Tribewanted: Vorovoro

Bula once more! Its close to the half way mark for me now and in the past week i really feel like we have achieved alot collectively – as both a tribe and a community – on Vorovoro. Post- Hurricane Damon weather has been AWESOME – hardly any rain during daylight hours and therefore ample opportunity to get on with our multiple projects. The majority of the week was giving the whole island some well needed TLC. It was sweaty work in the heat, but, spurred on by some uplifting tunes, we all got stuck in. I made it my personal goal to get rid of every weed in sight, and Pu Pu spent about two days raking up mountains of leaves. Poasa even got in there with his lawnmower. It is so rewarding to be able to step back after all this work and see what a difference our hard work has made. I am very happy to have the whole place looking spotless for the festive season.

Tevita is also now back on the island and i made sure we got immediately stuck in with some well overdue meke practice. How wonderful it was to immerse myself in the rhythmic singing and dancing once more. Lets just say that i have alot of personal practice to get in so that i am up to standard for our next formal performance….. Meke-ing has come along way since i was last here and i have to say i am very impressed by how well the long standing staff members on the island can almost look like they have a bit of fijian blood in their veins when dancing!

We also welcomed Bengazi home on friday with much exchanging of kava and chats around the grog bowl. The stars were shinning, the weather was calm, everyone was chilled and content. It was awesome to see so many faces from my vantage point on the mat – both new and old. At present, we have 5 former chiefs on the island (wee if you can work out who they are….!), plus me! Quite a few new tribies have now arrived as we approach christmas. They are all very much up for getting involved, which is always refreshing.

Yesterday (sunday), we managed to pull off another “no gas sunday”, despite our larger numbers. I insisted on a mexican theme for dinner, and sent a few boys out to kill a couple chickens, which is always good fun! Thanks for Paddy and Ruan, a couple of Irish tribies with us at the mo, we managed to pull off some awesome burritos, with tortilla wraps made from scratch, and a fresh veg chilli on the side. We also made spiced rice in the oven (led by paddy), which i have to say was a first for me, and something i hope we repeat!

Moce for now, I’m off shopping for christmas presents…..