijian food such as fish and various seafood, chicken, land crabs, dalo, cassava, rice, vegetables .. Vegetarian meals are available.
  Sundays, often a special meal, 'Lovo' is served. This is a traditional way of preparing food in an earth oven. Its delicious. Lovo literally means Lava and is an underground oven using heated rocks to bake the food.  It is as Fijian as it gets!

 Lovo inckudes:

Fish – Whole Red Snapper rubbed in spices and wrapped in banana leaves
Chicken – Marinated in coconut milk, ginger, spicy chilies and lime
Curried Pork Short Ribs
Root Vegetables baked in foil
Yaquona (Cava Root) beverage – In this case, Rum and Coconut Juice
Tropical fruit salsa

More Food Info:

A traditional Fijian meal includes a starch, relishes, and a beverage. The starch component, which is referred to as "real food," is usually taro, yams, sweet potatoes, or manioc but may consist of tree crops such as breadfruit, bananas, and nuts. Because of its ease of cultivation, manioc has become the most widely consumed root crop. Relishes include meat, fish and seafood, and leafy vegetables. Canned meat and fish are also very popular. Vegetables often are boiled in coconut milk, another dietary staple. Soup is made of fish or vegetables. Water is the most common beverage, but coconut water and fruit juices also are drunk. Tea and an infusion of lemon leaves are served hot.

People generally eat three meals a day, but there is much variability in meal times and snacking is common. Most food is boiled, but some is broiled, roasted, or fried. Cooked food is served on a tablecloth spread on the floor mat inside the house. The evening meal, which is usually the most formal, requires the presence of all the family members and may not begin without the male head of the household. Men are served first and receive the best foods and the largest portions. Meals are meant to be

Tips on Eating Etiquette

Arrive on time. Do not arrive 10 minutes late without phoning beforehand.
Do not begin eating until the hostess says 'bon appetit'. (dinner parties)
If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife.
Do not rest your elbows on the table, although your hands should be visible and not in your lap. A man may rest his wrists, and a woman her forearms, on the table edge.
Do not cut salad with a knife and fork. Fold the lettuce on to your fork.
Peel and slice fruit before eating it,


Customs:


Fire Walking:

Fijian firewalking is an ancient ritual, which according to legend was given by a god only to the Sawau tribe of the island of Beqa off the south coast of Viti Levu. The skill is still possessed by the Sawau (who live in four villages on the southern side of Beqa), but in special cases members of other tribes adopted by the Sawau can also perform this mystifying ceremony. Nowadays firewalking is performed occasionally for Fijians, but most often for the benefit of tourists at various resorts. The performances for the visitors are generally less steeped in custom than the one described here, but the demonstration of firewalking is just as genuine.

 

Meke

A meke is a traditional Fijian dance. It is typically performed during celebrations and festivals. Males and females each perform a separate dance never dancing together. The male dance is called the meke moto usually involving long spears. The dance is meant to symbolize the ancient warriors of the village. The female dance is called the seasea and involves the performers making rapid motions with their hands and arms.

The music for the dance is provided by bamboo tubes and the lali, a wooden drum. The performers illustrate the meaning of the meke through the lyrics of the songs. The songs and their lyrics are created by the daunivucu, a Fijian composer, specifically for each meke.

Here is a video so you can get an idea of what its like!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sk_x9MxXGk4&feature=player_detailpage

Resources:

http://www.austrade.gov.au/Doing-business-in-Fiji/default.aspx

http://myhungrytum.com/2010/10/17/lovo-fiji-national-dish-day-227dish-61-celebrating-world-food-day/

http://www.abcotranslations.com/interpreting-services/interpretation/fijian-interpretation.html
http://listlanguage.com/fiji.html

 Culture of Fiji - traditional, history, people, clothing, traditions, women, beliefs, food, customs, family, social, dress, marriage, men, life, immigrants, population, religion, rituals http://www.everyculture.com/Cr-Ga/Fiji.html#ixzz16xy806M0

Getting My Ducks In A Row!

  Andra vinaka, o lai vei? which translate to Good Morning, how are you? I am working on my Fijian more and more everyday!! Pretty soon I will be able to order a drink in Fijian, and well if that doesn't work, I will make hand jesters till the bartender gets it!


This has really helped me get into the language, and for those of you following along, I thought I'd pass along the tip to getting the language down. Here goes:

The letter "b" is prononounced "mb"	Therefore, Bure	is "mBure"
The letter "d" is prononounced "nd"	Therefore, Nadi	is "Nandi"
The letter "q" is prononounced "ng"	Therefore, Beqa Island	is "Benga Island"
The letter "c" is prononounced "th"	Therefore, Caneili	is "Thaneili"

This weeks goal has been to start the passport process, I've heard its a long one with lots of paper work and steps involved. I figure the sooner I get on it the better, I wouldn't want to get so close to the trip and have that anxiety of not knowing if my passport will be here on time!


