Dateline: Tuvalu |
0 |
Polynesian voyagers colonize these atolls |
1568 |
the Spaniard Mendaña sights Tuvalu |
1819 |
Captain Arent De Peyster finds Funafuti |
1863 |
Peruvian blackbirders kidnap 450 islanders |
1865 |
London Missionary Society arrives from Samoa |
1892 |
British protectorate proclaimed |
1916 |
Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony created |
1942 |
American military bases on three atolls |
1943 |
Japanese bomb Funafuti |
1974 |
Ellice Islanders vote to secede |
1975 |
Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony divided |
1978 |
Tuvalu granted independence by Britain |
1999 |
Air Fiji begins flights from Fiji |
2000 |
Tuvalu joins the United Nations |
2004 |
government office building opens on Funafuti |
Funafuti
The government offices are at Vaiaku, 50 meters west of the airstrip, the Funafuti Fusi cooperative supermarket is a kilometer northeast, and the deepwater wharf (built with Australian aid in 1981) is a little more than a kilometer beyond that.
The area between Vaiaku and the wharf has developed into a busy little township with street lighting installed by New Zealand in 1990, the roads paved by the U.S. in 1991, the airstrip sealed by the European Union in 1992, and a new airport terminal erected by Australia in 1993. Heavy motorcycle traffic circulates on the one main street, and the litter is piling up along the lagoon as imported bottles and cans dampen the South Seas dream.
Public holidays
January 1
New Year's Day
mid-March
Commonwealth Day
March/April
Good Friday & Easter Monday
mid-May
Gospel Day
June
Queen's Birthday
August
National Children's Day
1 & 2 October
Tuvalu National Days
25 & 26 December
Christmas |
Where
Tuvalu is just south of the equator between Fiji and the Gilbert Islands (Kiribati).
When
Tuvalu shares a time zone with Fiji and New Zealand, 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Why
Tuvalu offers the chance to visit one of the world's remotest independent states, a lonely island outpost of Polynesia just south of Micronesia.
How
Air Fiji flies between Suva, Fiji, and Funafuti, Tuvalu, twice a week. At $650 Fijian each way, it's an expensive trip.
Who
The population is around 10,000 and all nine atolls are inhabited. All are Polynesians, although the Nui people speak a Micronesian language. |
Entertainment
Tuvaluans love dancing, be it their traditional fatele, more energetic than Gilbertese dancing, or the predictable twist. Traditional dancing is performed on special occasions, such as when opening a building, greeting special visitors, or celebrating holidays. Get in on the singing, dancing, and general frivolity taking place at the falekaupule almost every night. On Funafuti, migrants from each outer island have their own falekaupule, so ask around to find out if anything is on. Or just listen for the rhythmic sounds and head that way. Sometimes the local I-Kiribati do Gilbertese dances. On festive occasions many people wear flower garlands called fou (rhymes with Joe) in their hair. Each island has its own style.
Ask where you can watch te ano (the ball), the national game. Two teams line up facing one another and competition begins with one member throwing the heavy ball toward the other team, who must hit it back with their hands. Points are scored if the opposite team lets the ball fall and the first team to reach 10 wins. Obviously, weak players are targeted and the matches can be fierce (but usually friendly). The game ends with the losers performing a funny song and dance routine intended to bring the winners back to earth. |
