In a Fijian village you will see few, if any fences between homes and children run from one home to the next at will and without thought. This communal sense of living forms the cornerstone of Fijian village life and most Fijians find it not right to build a fence or wall between their homes. Most homes are now not thatched like a traditional bure but are simple rectangular, pitched roof houses made from industrial materials. Fijians are known as to be very friendly people but as friendly as they are, it is important to know that it is considered rude to just turn up and wander around in the village.

You will always receive a treat if you are invited to a Fijian village. We, Fijians are famously hospitable. It is good to take a ‘sevusevu’ when you visiting a village. ‘Sevusevu’ is a presentation of a gift such as kava for, say, permission to visit a village or just a token of appreciation for being a part of some special event in the village. Kava or Yaqona is sold at most markets and you should buy a minimum of half a kilo in waka (root) form rather than pounded. The chief normally accepts the gift and will welcome you to take part kava ceremony. The chief and the village elders sit around the yaqona bowl engaging in a ‘Talanoa’ (gossip) session.

In everyday Fijian village life you will expect to hear the pots and pans clattering early morning.  The women tend to do most of the domestic duties – washing, cooking, cleaning and looking after the children. Men spend most of their time farming and fishing. Evenings are often spent sitting in the chief’s house talking and drinking yaqona.