Location: Drawaqa Fiji
Bula! We had an amazing day in Drawaqa today. We started the day by dividing into two groups to go snorkeling. Towards the end of group one’s snorkel, we spotted some manta rays on the drone and watched the group snorkel around with them. I was in group two, and by the time we got out to the snorkel site, there were mantas everywhere! It was so amazing to get to swim with them, and we got some sick videos. They are such beautiful and peaceful creatures. After the snorkel session, we all met back up for lunch. Then it was time for the original open water students to do their first advanced open water dive! While we did that, everyone with higher certifications had a beach day nearby. They spent a few hours snorkeling the shallow reefs and lying in the sand. Special shout out to Garrett and Arden for staying on the boat to study their collision regulations instead of going to the beach. They were seriously locked in.
Once we all met back up at Vela, we rushed through our shower routines and got dressed and ready for sign-out night! A few boats from the resort came and picked us up, and then we were off to Barefoot Manta Island! After a tour of the resort and their marine science area, we got to listen to a talk about manta rays and their habits in the channel we swam in earlier. After that, we all went to the beach to take sunset pics and talk before the Kava ceremony. Some of us got sodas, and it was so nice to have a cold drink again. The Kava ceremony began with an amazing performance from the island locals of traditional songs and dances. Then we were all called up to dance! We had so much fun spinning around and listening to the music! Two volunteers were needed for the Kava portion of the ceremony, and Josephine was chosen as chief, and Charles was chosen as her spokesperson.
In Fijian culture, the Kava ceremony cannot begin without the chief’s say, but the spokesperson must speak for them. We all sat around and were served a bowl of Kava. It is customary to clap once before accepting the bowl, then yell “Bula!”, then drink the entire bowl, and clap three times when you’re done. After the first-round dinner was served, some of us stayed up with the chief for a few more bowls. We’ve got to ask the locals more questions about the ceremony and the meaning of it all. Kava is the root of a bush-like plant that is chopped and ground up before being put in a cloth bag and strained in water. It is a traditional drink of celebration that is meant to relax the body. Everyone was so nice when answering all our questions, and we could tell they appreciated our enthusiasm to learn more about their culture. After a few more rounds and great conversation, we had one last dance before saying goodbye and heading to a traditional Fijian dinner.
There was so much food, and it was all delicious! After dinner, we had an hour to explore and interact more with the locals. We met the night security guard named Maci, and he was so excited to share more about his culture and life with us. I am so grateful for such an amazing day!! From being feet away from massive manta rays to having the privilege of taking part in such an amazing culture. That’s all for today. You’ve been blogged.