Tribewanted: Vorovoro

Having just started my new job in the corporate world for the first time, I was finding the first 3 months a real struggle. I’ve never been one to enjoy sitting at a desk, and 9-5 5 days a week was really doing my head in… I needed a break! Haha yes even after only 3 months. Having been to Fiji before, and since its only a 4 hour flight, I found my website search on the legal requirements of the EP&A act sneakily changing to flights to Fiji.

Having found some cheap flights, step one was complete, but I couldn’t decide where to go. I wanted something off the beaten track, but at the same time somewhere where I had a chance to relax in the sun and unwind from the pressures of the office. I thought it would be impossible to find somewhere to stay which is cheap and helps local communities, and is adventurous and relaxing/tranquil at the same time. Then I found Vorovoro. It’s a place that ticks so many boxes. It’s a volunteer holiday, it’s a snorkelling/beach holiday, it’s a culture exchange, and it welcomes you as a family – (great if your travelling solo). And you can do whatever you like on the day! Help out in the gardens, go fishing, or relaxing and reading a book, – it is entirely up to you. It sounds too good to be true, but I assure you it is all those things!

Anyways, so I was really just looking for an island holiday to get away from it all, but I found more. The people there really amazed me. I only went for a week, but I feel such a strong attachment to the place and people ☺! The open hearts of team Fiji, and the Fijians in the villages, as well as the tribe members amazed me. I was wary of it at first, believing that their kindness and friendship is only a service, or they wanted something in return. But it’s just the way of life on the Vorovoro Island and of the Fijian culture, and that open heart is something I’m going to try and keep with me, and learn from for a while.

Highlights of my trip include listening to Tuli Mali and PuPu’s stories, and actually Lucas’s – (he’s only 12, but so full of stories!), gymnastics on the grass and sand with Beth, Spear fishing with Oli, Boso and Api, snorkelling and sunbaking with jadie, singing with Bembe and the tribe, the beautiful 4 peaks walk with Jimmy, eating stingray, overcoming my fear of sharks by seeing about 20 on our reef trip!, hammock chats with Simonne, Wati’s cooking 5 times a day, playing with the kiddies especially my little Mana (he was almost kidnapped into my suitcase), curling up with Jessica the “chuchi” cat and Tai Masala tea made courtesy of Bembe or Jenny, and hearing constant laughter!!

I’ve promised to come again, and theres no way I’m breaking that promise, I’m already thinking of my next trip there. I’ll be there soon guys! As you said Jenny it’s only a ‘hop skip and a jump’ away from Sydney.

Thanks to all who has made such a wonderful place possible. Ben and James, the guts and drive and fortitude you had to start and continue something like this amazes me. And Tui Mali the chief, what a wonderful man, it is often rare to see such a well-grounded and fair man in such a place of power/authority, and Tui Mali is one – turning down a million dollar survivor deal, in preference for Tribewanted – something better for his people and environment. It’s more sustainable, more green, provides jobs to the villages, and brings people together. And to the Cahill’s, Vorovoro is so lucky to have them – they do so much for the project. And of course beautiful Bembe, such a colourful chick, and does so much behind the scenes work on Vorovoro while us tribe members get a sleep in ☺. It will be sad to go back without you there. Vinaka Vaka Levi.

And Jadie when your passing through Sydney give me a buz. And of course to all the other tribe members I met, if you happen to one day be going through Sydney my door is open.

Till next time!!

Much love, and lots of kisses,

Natuli, xx