Tribewanted: Vorovoro

Bula Sia!

Another week has whizzed by and I’m back in front of the laptop with the next installment.

I mentioned a film crew were on their way in my last blog. Well, on Tuesday ABC (Australia) arrived, they timed it perfectly to see Alan’s wind turbine in progress and observe the sevu sevu ceremony. Being a little camera shy, I was a little apprehensive about having a film crew on island and I had hoped to dodge the camera…Too late! Alas, they were great, they put everyone at ease, managed to get myself and a few others in front of the camera and were really enthusiastic about the whole project. Jim even did a live radio broadcast to Australia! They only had one day on the island, but seemed to really understand and want to know more about how the project worked, and did indeed look sad to leave as they rode off into the sunset and we sang ‘Isa Lei.’ (Fijian farewell song) A surreal, but great day. And for those interested, Vorovoro is due to feature on a travel show about holidaying in the Pacific Islands, at the start of next year. We’ll keep you posted when and where…sales pitch over.

On Wednesday we said a sad goodbye to 5 great tribe members/friends, including a couple of tribe members who had been on Vorovoro for over a month – a month is a long time in tribal time! That’s one of the unique aspects of the project, where the tribe members and group dynamics constantly change and evolve…it can be tough to say goodbye, but it’s also what keeps the project fresh and real and opens doors to welcome the next new arrivals. (Best wishes to all of you!)

And, another working day begins – including wind turbine and waterfall action. There was a bit of drama down at the wind turbine site on Wednesday, just as everything was going so well, a crucial pole snapped. Poor Alan had a bit of a stressful moment, and had to step things up a gear and think fast…Then, in Alan’s cool, calm and collected way – the problem was rectified and the turbine – also known as ‘Jenny’ (See Alan’s blog, for details on the name, it’s just a happy coincidence that I happen to be called Jenni too!) made it’s first few spins. Hooray, all we needed was some wind and as if by magic we got plenty of wind (and rain) that night!

On Thursday, it rained pretty much all day. It started off as a quiet day on island and was a perfect day to get started on some of those rainy day projects. And, as Alan continued to work on his wind turbine, he was blissfully unaware of the growing excitement and preparation that was taking place for a surprise party in his honour. We told him there was going to be a lovo* to celebrate a very special occasion in Fijian culture, called the ‘Vakatunudra’ – the circumcision of Tui Mali’s grandson, Ratu, who will be the next in line to be chief. Circumcision is common place in Fijian culture and normally takes place when the son is about six years old. Then four days later there is a feast to celebrate and the son will take his first shower in the sea, lucky boy. (A few worried looking tribe members thought we might actually witness the event at the celebration!)

So on Friday, we did indeed celebrate the circumcision of Tui Mali’s grandson AND had a thanksgiving presentation – called the ‘Vakavinavinaka’- for Alan and all his hard efforts on the wind turbine. Two events that naturally go together! Alan was working till the very last minute to ensure the official turning on of the lights, as the events team were on stand by to get the celebrations started. The team had been up till the early hours on Friday morning preparing food for the lovo, then up early to start and cook the lovo. Meanwhile, the women had a couple of near sleepless nights to finish weaving some mats for Alan. An incredible amount of work went into creating a feast and decorating the place, fit for a King…amazing. As soon as Alan finished work, he was ushered off to be suitably dressed for the occasion, looking like the bride-to-be, dawning a beautiful floral necklace, a new bula shirt, pocket sulu and draped in a trail of fabric. We all headed down to Poasa’s village to witness Tui Mali bless ‘Jenny’ and officially turn on the wind turbine. Alan took his place on centre stage alongside Tui Mali and his grandson and was completely overwhelmed to be presented with 2 woven mats and a whale’s tooth. A whale’s tooth is a tremendous honour, and sign of great appreciation from the Fijians, their appreciation was more than evident in the smile’s on the crowds face! All of the festivities couldn’t have been over a nicer guy and it really was a special and joyful day …and night (The kava pounding didn’t stop till 4am!)

Only 10 days till Christmas … Oh lei tamangu!!! (‘Oh My God!’) Time to head off and start thinking about Christmas…

Moce

*Lovo = Fijian style feast, that is a type of underground cooking only happens on special occasions