Nagigi Village Tour - a fantastic day!

Jackamy
Paul & Derry Harper
Wed 14 Jul 2010 20:36
 
Thursday 15th July
 
As expected Tuesday was a good night, the food was very tasty and the band played some brilliant songs all night. Amy spent the whole evening dancing with the Tippy girls, they were calling one another sisters, I think there'll be tears next week when Amy comes to leave! Paul and Linda arrived earlier in the day so it was a night of celebrating!
 
  
 
Having a spot of breakfast overlooking all the boats
 
We planned to visit a village yesterday as we'd missed out on the organised village tour with the rally the other day so we went to the market to buy some kava root to give to the chief of the village. This gift giving tradition has been going on for many many years but I just think the whole kava root gift might be a bit of a con! Anyway, whilst at the market we met a lady called Olivia who offered to take us to her village on the 1 o'clock bus and we gladly accepted.
 
  
 
Buying the kava root in the fabulous market
 
  
 
We couldn't resist some fresh coconut milk
 
 
Olivia our new friend and tour guide!
 
  
 
On the bus to Nagigi
 
 
The bus journey was great fun and the scenery was beautiful. The road climbed up and over a mountain and then all along the coast on the Hibiscus Highway through pretty villages and farmland.
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
Linda pulled the cord to ring the bell for us to get off
 
The bus dropped us off right outside Olivias house and we just had a short walk up her drive. She has a huge plot of land which has been in her family for many years so her sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and grandchildren all live within a stones throw of one another. The atmosphere was great, they were all so friendly. "Bula" (hello in Fijian) was heard from every direction!
 
  
 
  
 
Olivias house and her view!
 
  
 
We had a tour of the land. The shower and toilet is to the left and her nephew's house to the right
 
  
 
Her sisters house and us smelly the fragrant plants
 
  
 
The lounge and kitchen
 
  
 
Then it was off to the beach for the welcome kava ceremony which was conducted by the village chief who Paul presented the root too
 
 
The chief
 
  
 
The men had some first
 
 
 
Then it was the our turn
 
 
Linda wasn't so keen - Amy and Paul are strange and actually quite like it!
 
  
 
We had a bit of fun on their 'Billibili' (a raft). First of all Paul, Paul and Amy tried to fit on together but it sank
 
  
 
So my Paul and Amy had a go and then the other Paul and Amy had a go, it looked good fun!
 
 
Then we walked along the beach up to the school to see the children
 
  
 
Nagigi Primary School with sayings dotted all around the grounds
 
  
 
What a view!
 
  
 
A class was still going on and the younger childen were sat outside learning to read whilst they waited for the bus
 
  
 
The Head Boy's showed us around and the other children were excited to see us
 
  
 
Waiting for the bus we saw the chief and his daughter who was holding a huge machete! Then we caught the bus back with all the children from school. Paul caused a bit of chaos with a bag of balloons!
 
We're leaving Savu Savu this morning to start making our way through Bligh Water to Musket Cove on the south island. We've had an absolutely brilliant time here, I hope Musket Cove is as enjoyable!
 
 
Bliss!