When in Fiji ... Why 'bula' is more than just a hello

Fiji is one of the most welcoming countries on earth, which is a good thing as it can be surprisingly easy to make one cultural misstep after another when it comes to the local people and their way of life. Read on to discover how you can be as cool as Fiji's tropical blue ocean when it comes to being a conscious traveller and respectfully engaging with the local culture.

"Bula", the traditional greeting that is pronounced "bull-ar", means a lot more than "hello" to the Fijians. Its literal translation is "life" and it conveys warm wishes for the recipient's ongoing happiness, good health, and good fortune.

Some travellers assume that the Fijians' constant cries of "Bula" whenever they see a visitor are put on for tourists, but nothing could be further from the truth. It's a heartfelt welcome and an expression of the local's genuine desire for you to enjoy your time in Fiji.

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Greet everyone you meet with a hearty "Bula!". Your traditional greeting will be returned with gratitude, enthusiasm and a beaming smile.

Fijians live their lives on "Fiji time" with family and friends as their first priority. If something doesn't happen now, the Fijians don't worry as it's sure to happen sooner or later. This can take some getting used to if you're accustomed to Western-style service, where drinks arrive in double-quick time and tours are run with military precision. However, you don't have to spend long in Fiji to wonder if perhaps the tourists have it wrong and the locals have got it right.

One of the best things about visiting this community-focussed country is that it reminds you to slow down and focus on what is really important: spending time with those you love. Switch into "Fiji time" and you will quickly embrace the Fijians' "Don't worry, be happy" vibe.

If you want to get a feel for the real Fiji, nothing beats visiting a local Fijian village, either on an organised tour or as the guest of a local who has invited you to their home.

Make sure you're dressed modestly and have covered your shoulders in preparation for your visit. Shorts are fine for men. Ladies can also wear shorts, provided their knees are covered.

Officially, hats shouldn't be worn in the village at all but locals will often let this slide for Western visitors due to the potentially uncomfortable effects of hot sun on pale skin. However, you should never wear a hat indoors as this is seen as an insult to the chief. Shoes also need to be taken off before you enter village buildings, so consider wearing flip flops or other easy-to-remove footwear. If you forget to remove your hat or shoes before you enter a building, your gracious hosts will tactfully remind you to take them off.

Raising your voice and making loud noises is considered disrespectful in Fijian culture, especially when you are visiting a village. So, even if your kids are driving you crazy, resist the urge to yell at them to settle down.

It is more effective (and culturally appropriate) to adopt the steadfast authority of a Fijian chief and deal with the issue calmly and quietly.

If you go on a day trip or visit a village, you will almost certainly be invited to participate in a kava ceremony. Kava is made from the root of the yaqona bush, a relative of the pepper plant, and mixed with water to make a traditional drink. It is an essential part of Fijian culture.

Kava is non-alcoholic but does have a mild anaesthetic effect. A couple of cups can make your face and lips feel numb; a larger amount will soon have you feeling relaxed and sleepy. Kava is fine for older children to drink if they are invited to participate.

If you are on an organised tour, the Fijian village chief will select a "chief" from your tour to represent your group. The two chiefs drink their kava first, before it's offered to everyone. This may involve passing a small communal bowl that is constantly refilled around the group.

When it is your turn for the bowl, it is fine to ask for "half tide" (a smaller serve) if you aren't sure if you'll like it. This is an especially useful tip as it is impolite not to drink your kava in one go. Children only receive a tiny serve, so they can drink it all and don't feel the kava's effects.

When the kava bowl is passed to you, don't forget to clap once with cupped hands and say "vinaka" (thank you) and drink deeply until the kava is gone. Then, hand the bowl back to the person who gave it to you, and clap three times to show your respect and appreciation.

Even if you aren't keen for a second cup, you should stay seated until the village chief invites you to leave. While the muddy, peppery taste of kava is an acquired taste, its effects make settling into the gentle rhythm of Fiji time a breeze.