Courtney Hughes, the Florida Down Under marketing intern, writes:

Growing up, Fiji was a dream destination of mine for all the stereotypical reasons. I wanted to go for the glorious beaches, the sunshine and the clear Pacific Ocean. After actually visiting Fiji, I can now say that there is so much more than the beautiful landscapes; Fiji has the most welcoming, loving people you will ever meet.

As we stepped off the airplane, we were cheerily greeted by locals with “Bula!”, which means hello in Fijian. The atmosphere was rich with happiness and hospitality.

I truly realized how genuine and grateful the people of Fiji are when I stayed in Votua Village on the Coral Coast for a night. My homestay family treated me as if I were their own family and made me feel immensely comfortable. Average Fijians are not rich in monetary terms by any means, however they are rich in an abundance of other ways.

Home in Votua Village

My homestay family explained how they live off the land. Everything they eat is from right outside their home. Talk about farm-to-table eating at its very best. My family always wanted to make sure my fellow homestay classmates and I were satisfied and ate all we wanted before they even began eating, certainly an overly generous, yet kind, gesture.

Courtney’s homestay family and fellow homestay classmates

Additionally, my family valued each of its family members and those relationships. Likewise, they wanted to get to know us and learn about our lives. This true interest in us, despite only being with them for two days, made me feel the warmth of the Fijian people.

Fiji should be known for more than its natural beauty. Fiji should be known for its profuse and gracious culture and people. My experience in Fiji would not have been as lovely without the generosity of the Fijian people!