sv evi

Returning to Qamea offered many of the same activities as the visit months before.  Much interaction with the locals of Waibulu, reef diving with Dan Lulu, visitors out to the boats, church and feasts.  Hanging with Vejan and Ruven on the other side of the bay made for a sweet reunion.  One day we sailed across the strait to Taveuni to provision and treated them to their first sail.

Vejan Riki and Ruven

Riki Ruven & Fiji Gold

After sevusevu with Chief Dan we were welcomed into the village with open arms and spent the next couple of nights making music around the kava bowl.  The big surprise was Dan’s daughter of 12 who stunned us with her shy yet angelic singing of traditional Fijian songs.

Dan Lulu’s Pad

First ride with Dan’s family after I aided in his outboard repair.  Guava in the background.

Waibulu Village

Waibulu Marina

Much time was spent on the reef with Dan as we hunted for a variety of fish to feed his large family.  Rain or shine…mouths have to be fed and actually I enjoy diving in the rain.

The first reef is close enough to swim to and offers a spectacular variety of corals typical of Fijian reefs.  Venturing out farther there are larger fish like waloo, barracuda and dog-toothed tuna.  Reef sharks are always present.  The clarity of the water is often 60-100ft.

Cabbage and other soft corals

Ambitious

Corals and fins

Navivi Reef

Jason Cousteau

Typical Fijian Reef

The church service was held in the small shack abutting the minsters house.  As before he delivers the most spirited sermon of any services I have attended in Fiji.  Followed was an impromptu jam session, lunch, and a stroll on the grounds to survey the plans for the new church which was destroyed in 2010 cyclone Thomas.

Minister Seti’s House and attached chapel.

Chapel

During our 10 day stay we befriended a fishing vessel and hung with some very interesting Fijians.  Now the tricky part..they are Indo-Fijian but that term has been ‘outlawed’  by the government.  We had spirited conversations on their vessel while servicing my outboard, drinking kava and generally yukking it up.

Paul driving my dinghy to see the chief

Chone (Jonny) his styroboat and the upgraded paddle i donated.  He was using that stick as an oar.

Here is a pic of the bundles of yangona, the raw kava product, and the means that it is presented to the chief.  I also purchased a formal sulu (sarong) to wear when the situations arise.  Kinda like a tuxedo sarong.