Uaboe: The Hidden Gem of Nauru

• HelloIaorana
  [yo-ra-na]
• GoodbyeNana
  [na-na]
• YesE
  [e]
• NoAe
  [ai]
• Please/You're welcomeMaeva
  [ma-e-va]
• Thank youMauruuru
  [mau-ru-ru]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon
  [pa-don]
• How are you?Aita pea pe?
  [ai-ta pea pe]
• Fine. And you?Maitai. E pehea koe?
  [mai-tai. e pe-he-a koe]
• Do you speak English?E tauturu koe i te reo Parani?
  [e tau-tu-ru koe i te re-o Pa-ra-ni]
• I don't understandAita au e haere
  [ai-ta au e ha-e-re]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseE ui atu au i te menu, maru
  [e ui a-tu au i te me-nu, ma-ru]
• I don't eat meatAita au e kai vaevae
  [ai-ta au e kai va-va-e]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [ma-nu-ia]
• I would like to pay, pleaseE ui atu au i te totika, maru
  [e ui a-tu au i te to-ti-ka, ma-ru]

• Help!Aita!
  [ai-ta]
• Go away!Haere atu!
  [ha-e-re a-tu]
• Call the Police!Whakapā atu ki te Pirihimana!
  [fa-ka-pa a-tu ki te Pi-ri-hi-ma-na]
• Call a doctor!Whakapā atu ki te Rata!
  [fa-ka-pa a-tu ki te Ra-ta]
• I'm lostI te ngaro au
  [i te nga-ro au]
• I'm illKei te he au
  [kei te he au]

• I'd like to buy...E ui atu au e hoko...
  [e ui a-tu au e ho-ko]
• I'm just lookingE pupuni au
  [e pu-pu-ni au]
• How much is it?E hia te moni?
  [e hi-a te mo-ni]
• That's too expensiveTe moni e roa
  [te mo-ni e ro-a]
• Can you lower the price?E taea e koe te oki i te moni?
  [e ta-e-a e koe te o-ki i te mo-ni]

• What time is it?He aha te wā?
  [he a-ha te wa]
• It's one o'clockKotahi o ngā karaka
  [ko-ta-hi o nga ka-ra-ka]
• Half past (10)Tekau ma rima
  [te-ka-u ma ri-ma]
• MorningAta
  [a-ta]
• AfternoonAhiahi
  [a-hi-a-hi]
• EveningPō
  [po]
• YesterdayInapo
  [i-na-po]
• TodayTēnei rā
  [te-nei ra]
• TomorrowĀpōpō
  [a-po-po]
• 1Tahi
  [ta-hi]
• 2Rua
  [ru-a]
• 3Toru
  [to-ru]
• 4Whā
  [fa]
• 5Rima
  [ri-ma]
• 6Ono
  [o-no]
• 7Whitu
  [fi-tu]
• 8Waru
  [wa-ru]
• 9Iwa
  [i-wa]
• 10Tekau
  [te-ka-u]

• Where's a/the...?Kei hea te...?
  [kei he-a te]
• What's the address?He aha te wāhitau?
  [he a-ha te wa-hi-tau]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ka taea e koe te whakaatu mai i ahau (i runga i te mahere)?
  [ka ta-e-a e koe te fa-ka-a-tu mai i a-ha-u i ru-nga i te ma-he-re]
• When's the next (bus)?Āhea te mutunga atu (pahi)?
  [a-po-a te mu-tu-nga a-tu pa-hi]
• A ticket (to ....)He tiki (ki te ...)
  [he ti-ki ki te]

Uaboe, like the rest of Nauru, was originally settled by Micronesian and Polynesian people over 3,000 years ago. The early inhabitants were skilled navigators and fishermen who relied heavily on the surrounding ocean for sustenance. Archaeological findings suggest that the area was part of a larger network of villages that traded goods and cultural practices.

The first recorded European contact with Nauru, including Uaboe, was in 1798 by British sea captain John Fearn. This marked the beginning of an era of European exploration and eventual colonization. In the late 19th century, Germany annexed Nauru, bringing significant changes to the island's governance and daily life. This period saw the introduction of Christianity and Western education.

Uaboe, along with the rest of Nauru, experienced dramatic changes with the discovery of phosphate in the early 20th century. The island became a significant site for phosphate mining, which brought economic prosperity but also environmental degradation. The British Phosphate Commissioners managed the extraction and export of phosphate, leading to substantial infrastructural developments in the region.

During World War II, Uaboe and the rest of Nauru fell under Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945. The island's strategic location made it a target for military operations, and many Nauruans, including those from Uaboe, were forcibly relocated to other islands or conscripted into labor. The war left significant impacts on the island's infrastructure and population.

After World War II, Uaboe, along with the rest of Nauru, underwent a period of reconstruction under Australian administration. The island gradually rebuilt its infrastructure and economy, heavily relying on phosphate mining revenues. Nauru gained independence in 1968, and Uaboe became part of the newly sovereign nation. This period saw efforts to balance economic development with environmental sustainability.

Today, Uaboe is a small but vibrant part of Nauru, reflecting the island's rich cultural heritage and complex history. The community continues to grapple with the legacies of phosphate mining and environmental challenges while striving to preserve traditional practices and promote sustainable development. Uaboe hosts various cultural events and local initiatives aimed at fostering community resilience and cultural pride.

Nauru is served by Nauru International Airport (INU), which is the only airport on the island. Flights to Nauru are limited and typically operate from Brisbane, Australia, with Nauru Airlines. From the airport, Uaboe is a short drive away, as the entire island is only about 21 square kilometers in size.

Transportation around Uaboe and the rest of Nauru is relatively straightforward given the island's small size. Taxis are available, and car rentals can be arranged through local providers. There are no public buses, so most visitors opt for taxis or rented vehicles to get around. Bicycles are also a popular choice for exploring the area.

The official currency of Nauru is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Credit cards are accepted in some establishments, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller vendors and in more remote areas. ATMs are available, but they may not always be reliable, so it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before arriving in Uaboe.

Uaboe, like the rest of Nauru, is generally considered safe for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always advisable.

In case of an emergency, dial 110 for police, 111 for fire, and 112 for medical assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available, though they may be limited in capacity. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies on the island where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially outside of beach areas. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, although Nauru has no official religion. Public Transport: Since there are no public buses, this is not applicable. Taxis and private vehicles are the main modes of transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a warm 'hello' or a handshake. Nauruans are generally friendly and approachable. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality as it is considered impolite.

To experience Uaboe like a local, visit the community markets to buy fresh produce and local goods. Engage with the residents, who are often willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the scenic views of the coastline and the remnants of the island's phosphate mining history. Additionally, walking or cycling along the coastal road provides a unique way to see the island.