Waya Yasawa – Part 2

After a short trip, we anchored up in the north bay off the village of Nalauwaki.

As we proceeded ashore, we were greeted by Tom who encouraged us to visit the village which sounded like fun.

As is customary, we were asked to make Sevu Sevu (an offering of Kava) to the village Chief. On the way to the village, Tom pointed out this large canoe which had been destroyed by a cyclone 2 years before.

Climbing over a rock stairway, we saw this welcome sign – and indeed we were welcomed warmly with hearty Bula Bula’s by children and adults alike.

At the center of town was the Methodist church surrounded by homes and near the end was the Chief’s bure. After a brief ceremony sitting on woven mats on the floor, we were off to a nice waterfall on the edge of town.

The day was stifling so sitting in the cool volcanic spring water was delightful.

On the way back to town, we stopped by the local Kindergarten where children aged 4, 5 and 6 attend school each day from 8 until 12. It was 12:30 and the children were already at play for the day so Deb said she would be back to visit the next day during school hours.

Tom then invited us back to his home for lunch. The eating area is a raised platform with a roof overhead and the family sits cross legged on the platform with the food placed in the center. The Mother remains standing adjacent to the platform and the open wood burning fireplace where all of the food is prepared.

Lunch was a soup with noodles and pork, breadfruit, papaya and strong hot tea.

After lunch, we were invited in to the house where the women had local crafts on display for sale. Steve remained outside and with a number of local men and they all enjoyed smoking Steve’s cigarettes and chatting.

Inside, the house had a woven mat floor and several uncovered foam mattresses for sleeping. Mom settled the youngest children down for an afternoon nap while older brother talked to us.

There was a resort on the other side of the island over a small saddle that we wanted to see so Tom led us to the path and wished us well while making us promise that we would visit again.

Octopus resort caters to young people with numerous activities, a fresh water pool, restaurant and bures. The atmosphere was wonderful. Folks from the village are employed by the resort and the resort has made numerous contributions to improve the lives of the villagers.

On the hike back over the saddle, we took this picture of Iron lady sitting peacefully in the bay off the village.

Nest morning, Deb went back to see the children in school and they were so excited, we could here them out on the boat singing and doing nursery rhymes. When it came time to leave, they all trooped thru the village behind Debby singing – it was like a scene from the Pied Piper.

Finally, a few additional shots taken around Waya.