To expect to apply in person if this is your first passport. Keep that in mind. You can find where to apply here http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/


First you need to gather the SUPER important documents or your passport is a no go. You will need:


1. Original Birth Certificate- ABSOLUTLEY NO COPIES are accepted!
2. Valid Government Issued ID (Driver's License) You'll need to make a copy of the front & back as well as bring the ID with you to the office you are applying at.
3. Fill out this form http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds11/ds11_842.html (you have to fill it by hand if this is your first time applying)
4. Get your money ready to pay the fees. They can change, here's where to check the price http://travel.state.gov/passport/fees/fees_837.html
5. Go to Walgreen’s (that is where I went) and take your Passport Photos there are all sorts of reflations about photos, its best to let the professionals handle it, but here is what the regulations are-taken right off the gov website.

• Identical

• In color

• 2 x 2 inches in size

• Printed on thin, photo-quality paper

• Taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance

• Full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background

• Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head

For those of you who want the government to walk you through the process, click on the link below-It will not be as entertaining as my check list was :)


http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html

 

Now on to the good stuff....Money. Since I will be traveling to another country they of course have their own money. For those of you who have never seen Fijian money (myself included) I did a search to see what it looks like, here is what I found:

Isn't it pretty? So colorful! I know it all spends the same, but at least when I spend this money it will be so colorful! It is called a Dollar, but of course varies so much from what we know as a "Dollar." A US Dollar is worth $1 to us, in Fiji one $1 is worth $1.81705 in Fiji. Which is good news, looks like I will be having more money when I am in Fiji. Again, what is going to make me WANT to come back to the states? Ha!


I'm sure I will plan on picking up lots of souvenirs, pictures, groceries, things like that while I am there, and anything else I can find along the way. I plan on converting my money as soon as I get over there, to make it easier. That way I don't have to always have to subtract .81705 from every $1.81705 to get the value in US Dollars.


I've been trying to figure out what is the best way to communicate with Fijian's in-case I need to. You know, I meet someone and want to reach them, how does it work? I assume they are above the can-on-a-string days. Seems like they have technology like the rest of the world has these days, or at least, the places I want to visit. Phone, Email & Fax seem to be the most popular. Although, I admit, the only time I fax anything is for work, and this trip is definitely not work, so fax is out. Phone & Email work for me, they go hand and hand, after all we do live in the Smart Phone era. I can't leave home with out my Blackberry, there is no way I can leave the country with out it. So Phone & Email it is!

Seganaleqa, Marau - No worries, be happy!

Its Coming Together!!

Bula Fiji-Followers, in my last blog I had a time frame in mind, but I've narrowed it down to specifics! Isn't that exciting? Well if you knew how non-commital I am, it would be. Never the less, I have decided to travel to Fiji April 12-24, 2011.  I plan to fly out of Tampa International to Nadi, there is a less expensive option by having 2 plan changes, one in Charlotte, and one in Los Angles. Total travel time (in the air) is 17 hours! The price for that flight is $1,517.70.

I've looked into the US Embasy in Fiji, since this is my first time traveling out of the country and half-way around the world, I figured it would be a good idea to educate myself on what is offered to me, incase I need to utliize that option. First, you need to register with the Embasy and for those of you who might be traveling abroad, I suggest you do this, ASAP. You can register here https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/
I did find if I am in an accident or in distress to contact the 24 hour number (679) 331-4466 and ask for the Duty Officer. The Embassy also highly recommends checking with your medical provider to see if you will be covered should there be any sort of medical issue or emergency. Info can be found here http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1470.html

I've run a few senarios through my head, you know the typical traveler "what if's" most of them I can cross off the list of not happening, however, there is one that sticks out. I thought it would be a good idea to just have the info, incase I needed it, you can never be too prepaired for traveling out of the country, especially for the first time. What happens if I loose my passport? I mean, I loose it here, and I've never traveled out of the country, I loose everything all the time, my ID, my Credit Card, so its not out of the relm of possibilities that I will loose this passport. Okay- and lets be honest, by "loose" I mean misplace. But for the sake of my own sanity I need to know what to do so I can come back to the US. If you loose a passport, you have to apply in person at the Embassy office during normal business hours. Okay, thats not a big deal right? Now what else will I need, or need to do?

Here's What You'll Need.....

To replace a lost or stolen passport, you must present evidence o f your identity and your citizenship. You will also need a police report, fee, photo and an application form.

All of the information can be found here http://suva.usembassy.gov/lost_or_stolen_passports.html

SO glad I know what to do, should I need to, and lets just say I won't! I'm going to hold on to that little book with all of my might!!


