MISS INDIA FIJI ADVENTURE

“Call us the ‘Boola’ girls,” announced a chirpy Manasvi Mamgai (PFMI 2010 World) with Nicole Faria (PFMI 2010 Earth) and Neha Hinge (PFMI 2010 International) with a giggle adding that ‘Boola’ is the Fijian way to greet.

Back from a leisurely trip to the Fiji islands, the three beauty queens finally got some time to let their lustrous hair loose, far away from India, post their win in April this year.

Life’s been hectic since the pageant win and these girls made the most of their holiday abroad. “The adventure-filled prize vacation was certainly worth every minute. We went yachting, sky diving, indulged in the traditional Kava ceremony and made lifetime friends with the happy people of Fiji," said Manasvi who found Fijians’ warmth as their winning quality.

What took the girls completely by surprise is that many people on the streets there recognised them by name. “It was unbelievable when a lady addressed me as Nicole. They asked us how we liked their country and that they were impressed with the way we had answered our question-answer rounds during the Miss India pageant in Mumbai. You know, it was a feeling of home away from home for us.”

People there follow the Miss India contest, with just as much keenness as we do in India, thanks to the residents with mixed ethnicity of Indian origin there. And not just the natives, the entire country is just as beautiful, rich with its resources and serene beaches. And that’s what caught Neha Hinge’s curiosity. Said Neha, “We went yachting and the clear blue waters looked absolutely sapphire-like in the sunlight. I liked the jet boat river safari which took us to the interiors of Fiji. We drank the traditional Kawa, a drink made from a root. People sang songs for us and we joined them in beating the drums. It was just fabulous.”


DESTINATION: FIJI
Fiji, a country known for its rich flora and underwater beauty has much to offer to visitors and tourists. Apart from eco-friendly activities and water sports, skydiving is also a growing attraction in Fiji.

SKYDIVERS DAY OUT: Manasvi Mamgai, said that sky diving from 14,000 feet above the Fiji Islands was a sight to behold. “From up above, we saw the entire coral barrier around the islands. And then from the sky, we landed right on the private beach of the hotel we were staying in. Upon landing, the entire staff and guests were there to cheer us.” Neha added saying, “It was the scariest thing I’ve ever done in life. But now when I see the video, my family feels so proud of me.”

PLANTATION ISLAND RESORT: Luxury Yacht cruise to Plantation Island Resort on island of Malolo LaiLai, part of the Mamanuca group of islands at Fiji was another lovely day sport to go for.

SIGATOKA TREATS: The Sigatoka Sand Dunes is one of Fiji’s most magnificent physical attractions along the coral coast. The girls took the Sigatoka River Safari and Fiji jet boat adventure safari into the heartland of Fiji where one travels up the Sigatoka River to visit authentic Fijian villages and experience a day in the life of the real Fijians. “We participated in the Sevusevu traditional Kava ceremony and were amazed at their hospitality and relaxed way of life. We clicked pictures with chief of the tribe there too,” added Neha.

CUISINE: “Fijians use spices in their food, just the way we do. There are also many Indian restaurants there, so an Indian does not miss his home food much,” informed Manasvi. A popular method of cooking, which is still used today, is the ‘lovo’ which is an earth oven —a fire made on in a pit in the ground lined with heat-resistant stones. Modern Fijian cuisine is rather diverse with great influence from Indian cuisine and spices.

WEATHER: A bit humid like in Mumbai, weather is sunny during the day (in May-June) and cools off by the evening, said Manasvi.

The three winners also visited the Prime Minister of Fiji as a goodwill gesture. Back home in Mumbai now, the beauty queens are completely rejuvenated and preparing for their respective international pageants.