Monday, August 22, 2011

#234 / Bula

You don't hear much about politics on Denarau Island. That is where many of the high-end resorts are located in Fiji. Viti Levu is the largest of the Fijian Islands, and Denarau is the man-made and gated location of the luxury homes, golf courses, and yacht clubs that cater to wealthy tourists from all over (though not many, we gather, from the United States). The fact that the island nation is apparently run by a dictatorship is not permitted to obtrude on its hospitality.

Fijian hospitality is epitomized by the greeting "Bula," which is employed like "hi," and one meaning of which is apparently "health." This greeting is literally spoken every time one comes face to face with another person. This happens a lot. And big smiles are the rule.

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