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Paw Paw - Log Day 254: The Fiji Islands



After our champagne sail across the Koro Sea we arrived in Savusavu Bay early this morning having enjoyed Nina's company the previous day and overnight. As both yachts made their way to Nakama Creek, we enjoyed the beautiful scenery and were pleasantly surprised at the lovely homes along the way. We also passed Cousteau Island Resort and looking forward to visiting it in the coming days.

Once we were informed of the correct clearing in process for yachts coming from Tonga specifically, due to the presence of chikengunya there, we anchored off and awaited the officials. After Paw Paw was fumigated, we were allowed to proceed to our allocated mooring ball just off Nawi Island, following which customs and immigration visited us to complete the rest of the process. It was extremely efficient and professional. Before we knew it, it was time for a nap, a hot shower and a reconnaissance in quick succession.

The Fijian islands, comprising a total of 332 islands and islets, of which Vanua Levu and Viti Levu are the largest, is populated with two ethnic groups, Melanesian and Indian. The latter communities dominate the big towns, and particularly those on the north coasts at the centre of the sugar industry. They are all descendants from the imported labour brought in by the then British authorities to develop the sugar fields.

The Fijian Indians have a natural sense of business that the indigenous Fijians lack and their prosperity has precipitated tensions and unrest between the two communities over the years, erupting in coups and causing a change to their constitution, where no Fijian Indian may hold a political position. This act, considered discriminatory, resulted in Fiji having to leave the Commonwealth. The outer islands where the Indian community had not penetrated, are maintained on traditional cultures and customs.

As such they're are strict guidelines for cruising yachts, including a rigid standard of dress and behaviour when visiting the island villages. This includes a small ceremony called sevu-sevu, where kava roots are presented to the elder chief for his blessing to visit the island. It is considered taboo not to adhere, similar to pitching your tent in someone's backyard without their permission.

So, with lots to look forward too, tonight we were simply content to enjoy a barbecue aboard while watching a spectacular sunset!

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