Viti Levu, Fiji — Suva and Navua River Cruise

The village

Our next stop on the island of Viti Levu was the Fiji capital city of Suva.  But we didn’t spend long here, as Ursula had us booked for a little adventure.  After a short bus ride we boarded boats for a ride up the Navua River.

Navua River boat ride

Our first stop was to a charming traditional communal Fiji village where we were greeted by friendlies.  That’s good, because only a few hundred years ago the Fijis were known by another name — The Cannibal Isles.  Fortunately everyone we met was on the wagon, so to speak.

Village dancers

Fijian Bure

Still, you didn’t want to be the one who offended the villagers.

It wasn’t me. Honest.

Here we selected a “leader” for our “tribe” who represented us to the head of the village.  After a detailed briefing on the dos and don’ts we were officially “greeted.”

The Villagers Welcome Us

Greeting ceremony — one wrong step and you’re on the menu!

Following the official greeting we were treated to a dance of the village warriors.

War Dance Ritual

War Dance Ritual

There was a brief break while we waited for lunch.  He hadn’t arrived yet.  Just kidding.  Anyway we toured the village and met with villagers before heading out to the barbeque.

Village Bure

Sing along

Our village guide

Then it was time to go out and dig up our Bob-eque . . . er, Barb-eque.  What ever.

Guess who’s for dinner

In-ground oven

After lunch we visited the village school (you’ll see that on Fun Photo Friday), shopped some really nifty crafts, and boarded our boats to continue upstream.

Along the Navua River

Farther upstream we left the boats behind us and trekked into the dense jungle.

Trekking into the jungle

And what brought us into the jungle?  A magnificent waterfall.

Navua River waterfall

Come back for this week’s Fun Photo Friday with my favorite shots of Viti Levu.