Archive for December, 2010

• Tahiti is closer thanyou might think it’s only an 8-hour flight from Los Angeles LAX, being halfway between California and Australia, on the same side of the International Date Line as North America, and in the same time zone as Hawaii.
• Moorea is known as “The Island of Love,” and Bora Bora as “The Romantic Island.”
• French Polynesia, with its capital at Papeete on the island of Tahiti, is comprised of five archipelagos, including the Society Islands (where Tahiti is located), the Austral Islands, the Tuamotu atolls, the Gambier Islands, and the Marquesas
• The letter “B” does not exist in the Tahitian language. Bora Bora is actually Pora Pora, meaning first born, but early visitors heard it as Bora Bora.
• With greenery and a tropical rain forest climate, Tahiti has been the home to native Polynesians since 300 AD
• Like many Polynesian dialects, duplicated words – such as Bora Bora – are common; and often have the effect of intensifying the meaning of a single occurrence: For example, nui means ‘big’ while nuinui means ‘very big.’
• There are no poisonous snakes or insects in French Polynesia.
• There are approximately 262,000 residents of Tahiti, about 78 of them from the various French Polynesian islands, another 12 of Chinese descent, and the remainder are various Europeans (primarily French).
• Cooled by the gentle breezes of the South Pacific, the climate is ideal and there are only two seasons. The wet season is from December through March when the climate is slightly warmer and more humid; and the dry season is from April through August when the climate is slightly less humid and drier.
• The word “tattoo” originated in Tahiti. The legend of Tohu( the god of tattoo) describes painting all the oceans’ fish in beautiful colors and patterns. Tattoos have long been considered (more…)

• Fiji covers a total area of 11,352 square miles with 701 miles of coastline.
• The country is made up of 333 Islands, of which more than 100 are inhabited.
• The highest point is Tomanivi at 1,324m above sea level.
• The majority of the adult population works in the Sugar or Tourism Industries.
• The country’s capital is Suva which is located on the eastern side of the main Island, Viti Levu.
• Although the country has a combination of both native Fijians and Indians it is an English Speaking nation.
• One of the most common words you hear in Fiji is a cheerful “Bula” (which means “hello”).
• The currency of the country is the Fijian Dollar.
• The results of the 2007 census counted the residents at 827,900 people which is an increase of 52,823 over the period from 1996.
• Fiji Scuba Diving is known as the Soft Coral Capital of the World with hundreds of dive sites scattered amongst the complex reef system around the country’s numerous Islands.
• Fiji diving is known for its diversity and abundance of tropical fish with about 1000 species fish and over 400 species of coral.
• The International Airport is situated on the outskirts of Nadi township, which is located on Fiji’s major Island Viti Levu.
• Fijian food has a wonderful mix of the spicy curries that are influenced by the Indian people and the coconut, fish, sweet potato, cassava and other vegetables that the Fijians bring to the culture.
• For special occasions including weddings and funerals the Fijian’s perform a Lovo. It is a feast for the whole family of traditional Fijian food which is cooked in the ground.
• Family is one of the most important parts of the Fiji culture. The Fijians often (more…)

When most people hear “Fiji” they think it is only one island when in actual fact the Fijian experience encompasses 333 islands. That’s a lot of exploring to do, don’t you think? You bet. And when you consider that Fiji is a true South Pacific Island experience complete with sandy beaches and lush swaying palms, it’s easy to understand why it’s the destination of choice for so many thrill seekers and relaxation junkies combined.If you’re a SCUBA diver this is a true haven to explore. Fiji is world renowned as “The Soft Coral Capital of the World.” From shallow coral enclaves, home to hundreds of different types of corals and sponges and resident micro-denizens of the deep, to spectacular cascading corals draped like exquisite, fragile chandeliers to deep, dramatic drop-offs that disappear into darkness, Fiji has it covered.And when you’re above water you can enjoy activities like shopping, kayaking, whitewater rafting, sport fishing, surfing, hiking, and horseback riding to name but a few of the diverse activities (oh yes, we forgot to mention just relaxing in a hammock under a coconut palm lazily reading or studiously napping).Fiji is also a great destination for anyone interested in sustainability since it embraces eco-tourism and offers lodging in both eco-friendly resorts and village home-stays.A few things to note about the islands before (more…)