Fiji is a chain of over three hundred tiny islands spread out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. We visited the port city of Suva, a fairly large city for such a small island. We had a fascinating day visiting a native village, travelling up a river by canoe to a beautiful waterfall, and back down river (part-way) by raft. It was a long and memorable day.
We were welcomed into the village by dancers and warriors in the traditional Kava ceremony. Kava is a drink made from roots, and it is reputed to taste like dirty water. We didn’t try it! There was a lot of singing and dancing. We made recordings of some of the music. The people were extremely friendly, and we felt very welcome in their village.
After we had been properly welcomed, we were taken on a tour of the village. The picture to the left is of a woman demonstrating how they make woven mats from large palm leaves. The palms are dried until they are brown. Then they are woven into mats without being taken off the stems. Some of the village women work at this kind of work all day. It looks like it would be very uncomfortable to sit on the floor like that all day.
We really enjoyed the village preschool. This picture includes all of the students. The school, itself, is only one room, and the kids are between the ages of three and five. When they reach elementary school age, they ride a bus to school outside the village. They were all very cute, and they sang a welcoming song to us.
Our lunch is co
oking underground in the picture to the left. It was delicious. Both chicken and fish were cooked in a pit over hot coals. They were served as part of a veritable feast including wonderful tropical fruits. And….the day was not over yet.
We rode on a boat, powered by a motor
and on a raft powered by a man with a pole. 
And, after a bit of a hike, we saw a most impressive waterfall! WOW!
We are having a great time and a grand adventure.
Blessings,
Linda
We loved visiting Fiji with you! Camden, you look like you are having an amazing time on your boat ride. We are a bit jealous of that feast you had but probably would have passed on the Kava drink, just like you.
We miss you and say a prayer for you every day!
We miss you, too. We are praying for you every day, too.
Love,
Camden