Cultus Club Members "Travel" to Islands of Fiji

The Club met on Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at 2 PM at the Peteetneet Museum.  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by JaNae Friedli, and the collect was read by Sandra Hummer.  Hostesses for this meeting were Georgia Mills and Paula Stallings.  There were fifteen in attendance for the meeting and program, which was on the Islands of Fiji.

Paula Stallings stated that she was the airline stewardess as she handed out bottles of water and a snack for the long plane trip to the Nadi Airport in Fiji.  She stated that it was a long 10-hour flight, so sit back and enjoy the flight.

Georgia Mills then proceeded to tell us about the island chain of Fiji, which consists of three hundred islands, many of which are not inhabited.  She stated that on Nadi, there is the large airport and many of the government offices, schools, and shopping locations. Georgia stated that they were once known as the “cannibal islands,” as they practiced cannibalism; it was their concept that if they ate you, they were able to take on the power you had.

There is also a 2-½ hour drive from one side of the island to the other.  On the eastside, it rains a lot and it is lush and green, with gorgeous flowers, gardens, and the beaches are beautiful.  On the westside, the beaches are rocky and not beautiful.

Their music is Fijian and they are a very happy people; they love to hug everyone, are very laidback, and time is of less concern.  She stated that they had been invited to attend a party and were told that it started at 7 PM.  She said that no one showed up until after 8 PM.  She also explained that when they eat meals, they sit on mats on the floor.  She also stated that when you go into the villages the chief is in charge.  You wait until he gives an okay for you to enter.

Georgia also explained that they have two different cultures on the islands, on is Fijian and the other is Indian (from India).  She stated that the Fijians are much more laidback and easygoing, whereas the Indian cultures are more reserved and hard-working.  So, at times, there have been clashes between the two cultures.

Georgia stated that those who are of the LDS faith are very faithful members.  During General Conferences, the sessions had been broadcast via radio at 4 AM and many of the members walked the 2-10 miles to the church building to be in attendance for those sessions.

Many of the homes are constructed of tin and have no insulation or caulking to prevent weather or rain from coming in.  She also stated that one learns not to compliment them on anything.  If you should state, “I love your earrings,” they may take them off and give them to you.  She also talked about the tiny gecko that are always on the walls and ceilings.  She also stated that they have tarantulas and very large cockroaches.

Georgia stated that in order to travel to another island, you will need to have your luggage and yourself weighed to be sure you will not overload the planes.  Those planes are small and usually carry only 5-7 people.

Georgia explained that she had gone there to teach piano at the LDS College and that her companion was there to teach English to elementary school-age children.

It was an interesting program and helped us learn about different cultures and areas of the world.

Sandra Hummer