Rebecca in Fiji: "We fell in love with the place, the people and the rural atmosphere"

Hello Rebecca, could you quickly introduce yourself and tell us more about your projects in Fiji?

My name is Rebecca. For the next 20 years, Taveuni was my go to place for diving. The diving offered a rich undersea garden of soft and hard corals in a myriad of colors as well as abundant see life. We bought freehold land in 2000 and built a house in 2009. We now live here full time; with trips back to the USA 2 times/year.

Why did you choose to live in Fiji ?

I first came to Fiji in 1980 for my honeymoon. We fell in love with the place, the people and the rural atmosphere here on Taveuni, the 3rd largest of over 300 islands that make up the Fiji Islands. You have to know that 80 of the islands are inhabited.

What suprises you in fijian culture?

There are many fijian surprises; some of which include the fact that most of the villagers live day to day without thoughts of the future. Most still cook outdoors, take cold showers, do laundry in the streams etc.

Fiji is a country divided in many islands, are there many differencies between all those islands?

The main island of course, is more populated with cities and town and many improvements and some sophistication. I have been to a few of the smaller islands and the living is still quite primitive.. A lot of fijians now have mobile phones and a few have internet and television.

What does an everyday life look like in Fiji?

Having been professionals in the states; our life style here is dramatically different. We have no dishwasher, garbage disposal etc. We do have a washing machine. Dishes are done by hand, clothes are hung to dry etc. Days are busy with gardening, cooking, cleaning, swimming in the pool or the sea and reading or relaxing in the hammock. Most meals are eaten out of doors (this is a real treat as we live on a bluff above the sea).

Do you have a good knowledge about the local job market? What are the most dynamic economic sectors?

I don't know a lot about the economics and job market. On the smaller islands, unemployment is high; most are farmers!

What are the big differences between american culture and fijian culture?

Most expats have a big adjustment to make coming into a culture that lives only for today, is poor, doesn't understand about saving and couldn't if they wanted to as money is needed for food and schooling. Fijians going to the USA would experience a real culture shock with all the cars, highways, gas stations, banks, shopping centers and the huge grocery stores including Walmart super stores that americans take for granted. Another key thing is that most businesses do not understand about reordering stock here. They simply say sorry finished. Wether or not they will get the same item in ever again is not guaranteed. Goods and services on the smaller islands are limited and come by ferry. A lot of people travel to the main island infrequently to shop for items not found on the smaller islands. Medicines are much cheaper here than in the USA. Medical care, facilities and personnel are limited.

Following the coup d'état in 2006, is there any mark left behind?

Since the last coup, the government is militaristic and some previous democratic freedoms are being lost; like freedom of speech. Many expats who have businesses here are being taxed more and more. The chinese presence is growing and they are buying land and businesses.

This year, Fiji entered in Olympic Games history, by winning golden medal in rugby. How the country reacted to this victory?

The locals go crazy here about rugby. Lots of celebrations, horn honking, drinking etc. The government has declared Monday a national holiday in recognition of the gold medal win. The little shops had several small tvs set up on the outside and crowds of locals watched the games; but mostly rugby and some runners. They don't have much interest in other than rugby, running, and perhaps volley ball. Rugby is very important to the fijians. Whenever there are games (even local ones) the people turn out to watch and cheer. I would say that sports in general is very high on the list for getting attention, enthusiasm, and enjoyment.

Any advices for a soon-to-be expatriate in Fiji?

When coming to live in Fiji; one needs to understand that this is their country and we are visitors. If you don't mind living rurally and have patience and few expectations; this is a wonderful place to live - agreeable weather, beautiful views, lush greenery, natural sites of beauty with waterfalls etc.