Tribewanted: Vorovoro

Where to start? I have been on the island for 2 weeks and I am calling it home already; it really is a unique place and an extremely fulfilling existence. I have experienced so much even in this short space of time and every day there is something new to learn and projects to be involved in.

This morning I was woken with beautiful Fijian voices singing morning hymns at 5.30am. This was intermingled with the cockerels crowing and bird song whilst the sun was coming up and stretching its rays across the island; the best alarm clock I have ever had.

I finally have the chance to sit down and write my first blog. A large chunk of wood as my table and the gentle sea with the two large boulders dotted with palm trees for my view. I can hear the roaring of the waves breaking on the reef out on the horizon and there are jumping fish that keep throwing themselves out of the water. My office.

What I’ve realised is that Vorovoro and its people are a never ending source of information and knowledge. I really feel like I am completely immersed in the Fijian culture and have been trying to learn the language whilst practising the Meke moves over and over again. I still have Mekes five and six to learn as well as the girls’ Meke but we performed one to four in front of Tui Mali yesterday. It really was quite a buzz, sitting there crossed legged on the stage, with such an important audience watching us. I also gave my kava as a sevusevu or ‘gift’ to Tui Mali to show my appreciation for allowing me to stay here and this was a very special moment as I was welcomed onto the island.

The Fijians have really struck me as the friendliest people that I’ve ever met. I was walking through the village last night and Francis and Poasa called me in to join their family for tea and bread. This really is a community based on generosity, love and friendship and we are all privileged that we can be here to experience all their traditions, join in with the kava ceremonies and listen to their captivating stories.

Since being on the island I’ve said goodbye already to quite a few tribe members. This has been one of the hardest parts of this adventure. Everyone has contributed to the project in so many different ways and each individual leaves such an impression that when they finally pull themselves away from the island, there is a definite sadness and loss in the air and they are very much missed. However, the positive spin on this is that new members keep coming and adding their essence and helping the project evolve and Tribe Wanted would not be what it is without this constant energy and enthusiasm.

It’s now breakfast time and most of us are going on the four peak challenge across the island today so it will be a great way to get our bearings and see the views that I’ve heard are breathtaking. It has been rumoured that on the top of each peak, the different types of Meke are performed. I can’t wait. I have just heard the breakfast bell ring and I don’t want to miss out on the ‘kakana vinaka’ – pancakes – but I will be writing more blogs soon.

In a nutshell, I am loving every minute of it!

Happy Easter to everyone :)