Vanua Balavu, Fiji

After catching a bright full moon illuminating the sky before sunrise, today we visited Vanua Balavu, Fiji.  This was a delightful small village that doesn’t get many cruise ship visitors.  We might have been the first.  They were lovely and so very friendly.

Upon arrival by zodiac ashore we were greeted by some adults singing welcome songs, but then we were greeted by fearsome young warriors . . . who immediately broke character and started laughing and posing for pictures.  A short walk through the village took us to the town green, where we were offered food and coconuts to drink, and then singing and dancing.  This was then followed by the traditional Kava Ceremony.  

This is why to come to this part of the world, to visit these sorts of remoter villages where our arrival (and tourist $) are much and genuinely welcome.