Captains Log

Morning

On Friday morning we visited the school at Druadrua Island on the northern coast of Vanua Levu. Although we intended only visiting the school, we were welcomed by both the elders of the village and the staff and kids of the school, being accorded a traditional (but slightly informal) sevusevu ceremony (kava ceremony). Following a delightful meke (concert) put on by the school kids, we were invited to look around their school. As is often the case, everyone was very reluctant to leave the school and island, resulting in our departure being delayed by about one hour. The tide was very low during the visit which necessitated a “wet landing” and a wade ashore for a distance of about 30 or 40 metres – a small inconvenience considering the enjoyment derived from the visit.

Afternoon

Next stop was at Kia Island, about 3 hours steaming to the south west. Kia Island is west of Labasa Town and immediately adjacent to the Great Sea Reef, the third longest barrier reef in the world (third only to the Great Barrier Reef and the Belize barrier reef) which offered great snorkeling and diving to our passengers. The underwater visibility was fantastic and those who went diving encountered a number of reef sharks and a grey nurse – wonderful stuff!

In the evening the passengers experienced a Fijian kabu (kamboo) which is the name given to the combination of a sevusevu ceremony; a lovo (food cooked in an earth oven); followed by a meke (Fijian concert). Before the kabu began, Anthony Haworth, on behalf of Captain Cook Cruises, was presented with a tabua (tamboo-ar). A tabua is a whale’s tooth, usually only presented to people of high office or on very special occasions. It is arguably the most valuable and treasured gift in Fijian Culture and a great honour indeed. The tabua will be properly framed and displayed aboard the ship.

Captain Chris