The Hidden Gem of the Pacific: Ewa District, Nauru

• HelloIa
  [ee-ah]
• GoodbyeBye-bye
  [bye-bye]
• YesEa
  [ay-ah]
• NoAa
  [ah-ah]
• Please/You're welcomeFay-fay
  [fay-fay]
• Thank youKamawir
  [ka-mah-weer]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon
  [par-don]
• How are you?Kamne aej?
  [kam-neh ayj]
• Fine. And you?Bong. E kamne?
  [bong. ay kam-neh]
• Do you speak English?Kamne imainglis?
  [kam-neh ee-may-ingles]
• I don't understandE aej ke aej
  [ay ayj ke ayj]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseE aej ke bong meniu, fay-fay
  [ay ke bong me-nyoo, fay-fay]
• I don't eat meatE aej ke aran meik
  [ay ke aran mayk]
• Cheers!Mauri!
  [mau-ree]
• I would like to pay, pleaseE aej ke pe, fay-fay
  [ay ke pay, fay-fay]

• Help!Tulun!
  [too-loon]
• Go away!Kakaa!
  [ka-kaa]
• Call the Police!E kame Police!
  [ay kam-eh police]
• Call a doctor!E kame doctor!
  [ay kam-eh doctor]
• I'm lostE aej ke aeka
  [ay ke ay-ka]
• I'm illE aej ke irin
  [ay ke ee-reen]

• I'd like to buy...E aej ke tai...
  [ay ke tay...]
• I'm just lookingE aej ke tao
  [ay ke tay-ow]
• How much is it?Iet ke ute?
  [yet ke oo-tay]
• That's too expensiveIet ke oanu ka lo
  [yet ke ow-ah-noo ka low]
• Can you lower the price?E kamne ke kikira iet?
  [ay kam-neh kee-kee-rah yet]

• What time is it?Iet aej ke aeka?
  [yet ay ke ay-ka]
• It's one o'clockIet ke tao aeka
  [yet ke tay-ow ay-ka]
• Half past (10)Iet aej ke aran (10)
  [yet ay ke aran (10)]
• MorningAeka
  [ay-ka]
• AfternoonEneim
  [ay-naym]
• EveningE aeka
  [ay ay-ka]
• YesterdayAniki
  [ah-nee-kee]
• TodayNiki
  [nee-kee]
• TomorrowEniki
  [ay-nee-kee]
• 1Beku
  [bay-koo]
• 2Ruaru
  [roo-ah-roo]
• 3Iri
  [ee-ree]
• 4Aeka
  [ay-ka]
• 5Eneim
  [ay-naym]
• 6Oanu
  [ow-ah-noo]
• 7Uka
  [oo-kah]
• 8Aewa
  [ay-wah]
• 9Kai
  [ka-ee]
• 10Aran
  [ah-ran]

• Where's a/the...?Iet aej ke aeka...?
  [yet ay ke ay-ka...?]
• What's the address?Iet ke aeka...
  [yet ke ay-ka...]
• Can you show me (on the map)?E kamne ke sio me (on the map)?
  [ay kam-neh kee see-oh may (on the map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Iet aej ke ika (bus)?
  [yet ay ke ee-kah (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Iet ke ao (to ....)
  [yet ke ow (to ....)]

Ewa District is one of the twelve districts on the island of Nauru. Like other parts of the island, it has been inhabited for millennia by the indigenous Nauruan people. The district contains archaeological evidence suggesting that it was an important settlement area long before European contact.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Nauru, including Ewa District, fell under various colonial administrations. Initially annexed by Germany in 1888, the island became a strategic point for phosphate mining. The remnants of this colonial period can still be observed in the district through architectural structures and old machinery.

Ewa District, like the rest of Nauru, was significantly impacted during World War II. The island was occupied by Japanese forces from 1942 to 1945. Ewa's coastal areas were fortified, and some of these fortifications still exist today, serving as a somber reminder of the war years.

After World War II, Nauru came under a United Nations trusteeship administered by Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The phosphate mining industry boomed during the 1950s and 1960s, bringing prosperity to the island. Ewa District benefited from this economic boom, with new infrastructure and community facilities being established.

Nauru gained its independence in 1968, and Ewa District continued to develop as part of the newly sovereign nation. The district has seen significant changes over the decades, balancing traditional Nauruan culture with modern influences. The annual Nauru Independence Day celebrations often feature events in Ewa, highlighting its ongoing cultural significance.

Ewa District is located on the island nation of Nauru in the Pacific Ocean. There is only one international airport on the island, Nauru International Airport (INU), which is located in Yaren District, just a short drive from Ewa. Flights to Nauru are limited and usually come from Brisbane, Australia or other nearby Pacific islands. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for hotel transportation to reach Ewa District.

Ewa District is relatively small, and most of its attractions can be reached on foot. For longer distances or convenience, taxis are readily available. Car rentals are also an option, but be aware that roads can be narrow and driving is on the left-hand side. There is no public bus service, so taxis or rental cars are the best options for getting around.

The official currency in Nauru is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger establishments, but cash is essential for smaller businesses and local markets. ATMs are limited, so it is advisable to bring sufficient cash with you or withdraw it at the airport upon arrival.

Ewa District is generally safe for tourists, but it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and be cautious of your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but maintaining vigilance is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 110 for police assistance or 111 for medical emergencies. The island's main hospital is located in Yaren District, a short distance from Ewa. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in public areas. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: Since there is no public bus service, this point is not applicable. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a friendly wave; formal handshakes are not always customary. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Ewa District like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh seafood and locally grown produce. Engage with locals, who are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Don't miss exploring the beautiful coastal areas and enjoying water activities like snorkeling and fishing. For a unique experience, participate in a traditional Nauruan feast if you get the opportunity.