Tribewanted: Vorovoro

(quote from Jim Kerridge – island gapper extraordinaire)

I’ve just bushwacked my way through the four peaks challenge for the first time – by myself! YEAH! I have a sense of achievement and am feeling on top of the world. Or on top of Vorovoro, which is also pretty cool. While climbing up the third peak I could hear meke madness as fellow tribe members prepared for a performance planned for later in the day.

It’s my second to last day on the island after three weeks of relaxation and so far I’ve packed in a swim, snorkel, walk, and a shower under the waterfall. I’ve taken a couple of last minute photos and had a bit of time to reflect.

Some Fijians from another village are bringing supplies for the new workers’ bure and our tribe is going to perform some meke for them behind the great bure. I’ve decided to sit out and watch from the sidelines today so am wearing a brightly coloured shirt and sulu and carrying one million cameras.

The tribe members are dressed up and bedaubed in black paint – anticipation hangs in the air. Tui Mali must be taking some r’n’r today because he sends his brother, Poasa, to act as chief. The ceremony takes place, kava is exchanged, words spoken, and the meke begins. First the men, then the women perform. As the Fijians laugh louder and louder at the women’s meke, I hope that the new arrivals realise the laughter is in appreciation. There seems to be a bit of confusion during the fan dance, which increases when Jone hops up in aviator sunglasses, and pops chewing gum in their mouths as they try to dance!

I feel a bit sad to be leaving and perform with the rest of the tribe when we meke the socks off the Fijians with mekes one to six. I’ve finally nailed most of the moves and feel amazing when Poasa comes up later and congratulates me.

And that’s what I miss most about Vorovoro: the love. At home, I get love from my boyfriend (of course!) and my friends, but being surrounded by loving, caring, open-minded people 24-7 is an experience with no equal. Like-minded people have gathered together for a reason, to enjoy each other’s company. Age, race, and religion are all forgotten in the quest for the common goal: furthering the membership of the Hammock Society.

While I was on the island, my auntie died and I wasn’t able to get home to support my family at that time. I want to send out a big vinaka vaka levu to everyone who helped me with the memorial service on the beach. It meant more than you will ever know – a random act of kindness that was not only appreciated by me but also by family at home. My cousin and her daughter were blown away by what you did – vinaka.

I tried to resist falling in love with the place, but it got under my skin and into my dreams. Go forth and discover it for yourself!

Last shout outs: vinaka to the Tribewanted team: Amy, Ben, Giles, and Jim – I appreciate everything you do – keep rocking on with your good young selves. Vinaka also to Leavi and Save, two people who shared a bit of wisdom and laughter with me, not to mention a rainy afternoon jammin’ in the sustainability hut with Ben and me.

Peace, Hannah (Ana)

Footnotes:
1. Sulu = sarong
2. Meke = dance
3. Vinaka vaka levu = thank you very much
4. Tui Mali = the chief of Mali, Ratu Apenisa Bogiso
5. There were so many things I could blog about but didn’t (“Thank God!”, they cry!), check some out here:

http://www.tribewanted.com/blogs/blogs_from_vorovoro/1757

http://www.tribewanted.com/users/6434/blogs/1719

http://www.tribewanted.com/blogs/my_vorovoro/1722

http://www.tribewanted.com/blogs/my_vorovoro/1721