Wednesday 18^th Feb

Today we visited Taveuni, the third largest island. It’s inhabitants were feared throughout the Fiji group as fierce warriors who relished the taste of human flesh. We visited the 180^th meridian close to the town of Waiyevo before heading to Wiriki Catholic Mission, an orphanage and boarding school set on a hill over looking the Somosom Strait. The church was built in 1907 of stone and glass, the church with on pews has survived all hurricanes……….. “a miracle”.

This afternoon we visited Kioa Island. Since 1946, when it was purchased by the Ellis Islands, it has been the home to 300 Polynesians from Vaitupu Island who faced over population on their own home island. They have a form of self government with compulsorily civil service for age 16 to 49. Sixteen council elders act a judiciary and administrative leaders. All have schooling and health care in a clean orderly environment….…….unlike adjacent islands. The locals came out to meet the ship in outrigger canoes. We had a guided village tour and traditional Polynesian entertainment.  Then local crafts………..placemats for all next Christmas!

 

About Fiji Time

Not only is this the home of the 180^th time meridian but like the Caribbean has a form of “island time”. It is not just about being late…… it can be early or….. not at all. Example; yesterday we arrived on the beach at 10 am for the 9am swim only to find it was going to be the 11 am bus tour but no bus  arrangements had been confirmed. After two hour and some rain all was cancelled and we returned to the ship for 11 am morning tea to be served 1pm  lunch. Believe me it get better!