Bula Fiji

Bula Fiji

Oceania » Fiji » Yasawa Islands » Naviti Island
February 10th 2011

Published: February 23rd 2011

Bula. A simple Fijian greeting. I love the way the natives allow the “la” to float off their tongue, as if gently sending a kind “hello” into the warm Fiji breeze. Then there’s the way the manly men of Fiji thrust out the word from the back of their throat, with a guttural emphasis on the “Bu” – Bula!! Reminiscent of the past days when fierce warriors would cannibalize the miss... Read Full Entry

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Schroeder family

Shanghai Sheri

In 2006, our family began what we thought was a 3 year adventure of living and traveling in China. But like Gilligan, our 3 year tour turned into something much longer and deeper than we expected. This was just the beginning of our cultural travels and blogs. 3 years turned into 6 years and included a time of residence in South Korea as well. The kids have all transitioned into and out of college leaving us as empty nesters, but not empty of ambitions to continue to explore the world. Come along with us as we seek to expand our understanding of this marvelous world in which we live! ... full info

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Fresh catch

Tonight's dinner - Trevally

Another day's end

Asenaca and Sala

These ladies cared for our bure and crafted these lovely lei's for arriving guests.

Beach side hammock swing

Lovo preparation

A lovo feast was prepared. Palm leaf wrapped packets of fish, pork, lamb, cassava, bread fruit, tarot and spinach leaves in coconut milk were placed in a hot rock pit, covered with dirt, and cooked for several hours.

Hot!

When the cooking was complete, the hot cooked meal was hauled away in a wheelbarrow and tastefully presented at a "lovo feast". A Fiji tradition.

Smile!

This fresh caught parrot fish served as banquet decoration. His cute front teeth are used to crunch up coral into sand while extracting nutrients from it as he chews.

Kava hut

This typical Fiji village had several shaded areas where villagers share kava, a hallucinogenic drink.

Grandma's and babies

School soccer field

Looks inviting! Fijians LOVE soccer! Bamboo goal posts.

Say something good to someone

This prominent sign with rules to live by could not be missed by the students.

Village children

Girls in green, boys in white. They loved Jessie and getting their photo taken. The girl in the back center impressed me with her peaceful presence and desire to tell me about their worship in school, 3x/week.

Village drum

The drums are used to announce visitors, town meetings, worship, and more. Different beats for different meaning.

Fiji church

Predominantly Methodist faith, this bright place is where they worship on Sundays. The choir, 50-60 strong, clearly is a big part of worship.

Chief's house

This village has around 400 residents. Fiji village life is reputed to be very peaceful. They say their biggest possible stress is running out of kerosene or gasoline.

Village landing

It is inappropriate to enter a village without permission, wearing a hat, dressed in shorts/sleeveless shirts for girls, and without giving either a gift to the chief or paying a small fee to the first villager you meet.

Happy Long Life To You!

Island style birthday serenade.

long, long, quicker, much quicker, drum roll

Breakfast, lunch, tea time, and dinner drum call cadence

Climb up to the two palm trees and turn right

These local directions lead us up a steep, narrow mountain path to the top of Naviti island where a breeze and beautiful view await.

View toward Waya island

Yet another mountaintop

Matt and I have climbed lots of steps in the past for a beautiful view - Bali, Yunnan, Xinjiang, Xizang (Tibet), Beijing, and many in the USA. Now add Fiji to our climibing memories.

11th March 2011

James
non-member comment

Wonderful fiji
Great post. You really captured the essense of Fiji. I would love to have you as a guest blogger on my website vacations to fiji

14th March 2011

Shanghai Sheri
Schroeder family

Guest blogger????
Does that mean I get to return to Fiji to experience a bit more??? :) Thanks for your nice comments.

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