How does one make contact with locals in a new place? Didn you feel like imperialists when you came ashore, seeking contact with natives in the old island colonies?
No, not at all. In our experience, the best approach is to be humble and polite. Acting superior doesn’t get you anywhere. Our own origin and lifestyle were always secondary topics. Natives reacted nearly always favourably when approached with interest in their lifestyle and culture, and in what they were doing then and there. Despite being timid, most natives love to show off their skills, i.e. weaving rugs, braiding mats and baskets, casting fish nets, collecting coconuts, and cooking in underground ovens etc. With very few exceptions, we found that natives welcomed questions and interest in their lifestyle with pleasure, especially if we wanted to learn something from them. And they really loved it when we were clumsy and just couldn’t do it! On some islands in the Pacific, it is customary upon arrival to seek permission from the Chief to visit his community. A gift is then required. This could be anything from the traditional kava root (Fiji) to cigarettes and clothing, fishhooks a
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