This post is just to touch base (obviously, hence the post's title...) since not much has been going on lately. I've ordered a few Fijian phrasebooks for my friends going to Fiji with me, so that's always fun! One of the perks of working at a bookstore - getting 20% off any book! :-)
On the note of the phrasebooks, I've been attempting to get familiar with the Fijian language. While most people will probably speak at least some English (and for those that don't, we'll almost certainly have an interpreter), I still think it's a good idea to be as proficient as possible in the language before I get there. There's nothing that can replace actually being able to communicate with someone in their own language. Besides, I absolutely love being introduced to a new language! Understanding a culture's language can give you a lot of insight into the culture itself and how its people view themselves and the world around them. Plus, you get to impress people with how multi-lingual you are. :-)
So far, there are only a few phrases I can really remember.
Bula! - Hello!
Sega - No
Io - Yes
Yadra - Good morning
Au se lako - I am going
Sitoa - store/shop
Moce - Goodbye (incidentally, also means Sleep)
Kana - Eat
Vinaka - Thank you
That's all I've really got so far, but I'm learning! I'll keep you posted. :-)
Also, our first group meeting is this Saturday, so I should have lots to report on really soon!
Moce!
