#29 Malachi | Tour guide in Fiji

前言: 係斐濟第二日我參加左一個探訪當地小學同村落嘅 local tour，遇到友善導遊兼司機 Mala。斐濟係南半球太平洋嘅小島，對香港人嚟講唔算係一個好熱門嘅旅遊地方，今次有機會當然要問下 Mala 斐濟嘅生活。

1. How long have you been working as a tour guide?

I have been working as a tour guide and driver for about 6 years. I have been in the industry for 10 years.

2. How do Fijians feel about the development of tourism?

Tourism is growing rapidly in Fiji. It is the backbone of the economy here as it provides a lot of of employment opportunities. Tourism helps with some infrastructure projects too.

K: Are there any problems brought by the increasing number of tourists?

One of it would be the increasing price of goods here. It is especially a burden for big family here as we don’t have a high income in Fiji. The unskilled workers earn only $1-2 Fijian dollar per hour and those who work in the hotel earn $3-4 per hour.

While tourism helps to develop our home, part of the environment is destroyed at the same time, especially those people want to get rid of their sight, like we have a serious loss of marine life in Fiji.

3. Do you think Fijians are happy?

Yes, we are. You can tell from our smile, and Fijians always greet others with “Bula” (meaning hello) even when we meet strangers. I always tell my kids to keep this good habit as I don’t want this to be lost, especially now many people only focus on technology and their smart phones.

4. What do you like best about Fiji?

My own village! (Without doubt)

It is where I spend time with my family and where I rest after work everyday. Most importantly, this is where I learn about my culture.

5. Alright, advertisement time. Why do you think people should visit Fiji?

We have good and friendly people. Fijian culture is unique, and people should come and learn about the way we used to live.

We also have nice beaches and the sun here. Of course you have to know what can be done in Fiji.

In short, I would say come and meet the friendly people here.

後記: 如 Mala 所講，斐濟人大多見到我都會主動打招呼，例如係村落嘅小朋友，甚至只係路過嘅巴士乘客都會同你揮手，令你感受佢地非常歡迎你到訪。雖然斐濟經濟唔係十分好，但亦可能係因為物質生活無咁豐富，斐濟人同大自然嘅聯繫更密切，生活更簡單快樂。

離開前送左「海山樓」postcard 俾 Mala，介紹香港獨特嘅居住環境。