16:42.06S 178:32.54W

 

 

We were all ferried over to the little village and waded from the boat to the shore. The church was methodist and we were made very welcome. There was no church bell but the preacher banged away at a Fijian drum outside the church - to drum up the congregation as it were. The singing was really wonderful, though we could do no more than sway to the melody and hum along!

 

The preacher asked one of the congregation to offer us a formal welcome in English as the service was of course in Fijian. I was then obliged to respond and I did so in Gaelic first then English. I was encouraged to speak as long as I wanted, as I was assured that even though most people would not understand me (in Gaelic or English), they would enjoy hearing me speak. Perhaps like any other church, people enjoy hearing another voice other than the preachers from time to time! Trish warned me beforehand - "none of your 45 minute speels please - keep it short!" So I did.

 

As the end of the service was drawing near, all the children came over to shake our hands. At the end of the service the preacher preceded every single member of the congregation in speaking with us and shaking our hands. We could not understand the language but for sure we were made to feel very welcome.   

 

All through the service the drumming, clapping and guitar playing from the other church in the village could be heard in the little methodist church. I though a couple of times "we have come to the wrong one - there seems far more craic along the track!"

 

However, when we were strolling round the neat little rustic village after the service, the fanatical screaming and wailing coming out of the other church - "Assemblies of God" was scary, and we were glad we hadn't gone there.  

 

Back at Nukubati, before hauling anchor we called over to give some gifts to the incredible people there and say our farewells. "Wait a minute" Jenny said, "the staff will want to say goodbye to you. They would be annoyed if I let you leave without telling them!"

 

What else, but every member of staff appearing with guitars and ukuleles walking us down to the beach. They all played and sang another wonderful traditional Fijian farewell on the beach and waved us off in our dingy! Some were still there waving when we rounded the reef out of the bay with Rhiann Marie! 

 

As I said yesterday - nothing I can say could possibly do the Nukubati experience justice. Go there if you can. We had an experience we will never forget and we are certain this has been another of the highlights of our wonderful adventure.

 

When we headed into the reefs in the north of Fiji I knew we would have experiences - but never in our widest dreams could we have forseen this one.

 

To Jenny and Peter and all at Nukubati - till we meet again - "we're nae awa tae bide awa!"