Kiritimati: The Jewel of the Pacific

• HelloKam na mauri
  [kam na mauri]
• GoodbyeTe mauri
  [te mauri]
• YesIo
  [yo]
• NoE aia
  [ay aya]
• Please/You're welcomeKam na mauri
  [kam na mauri]
• Thank youKam rabwa
  [kam rabwa]
• Excuse me/SorryKam na mauri
  [kam na mauri]
• How are you?Kam na mai?
  [kam na mai]
• Fine. And you?Maiorao. Iko?
  [mai-or-ao. ee-ko]
• Do you speak English?Te mai aomata?
  [te mai ao-mata]
• I don't understandKo au na riomu
  [ko ow na ree-ow-mu]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKo ake aroa te menu, kam na mauri
  [ko ake a-ro-a te menu, kam na mauri]
• I don't eat meatKo au kaai te kawa
  [ko ow ka-eye te ka-wa]
• Cheers!Ko rabwa!
  [ko rabwa]
• I would like to pay, pleaseKo ake taa, kam na mauri
  [ko ake ta-a, kam na mauri]

• Help!Toka!
  [to-ka]
• Go away!Ko kai!
  [ko kai]
• Call the Police!Teka tei te Polis!
  [te-ka tei te po-lis]
• Call a doctor!Teka tei te dokita!
  [te-ka tei te do-kee-ta]
• I'm lostKo au ni mate
  [ko ow nee ma-te]
• I'm illKo au ni maraki
  [ko ow nee ma-ra-kee]

• I'd like to buy...Ko ake tai...
  [ko ake tai...]
• I'm just lookingKo au kaai te mata
  [ko ow ka-eye te ma-ta]
• How much is it?Ia teia e aei?
  [ee-a te-ee-ya ay ay-ee]
• That's too expensiveKa reke teia e aei
  [ka ray-ke te-ee-ya ay ay-ee]
• Can you lower the price?Ko baia te e aei?
  [ko bay-a te-ee-ya]

• What time is it?Ko ia e te wa?
  [ko ee-ya ay te wa]
• It's one o'clockTe wa e te tetae
  [te wa ay te te-ta-ay]
• Half past (10)Te wa e te tae a te 10
  [te wa ay te ta-ay a te 10]
• MorningTe taeimano
  [te ta-ay-ma-no]
• AfternoonTe teinano
  [te tay-na-no]
• EveningTe po
  [te po]
• YesterdayEria
  [ay-ree-a]
• TodayEia
  [ay-a]
• TomorrowEtia
  [ay-tee-a]
• 1tetae
  [te-ta-ay]
• 2tekawake
  [te-ka-wa-ke]
• 3tewakoa
  [te-wa-ko-a]
• 4terimwi
  [te-ree-mwee]
• 5teuna
  [te-oo-na]
• 6teono
  [te-ow-no]
• 7teitasi
  [te-ee-ta-see]
• 8teiwalu
  [te-ee-wa-loo]
• 9teiwaqa
  [te-ee-wa-ka]
• 10teikawalu
  [te-ee-ka-wa-loo]

• Where's a/the...?Ko ia te...
  [ko ee-ya te]
• What's the address?Ko aia te tuunga?
  [ko ay-a te too-oo-nga]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ko baia kainikai (I rota te mapa)?
  [ko bay-a kai-nee-kai (ee row-ta te ma-pa)]
• When's the next (bus)?Ko ia te bus ma te wa?
  [ko ee-ya te bus ma te wa]
• A ticket (to ....)Te tiki (ki ....)
  [te tee-kee (kee)]

Kiritimati, also known as Christmas Island, was first recorded by European explorers in 1777 when Captain James Cook stumbled upon it during his third Pacific voyage. The island's name, 'Kiritimati,' is the local rendition of 'Christmas,' reflecting its discovery on Christmas Eve. Before European contact, it is believed that the island was uninhabited, although it may have been visited sporadically by Polynesian voyagers.

The British annexed Kiritimati in the late 19th century, integrating it into their colonial holdings in the Pacific. Kiritimati became part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony in 1919. During this period, coconut plantations were established, and the island's economy centered around copra production. The island remained relatively isolated, with minimal infrastructure development.

During World War II, Kiritimati played a strategic role in the Pacific theater. The United States used the island as a refueling and supply base, constructing an airstrip and other military facilities. This period marked a significant influx of foreign presence and infrastructure development, including improved roads and communication systems.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Kiritimati gained global attention as a site for nuclear testing. The British conducted several atmospheric nuclear tests, codenamed Operation Grapple, between 1957 and 1958. These tests were part of the UK's efforts to develop thermonuclear weapons. The legacy of these tests still influences the island, both environmentally and culturally.

Kiritimati became part of the independent nation of Kiribati in 1979. Since gaining independence, the island has focused on sustainable development and preserving its unique environment. Tourism has become increasingly important, with visitors drawn to its stunning natural beauty and rich history. The local culture is a blend of traditional Kiribati practices and the diverse influences from its historical encounters.

The culture of Kiritimati is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Kiribati people. Despite its colonial past and external influences, the island has preserved its unique language, dance, and communal lifestyle. Traditional ceremonies, such as the Maneaba (meeting house) gatherings, play a crucial role in maintaining social cohesion and cultural identity. The island also celebrates significant events like Independence Day with vibrant festivities.

Kiritimati, also known as Christmas Island, is part of the Republic of Kiribati. The island is serviced by Cassidy International Airport (CXI). Flights to Kiritimati are limited; Fiji Airways operates weekly flights from Nadi, Fiji. Additionally, there are periodic flights from Honolulu, Hawaii. Be sure to check the flight schedules in advance as they can change frequently.

Transportation on Kiritimati is relatively limited. The island has a few taxis, and car rentals are available but can be expensive. Bicycles are a popular and eco-friendly way to get around the island. There are no public buses, so arranging transportation through your accommodation or local tour operators is advisable for exploring remote areas.

The official currency of Kiribati is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it is crucial to carry enough cash for your entire stay. There are limited banking facilities on the island, and ATMs are scarce, so it's advisable to withdraw sufficient cash before arriving.

Kiritimati is generally safe for tourists. However, standard travel precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night, particularly in unfamiliar or isolated areas. Petty theft can occur, so keep an eye on your belongings. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always best to stay vigilant.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police, fire, or medical services. Cassidy International Airport has minimal medical facilities, so serious medical emergencies may require evacuation to a larger hospital in Fiji or Hawaii. It is highly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting local villages. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: As there is no formal public transport, arrange travel ahead of time. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a nod. Handshakes are not common but can be used in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood delicacies. Don't waste food, as resources can be scarce.

To experience Kiritimati like a local, visit the local markets and interact with the friendly islanders. Participate in traditional fishing activities and try your hand at bonefishing, a popular sport on the island. Attend local festivals and events to immerse yourself in the culture. Be sure to explore the abundant nature reserves and bird-watching spots for a truly unique experience.