Pacific Island Paradises

Teraina Tabuaeran Kiritamati Howland Is. Baker Is. McKean Is. Nikumaroro KIRIBATI Birnie Is. Orono Jarvis Is. (US) Kanton Enderbury Is. Rawaki Manra PHOENIX GROUP Malden Is. Starbuck Is. Vostok Is. Flint Is. Kiribati In Kiribati language, "ti" is pronounced "ss" making Kiribati pronounced as Kiribas. The Republic of Kiribati is a nation that encompasses the Gilbert, Phoenix and Line Islands. Under British rule it was known simply as the Gilbert Islands. While the landmass of Kiribati measures just over 810 square kilometres, its 33 atolls span a massive 3.5 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean. With the atolls barely rising above the surrounding ocean, the sights and sounds of the sea permeate daily life in the nation. History Just two days after the bombing of Pearl Harbour In December 1941, the Japanese invaded the islands. The atolls of Tarawa and Butaritara still bear the physical evidence of some of the bloodiest battles fought during the war in the Pacific. Over 60 years later, much of the evidence of these battles still exists. Eight-inch coastal defence guns, solid concrete bunkers, rusted tanks and ship and plane wrecks, visible at low tide, create a living museum. It is recommended that you book a guided tour of the battle sites to ensure you miss nothing. People The culture of Kiribati, where the people 114 www.paradisesonline.com are known as I-Kiribati, is both diverse and complex with each island exhibiting its own unique ways. Pivotal to the culture of the people of Kiribati are practices that include community meetings held in a traditional meetinghouse, feasts, respect for the elderly, guest hospitality and the importance of family. The rise and fall of the tide dictates the rhythm of daily lives that depend on good fishing conditions for survival. The people of Kiribati live each day as it comes upholding the motto of "Tomorrow is another day" with emphasis on strength, motivation and the ambition to live within each particular day. Culture The traditional dances of Kiribati are a unique form of expression with the dancers using their whole body to imitate the movements of the frigate birds. Traditionally, the frigate bird symbolises many important things to the people of Kiribati. The bird is believed to provide navigation for fisherman lost at sea, weather information and is a sign of peace and harmony. For visitors to immerse themselves completely in the local culture, it is suggested that they take the plunge and live on an outer island for a week and Nature One of the best-kept secrets is the amazing fishing in Kiribati. Big game fishing in the deep blue waters or saltwater fly fishing in the crystal-clear waters make this destination a fisherman's dream. The mighty bonefish draws anglers to Kiribati and many international game fishing records have been awarded from catches in the surrounding waters. With Western influence increasingly evident in the capital of Tarawa, now is the perfect to visit Kirabiti and drift back in time to a world where time stands still and where family values and community spirit take precedence over the accumulation of worldly goods. English is widely spoken in Kiribati, and visitors have no problems communicating with the local people. However, as in many countries, the locals appreciate it when visitors attempt to learn a few words. Try "mauri", which means hello and welcome. experience a completely different way of life. On the outer islands, locals live in raised thatched huts and live on a diet of coconuts, breadfruit and fish, just as they have done for centuries. Caroline Is.

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