Now on to the important things, well all of it is important, but this is the fun-important. What do I need to tell my BFF to do, if she needs to call me? Believe me, she will need to, I can't vacation in Fiji without keeping her informed, that is a give-in! Calling to Fiji is just like calling to any other country, for those of you who have never done it I will walk you through it. BFF pay attention, you will need this, more than anyone else!!

• 011 - US exit code; must be dialed first for all international calls made from the USA or Canada
• 679 - country code for Fiji
• phone number - 7 digits
• US to Fiji international dialing format : 011 + 679 + ??? ????

I think that explains it clearly, and the best part? When BFF can't remember she has it on this blog to refer to :) Now, don't forget there is a time difference, then again, its vacation and who sleeps on vacation???

Okay that about wraps it up for today! Today's new phrase is  Sega na lega which means "No Worries" and yes, I do sing the song from the Lion King in my head as I type this! Hakuna Matata! :)

Welcome to Paridise-Fiji!

What a better tropical destination to visit other than Fiji? There isn't one if you ask me. Its one of those "magical destinations" I've been dreaming about going to since I can remember. There is just something about it that is so inviting, it is tranquil and breath-taking beautiful.

In Fiji they speak the native language of Fijian, which is an Austronesian language of the Malayo-Polynesian family spoken in Fiji. It has 450,000 first-language speakers, which is less than half the population of Fiji, but another 200,000 speak it as a second language. Can you belive that? I've tried to pick up a second language years ago, it nevet stuck. I'm always amazed with anyone who is multilingual.


Since I am not fluent in Fijian, I found a great site to help me learn some of the common phrases such as: Hello-Bula, How much is this? E vica na kena i-sau? Pleased to meet you Ia (ni) bula. For everything else I need I can always just pull this site back up :)
http://www.omniglot.com/language/phrases/fijian.php


There are so many beautiful and historic places I'd like to visit. Creating my interanry has been a little tough, and is still a work in progress. I have put togethat a "must-see/do" list so I'll start there! I will be flying into the city of Nadi, which is only the 3rd most largest, but I figure since I am flying in, might as well enjoy what it has to offer, right? Nadi is on the biggest island which means lots to do! Since I am now a certified scuba diver I've read that Scuba Bula Center is one of the best places to dive. They have 22 dive sites,TWENTY-TWO! That is insane!! I've checked out some of the under water pictures, like this one. Isn't it beautiful?

Next is the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple which is actually the largest in the southern hemisphere, reflects an architectural style rarely seen outside India, and houses sacred statues designed by craftspeople brought over from India. I've never been to India, but I appricate architecture greatly and I figure it will be a nice spiritual and photo opt trip.

After that I plan on checking out the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, which has over 2000 different types of orchids, I know I'm going to need several memory cards to take pictures of those. After all, Orchards are my favorite :)

From there I'm planning on picking up a mountian bike, all of the tour guides say that is the way to see Fiji! There are so many beaches along the trails that I'm going to have to pull that bike over and take in the beauty of those amazing beaches!

For those of you who don't know where Fiji is, it is in the South Pacific. The Latitude and Longitude of Fiji is 18°00'S and 175°00'E respectively


I Plan on going in mid April, which happens to bethe best time to go. Ideal travel season for this (or any) beach vacation is  is between April and early-October. The sun won't be directly overhead and blistering, heat and humidity won't be stifling. Also, it is not the rainy season during those months. In April the average water temp is 75-80 degrees and the average temp is 78 degrees. Sounds like paridise right? It is :) It is recommended to get a 2mm short suit for diving. As far as packing: I plan on lots of shorts, tank tops and swim suits. I will pack a light jacket I know how islands get, being on the water you get alot of wind so it can get a little chilly. Night temps are about 70 degress. At this rate, I might just stay there forever!!

Flight arrangements aren't extremly cheap, then again I am flying just about to the other side of the world, so I expected as much. I plan to fly out of Tampa International to Nadi, there is a less expensive option by having 2 plan changes, one in Charlotte, and one in Los Angles. Total travel time (in the air) is 17 hours! The price for that flight is $1,517.70. Obviously the longer I wait, the more it goes up!!

Once I get to Nadi you can rent a car, take a taxi, use the free bula-bus, or rent a bike. It all depends on how far your destination is. I'm thinking of renting a car. Seems like the average price of that is $720 Fijian. To rent for 12 days. Which comes out to be $394.69 US. I've rented cars here in the states for less time than that, and its costed more!

Well its time for me to bid you goodbye, for now, or in Fijian it would be  ni sa moce



resources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fijian_language
http://coinmill.com/FJD_USD.html#USD=1
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g294335-Activities-Nadi_Viti_Levu.html
http://www.mapsofworld.com/lat_long/fiji-lat-long.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g294331-s208/Fiji:Weather.And.When.To.Go.html
http://www.expedia.com/pub/agent.dll?tovr=-1294477296