Bula Vinaka!
We are very sad to be leaving the beautiful village of Nakuku tomorrow. Our group came to this small Fijian village with the goal of building a footpath, but we have learned and accomplished much more. Our first day we were welcomed into the village by means of a formal ceremony, and then were split up into groups of two to meet our host families. After settling in, we had our first taste of Fijian cuisine, which is very delicious. The next morning we began our work on the path. In the afternoon, we were able to walk down to the river, where freshwater prawns are caught.
Throughout the week we learned many things from our Fijian hosts. We learned how to climb trees for coconuts, catch prawns, and harvested pumpkins, taro leaves, pineapples and breadfruit. Every meal we ate was cooked for us by the women of the village, and may have gained a couple of pounds because it was so good.
During the days for the first week we worked on the cement path that runs down the center of the village. In the heart of the village there is a massive dakua tree and in the afternoon we spent many hours reading and relaxing in its shade, playing with the children that had just gotten back from school. The kids here quickly became comfortable with us, and we are going to miss their energy and joy when we leave. We also filled some of our afternoons with trips, such as walking to the beach or river.
A large part of our experience here in Nakuku has been immersing ourselves in the culture. We came to build a path, but that was a means to an end. Our real purpose was to learn from Fijian people and to build relationships. A lot of that was done at the Kava circle. Every night in this village people drink kava – a drink that comes from a ground up root. It is a large part of Fijian culture and we did our best to become a part of that tradition. People sing songs and tell stories around the kava bowl while passing around the drink. Although none of us had any experience with this custom, we were welcomed in as family. Some nights only one or two of us went to, but a couple nights they have dances, or “mekkas”, and all of us, most of the village, and even some people from other villages would go down to the main hall and talk and dance with one another.
Tonight will be our last night in Nakuku, and a party is being held for our departure. We will give thanks to our host and partake in a farewell ceremony. After, we will have one last night in the village hall dancing, drinking kava, and socializing. Early tomorrow morning we will embark from the village and make our way to the Coral Coast back near where our adventure in Fiji began. The next few days will be spent at a house on the coast, relaxing and reflecting.
Bula to all of our families back home!
Brian and Emma