Arriving to Vusaratu Village

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After a long flight, our group arrived in Savusavu. We were welcomed at the airport with our hosts from Ocean Ventures, Sara and Matthew.  They brought us to a local restaurant right on the ocean for a delicious meal.  We enjoyed eggs and French Toast while taking in an incredible view of blue green mountains and a harbor filled with sailboats.  Before departing the group changed into our village clothes, where we put on colorful sarongs, and covered our shoulders with t-shirts. We loaded into two vans and began the 1.5 hour drive to our village.  For some of us it was a new experience driving on the opposite side of the road.  We were impressed with how lush the scenery was and saw some familiar plants that also grow in Hawaii. 

We arrived to Vusaratu Village just before lunch and were warmly welcomed by the villagers. After setting down our bags, we were invited into the community space for a welcoming ceremony.  It was difficult to understand what was happening as we presented a gift of Kava to the chief and they welcomed us with prayers, colorful leis, and the most amazing coconuts to drink.  The experience was surreal for many as we stepped into a cultural experience unlike any other. Once the ceremony was over, the village continued to welcome our group with a large Fijian lunch; parrot fish, taro cakes, cassava, papaya, local fruits, and the standard juice- Tang. 

After lunch, we set out with our host families to meet the whole family and settle into our home stays. We have three students in each home. All of the host families are so nice, kind and generous. One of the grandmas is so welcoming and sweet. She was weaving some mats and offered to show us how.  The village kids are so curious about us and undeniably cute. 

Just before dinner, we went to cool off with a snorkel right next to the village.  The snorkeling was clear and we saw so many new types of corals.  We were particularly impressed with how warm the water was and the biodiversity in Natewa Bay.  We look forward to seeing more on our next dives. 

Our evening ended early. Everyone was so exhausted from our travels and couldn’t wait to finally sleep in a bed.  We are excited for the days to come!  

Driving to Vusuratu Village

Our first few minutes in Vusuratu Village - being welcomed by the chief.



After 24 hours of traveling with intense heat - these cooled coconuts were exactly what the team needed!

Our first lunch with our new friends!

Landing in Savusavu from Nadi.








Comments

  1. mriceMarch 12, 2024 at 1:53 PM

    What a yummy looking dinner!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMarch 12, 2024 at 2:42 PM

    What fun! I'm hanging on every word and photo. Keep 'em coming!

    ReplyDelete

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