Explore Fijian Culture With Sera Cawanibuka (VIDEO)
Bula! In Fiji, ‘bula’ (pronounced boolah) is the national greeting. Literally translated as ‘life,’ it’s most commonly used as ‘hello.’ genConnect learned that — and a whole lot more — when we made a virtual visit to Fiji at Travel & Leisure’s Global Bazaar in NYC. Watch:
Held at the historic Park Avenue Armory in celebration of the magazine’s 40th anniversary, the event brought the world together under one roof for three days of revelry — with no passport required.
Located in the Southern Hemisphere and surrounded by the South Pacific Ocean, Fiji is actually an archipelago made up of literally thousands of islands. Of all of them, only about 322 are big enough to support human life and only 106 of those are inhabited. The two largest islands, Viti Levu, where the capital city of Suva is located, and Vanua Levu, are the most developed and populated. Translation? That’s where the action is.
Sera Cawanibuka was our personal guide to Fiji at the Global Bazaar, and, after welcoming us with typical Fijian warmth and enthusiasm, she explained, and helped us take part in, some of Fiji’s most honored traditions. Kava drinking, for example.
Fijians drinking traditional Kava
Kava is a traditional Fijian drink made from the pulverized root of Pipe methysticum (a plant in the pepper family). Prepared in a large wooden bowl that’s set on the floor, it’s ceremoniously drunk from coconut shells. Tingly on our tongues, sipping some left us feeling pleasantly calm – and ready to taste some kokoda, a ceviche-like dish of raw fish combined with coconut cream and lime. Bula!
The Fijian experience begins on the flight over, especially if you fly Air Pacific, which offers regular service from Los Angeles and many other international cities. Once you arrive, the options are endless. The various islands offer everything from kayaking inside limestone caves to hiking rainforest-covered trails, whitewater rafting Class III rapids to peacefully snorkeling along colorful coral reefs. You can book a dinner cruise or a helicopter tour, swim with dolphins, or ride horseback to remote Fijian villages. In Suva, nightlife, museums, restaurants and shopping abound.
The best time to visit Fiji is during the dry season, between the months of May and October, which is known as ‘Fijian winter.’ Temps average around 80 degrees, tradewinds blow and the living is easy. In other words, it’s paradise, perfected.
For more coverage of the T+L Global Bazaar:
- Chef Masaharu Morimoto Dominates the Global Scene
- Chef Daniel Boulud Brings Global Foods to You
- AmEx President Ed Kelly: Experience the World in One Place
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Category: Film, Music and Entertainment, Lifestyle, Travel
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