Archive for January 10th, 2008

Viva La Flip-flops!

Posted by Allen in fiji, flip-flops, lifestyle on January 10, 2008

A popular form of casual footwear in Fiji is the flip-flop. The common ones can be cheaply purchased from any shoe shop in Fiji, with the most popular brands being the “Bata” and “Bobcat” brand.

Personally, I prefer the “Bata” brand, which are simply black in colour and plain in appearance i.e. no fancy designs. Since I have yet to become a certified flip-flop reviewer, I won’t go into the pros and cons of the aforementioned brands.

When it comes to footwear, one of the favourite pastimes for most locals when visiting a house, is to walk away with someone else’s pair. This form of activity can also be classified as stealing, but since it has become common occurrence, and due to the fact that the common flip-flops are sold cheaply, most people have come to accept this as the norm. [Translation: This is Fiji Style]

I choose to wear “Bata” flip-flops, when visiting homes where common wisdom has it that there is a very high risk that I may never see my (costly or cheap) footwear again.

Yours truly, recently became a victim of this country’s favourite pastime. What makes this incident rather peculiar is that the culprit walked off with only one half of my flip-flop, and was kind enough to leave behind a smaller size.

The latest in Fiji footwear fashion. I present to you the wrong sizes.
Warning: Viewing the enlarged (disgusting) image may cause
Nausea and Loss of Appetite


I guess it’s time to visit the shoe shop for another cheap pair of flip-flops. As for now, I’m content with going pato, which is local speak for barefoot.

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