The Hidden Gem of Nauru: Uaboe District

• HelloIaorana
  [yo-ra-na]
• GoodbyeKaore
  [ka-re]
• YesE
  [e]
• NoAe
  [ai]
• Please/You're welcomeFa'amalie
  [fa-a-ma-lie]
• Thank youFa'afetai
  [fa-a-fe-tai]
• Excuse me/SorryFa'amalie
  [fa-a-ma-lie]
• How are you?O ai oe?
  [o ai oi]
• Fine. And you?Lelei. O a?
  [le-lei o a]
• Do you speak English?E te leoleo i le fa'ainga?
  [e te le-o-le-o i le fa-a-inga]
• I don't understandE le mafai ona malamalama
  [e le ma-fai o-na ma-la-ma-la-ma]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseO a ou te fia vaega i le menu, fa'amalie
  [o a ou te fi-a va-e-ga i le menu, fa-a-ma-lie]
• I don't eat meatE le auai ma mea
  [e le au-ai ma me-a]
• Cheers!Manuia
  [ma-nu-ia]
• I would like to pay, pleaseO a ou te fia totogi, fa'amalie
  [o a ou te fi-a to-to-gi, fa-a-ma-lie]

• Help!Tulou!
  [tu-lou]
• Go away!Alu atu!
  [a-lu a-tu]
• Call the Police!Valaau i le Fa'amasinoga!
  [va-la-au i le fa-a-ma-si-no-ga]
• Call a doctor!Valaau i le foma'i!
  [va-la-au i le fo-ma-i]
• I'm lostUa o le taulima
  [ua o le tau-li-ma]
• I'm illUa ou matagofie
  [ua ou ma-ta-go-fi-e]

• I'd like to buy...O a ou te faatau...
  [o a ou te fa-a-tau]
• I'm just lookingO a ou te vaai
  [o a ou te va-ai]
• How much is it?O le a le totogi?
  [o le a le to-to-gi]
• That's too expensiveO lelei le totogi
  [o le-lei le to-to-gi]
• Can you lower the price?E mafai ona fa'atagofie le totogi?
  [e ma-fai o-na fa-a-ta-go-fi-e le to-to-gi]

• What time is it?O le a le taimi?
  [o le a le tai-mi]
• It's one o'clockO le tasi
  [o le ta-si]
• Half past (10)Itula i le (10)
  [i-tu-la i le (10)]
• MorningI taeao
  [i ta-ea-o]
• AfternoonI le aoauli
  [i le a-o-au-li]
• EveningI le po
  [i le po]
• YesterdayAnanafi
  [a-na-na-fi]
• TodayLenei aso
  [le-nei a-so]
• TomorrowAso
  [a-so]
• 1Tasi
  [ta-si]
• 2Lua
  [lu-a]
• 3Tolu
  [to-lu]
• 4Fa
  [fa]
• 5Lima
  [li-ma]
• 6Ono
  [o-no]
• 7Fitu
  [fi-tu]
• 8Valu
  [va-lu]
• 9Iva
  [i-va]
• 10Ivafulu
  [i-va-fulu]

• Where's a/the...?O fea se/le...?
  [o fe-a se/le]
• What's the address?O le a le tuatusi?
  [o le a le tua-tu-si]
• Can you show me (on the map)?E mafai ona fa'amatala ia te au (i le mapa)?
  [e ma-fai o-na fa-a-ma-ta-la ia te au (i le ma-pa)]
• When's the next (bus)?O le a le aso o le faaiga i tua?
  [o le a le a-so o le fa-a-i-ga i tua]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiketi (i le ....)
  [ti-ke-ti (i le)]

The Uaboe District, like the rest of Nauru, was originally settled by Micronesian and Polynesian peoples over 3,000 years ago. The district's name 'Uaboe' is derived from the indigenous Nauruan language. The early settlers lived a subsistence lifestyle, relying on fishing and farming. They developed a rich cultural heritage, including unique forms of dance, music, and art, which have been passed down through generations.

In the late 19th century, European explorers and traders began to visit Nauru, including the Uaboe District. In 1888, Nauru was annexed by Germany and became part of the German colonial empire. The impact on the local population was significant as traditional ways of life began to change. German colonial administrators imposed new systems of governance, and Christian missionaries introduced new religious practices.

The discovery of phosphate deposits in the early 20th century transformed Uaboe District and the rest of Nauru. In 1906, the Pacific Phosphate Company began mining operations on the island. The extraction of phosphate brought economic opportunities but also led to environmental degradation and social changes. Many locals were employed in the mines, but the industry was primarily controlled by foreign interests.

During World War II, Nauru, including Uaboe District, was occupied by Japanese forces from 1942 to 1945. The occupation was a harsh period for the local population, with many people being forced into labor and suffering from shortages of food and medical supplies. Allied forces bombed the island heavily, causing widespread destruction. After the war, Nauru came under the administration of Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Nauru gained independence in 1968, and Uaboe District became part of the newly sovereign nation. The 1970s and 1980s were a period of prosperity due to high phosphate revenues. However, by the 1990s, phosphate reserves were nearly depleted, leading to economic challenges. Today, Uaboe District is a residential area with a mix of traditional and modern influences, reflecting Nauru's complex history and its ongoing efforts to diversify its economy and preserve its cultural heritage.

Nauru does not have a large number of international flights, but you can reach Uaboe District by flying into Nauru International Airport. The airport is located in Yaren District, only a short drive from Uaboe. Flights are typically available from Brisbane, Australia, and some Pacific island nations. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for a rental car to reach Uaboe District.

Getting around Uaboe District and the rest of Nauru is relatively straightforward. The island is small, so renting a car or a bicycle is a convenient way to explore. Taxis are also available but may be limited, so it’s advisable to arrange transportation in advance when possible. There is no public bus system, but walking is a viable option for shorter distances.

The official currency of Nauru is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it is essential to carry cash for most transactions. There are limited ATM services on the island, primarily located in the Aiwo District, so it is recommended to withdraw sufficient cash upon arrival.

Uaboe District is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it is always wise to remain cautious and practice standard safety measures. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your personal belongings. There are no specific neighborhoods in Uaboe known for crimes targeting tourists.

In case of an emergency, dial 110 for police assistance and 111 for medical emergencies. The Republic of Nauru Hospital in Denigomodu District is the primary medical facility on the island. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, but the selection may be limited, so bring essential medications with you.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting local communities and religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. While Nauru does not have many formal religious sites, being respectful in community spaces is important. Public Transport: As there is no public transport system, do be courteous if you use taxis or shared rides. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly nod or a handshake. A warm 'hello' goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food graciously if offered. Don’t waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Uaboe District like a local, visit the coastal areas for fishing and enjoy the serene beaches which are less crowded than other parts of the island. Engage with local community events and celebrations if you have the opportunity. Don’t miss the chance to try traditional Nauruan dishes such as coconut fish and fresh seafood. Respect the slow-paced lifestyle and take time to appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility of the district.