“bula”
their lives and their families. They explained that the revenue they will receive from a newly approved copper mining project in their area will be good, but it will mean relocating some of the villages.
The next day, Matthew and I powered a tandem kayak a long way out to the sea, paddling through mangrove forests, where we saw mud lobsters, herons, kingfishers and fruit bats. Our guides told us this area is like “the ocean’s nursery,” where many of the inhabitants live until they can head for their permanent home in Bequa Lagoon. While snorkeling in the coral reefs, we were able to see a wide array of tropical fish, and to take a much needed rest before heading back to the white sand beach of our hotel.
One evening I ventured into the local Pacific Harbour village to try the local massage. Like many things in the village it was “open air,” so for a portion of the treatment, visitors going by could watch. Getting a massage from three Fijian women simultaneously was a unique experience, and
the village proved to be a great place to get gifts for my family as well.
This next-to-last morning we set out on a two-day river adventure into the Namosi Highlands in individual kayaks, a new challenge after rafting and tandem boats. Our starting point was a small village where we were welcomed
quickly struck up new friendships swimming in the hotel pool and ocean surf.
The next morning, churning down the Upper Navua River on a raft, Matthew and I were
amazed by the high canyons, waterfalls, flora and fauna; everything looked untouched, pristine. We learned that our guides’ families were the owners of the land and that River Fiji has an
exclusive agreement with the landowners whereby the villages receive a set amount per person for the trips. Our guides’ love of their homeland resonated in their voices as they told us about
References:
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