Hello all! Well I have probably had one of the best weeks of my life here in Fiji! The dolphins at moon reef are absolutely amazing! We're doing such cool research with acoustics, photo ID, and behaviour. We split up half and half each day to go out off the boat which is seriously like white water rafting because you get so wet. Once you get out to the reef though it calms down and it's completely worth it. The animals are so serene and peaceful and it's an incredible experience to get to study them so closely.
We have also been doing a lot in the communities surrounding the Eco lodge every night. On Wednesday we were invited to Nataleira for a traditional sevu sevu (welcoming ceremony). We walked over the black sand beaches (the only ones in Fiji) to a palm frawn hut at the outer edge of the village. There we were greete by the village elders and other important members. We presented our offering of kava and were each given the first taste while accepting the sevu sevu for our respective countries -> I got the first bowl for Canada :) after the ceremony was over and we were accepted into the village we continued in the kava circle with periodic dance parties on the beach. At one pour my dance partner looked over at me unexpectedly and said "Canadians can dance!" it seems as though he wasn't the only one that thought so a the night culminated in a dance off between me and their best. It wa a lot of fun an generated a lot of laughs. We left being told that we were welcome back to the 'Black Sand Bar' anytime.
The next night we were invited to another sevu sevu in the neighboring village of Silana. There the ceremony was held in a big welcome hall and was much more traditional than the night before. We had our kava and then got to witness a traditional story telling dance -> the Meke. It is a warrior dance learned by all male members of the village growing up an performed traditionally before battle. It was phenomenal and so great to be a part of. Fijians are natural musicians and have a very special rhythm that it is an honor to watch these dances. We also danced with the villagers in traditional two by two format. You petty much walk up and down a certain space for the length of the song.
The next day was the Moon Reef Festival. It was put on by the Sunshine Coat university visiting. It was a big sporting event put on to conserve te reef and educate about it. All the children from the high school came out to perform in the events. These were things like an ocean race, Bili Bili races, coconut tree climbing competition, and much more. It was a lot f fun to compete next to the communities and all have fun learning about the reef 7.3 out. after the festival finished lots of the volunteers went to Suva but the ones that were left and I ahead a great time. First of all a giant tall ship moored in te bay and when it's inhabitants came ashore I recognized 2 of them! Carole and Norman (volunteers from the Yasawas) were on the tall ship! It was so good to catch up with them and learn what they had been doing! We all won't out o the tall ship with them, explored, and spent a long time climbing shrouds and jumping into the water while enjoying a brilliant sunset over the hills. Coming back to shore we joined yet another kava circle and had a bonfire on the beach.
I truly truly LOVE Fiji. I hope everyone gets to come to these beautiful islands and witness the beauty and hospitality that I have. It's truly incredible.
Even though I'm having such a great time I miss everyone at home and love hearing your updates. I hope all is going well!
Now I'm enjoying my weekend off with 3 of the volunteers on a tiny island resort called Leleuvia. It's where my profile picture was taken and if someone could possibly show that to my mom that would be much appreciated as I can't on here :(
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