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The climate is tropical in Fiji, the most lush vegetation we’ve seen. Bananas and Papayas and Coconuts grew wild. In places the jungle was blanketed with an aggressive vine that could seemingly kill even a 50 ft. coconut tree by smothering it. |
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The people here were sad about the political unrest, the coup, which was in about it’s 15th day when we arrived. They understood the issues, and knew it was a necessary thing to happen in order to protect their way of life. |
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The people on the small island of Taveuni were the friendliest, purest people we’ve met. They were kind to us and each other and to their children They seem truly happy. |
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The Kava making and drinking ritual occurred nightly. If you are offered a bowl to drink, it is polite to clap once, thank the offered, drink it down completely, and clap 3 times when you hand back the bowl. All your friends clap with you, and exclaim ‘Bula!’. |
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The people of the village were proud of their traditions and folk songs. Everyone came for the big feast, prepared our food, and then slipped into traditional costumes and put on a great farewell show. The whole village, even the small children sang and danced. |
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Rainbow Reef Dive boat at our typical lunch stop, we’d wade to shore and they would feed us on the beach |
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Buma Falls |
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‘Kava’, made from the root of the Kava plant, can lower your blood pressure and generally reduce stress… It also makes your tongue go numb and tastes like dirt. |
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Hiking to Buma Falls |
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Above Fiji |
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Many Fiji photos: Thanks to Herb Ko |
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The girls showing off their ‘Sulus’. |
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BULA! This was the greeting everyone used, and it was always accompanied by a smile. |