Fiji Time

Our five days in Fiji were lovely. We spent them reading and relaxing, playing ping pong or pool volleyball. We could snorkel right from the beach there, so we explored in the warm, warm, warm, shallow coral reef. We saw blue starfish and lots of fish.

One day we walked to the next village to meet the chief with a small group from our resort. Pat and I expected to shop and meet locals, so we changed money before walking over. Instead, it was just a walk to the chief's hut, a stroll amongst the other huts, and a walk back. Very simple. Nothing touristic or flash about it. How great! Each group needs it's own chief and spokesperson, since we were replicating another tribe coming to the village for the first time. They picked the tall guy. Yup. Pat was Chief!

We entered the chief's home, first taking off our shoes, sunglasses, and hats. He spoke to us in Fijian, then English, thank heavens! As he spoke, his young assistant made Kava. Kava is made from a powder from local plants mixed with water in a large bowl. He squeezes the bag and stirs the mixture somewhat like mixing tea might be. The concoction is cloudy and grey in color. We were taught the words and clapping before each one of us took a drink from the cup, Pat first, of course, being Chief!

He spoke about the government, the traditions, the customs, schools, celebrations, etc. of the village and of Fiji. Then we had another round of Kava. He asked us each to introduce ourselves and tell what we do, where we come from. More Kava. It tasted really like nothing but water. It did leave a numbing sensation on the lips and tongue. We had read it will cause drowsiness. Hmmm. I didn't bother wondering what the drinking age was in Tagaqa! Well, after three rounds we still were fine, but our swigs (for lack of a better term!) were small. Our guide helped himself to 6 oz. drinks each time, and he was spinning by the time we got up to leave!

I was hoping to peek inside the school room or place where the children learn. So I asked the guide, "Is there a school room here or . . . do the children learn . . . out here?" He tried to focus on my face, made the attempt to speak and then said, "The children . . . are . . . everywhere . . ." That was as good as it was going to get! I did get photos of the children who posed for us when we showed our cameras.

Beautiful people. Beautiful place.