Tribewanted: Vorovoro

Ha, yes well I made it safe and sound to fiji, but been so much going on that I’ve only just made it as far as blogging – now that there’s a tropical rainstorm going on! Otherwise, the weather been lovely and sunny (only one other storm at night). I’ve found out that the internet connection isn’t good enough to upload video, so the video footage will arrive once I reach New Zealand.

On the arrival day, we got picked up from the airport and taken to buy Kava root (which is mushed up for drinking) and a Sulu (Fijian sarong). Then we went to the pier to hop aboard the boat to the island. As we walked along the pier I joked ‘oh I wonder which boat it is we’re getting on’ – the rather modest 2 tier sized boat – or the tiny (large) rowing boat sized one! But we were getting aboard the tiny one!! Fortunately the sea was calm so no puking up from yours truly – phew!! Our trip was recorded by the French film crew who are making a travel documentary (one of whom has certainly added to the scenery ;-) ) We went along the river estury bordered by mangrove trees and when we reached the open sea Vorovoro was visible on the horizon.

On our arrival we were welcomed by everyone – the Tribe Wanted Chief for this month – Sophie, other visitors and Team Fiji (the local Fijian’s working on the island) greeted us with many ‘Bula Sia’s. That afternoon we got a tour of the Tribe Wanted village and the local etiquette. The Great Bure (traditional Fijian building) which they are currently busy re-roofing ready for rainy season. The Ecotricity hut that provides basic power by solar panel and wind turbine. The composting toilets, water tank, the pregnant pig, chickens, gardens various dormitories, volley ball court, tool shed, kitchens, hammock area, gymnasium (very basic!!) etc. (I think you can see a plan of it somewhere on the website.)

It’s been a bit of a blur to what’s happened when so far, but seem to have managed to do a fair bit in my first 3 days. Did some snorkelling this morning from our beach and saw an amazing variety of colourful fish very close to shore. Been helping to look after the pig and have some ideas for improving its living space, and giving it a name! I’ve learnt how to open coconuts – was crap at the splitting open stage, but a dab hand at the dessicating stage! Had a go at bamboo weaving wall panels, taken part in a ‘grog’ (drinking mushed up Kava root)session with the local Fijian chief Tui Mali. Visited a local primary school, eaten lots of tasty food, strolled along the beach, been interviewed for the tv, attended a ‘sustainability’ session, learnt Meke number 1 (Fijian dance/song) chilled out in the hammock …..phew, its tiring just thinking about it! Managed not to get ill so far, though there’s been a few stomach upsets so bit worried, but most people have been fine after a couple of days of feeling a bit wonky. Though one poor guy ended up in hospital, but that was coz he got soaked in the tree house, and got a bit of a fever and dehydrated, but he’s back safe and well after couple of days.

Oh I’m also improving on the hula-hoop ….and learning poi poi (or something like that – when you swing the swirly cloth things around ur body)

Well I think there are some new arrivals, so I’m going to stop now!