Finally we felt good enough to move and see the village of Daliconi, and to present our Kava/Yangona to the elders as traditional present. Anchoring in front of the village is less than ideal, we did find a sandy spot within all the coral, in ~50 feet. By the time we had let out all the chain, we were swinging in 70-80 feet.
Landing the dinghy was OK at high tide, but if we stay too long, we may not get off due to an extensive shoal reef. Another boat was anchored here and we briefly chatted, then learned we should bring the cruising permit with us. That is written in Fijian, to let the villagers know we have cleared in properly.
A spokesperson, knowing English is supposed to greet us ahore. One is supposed to be modestly dressed, no hats. Then the spokesperson would bring us to the chief of the village, presents our gift and lets the chief know our intentions.
We knew where to go, but the villagers weren't quite ready for us. Some women were weaving Tapas (not sure that is the right word here..) and asked us to sit down, shoes off, on some ready made tapas, like floormats. Then they sent for finding some elders to welcome us to the village.
And really that is what the whole things is about. We have been fretting it a bit, but this experience helps us understand their side too. They want to know who we are, our intentions. Two male elders dressed in their sulus and came up to us to invite us into the house. We were sat on the floor, and our Kava/Yangona wrapped in newspaper was now the star of the party. Words in Fijian were spoken, plus some clapping insued. Our bundle of Kava was respectfully looked at from all sides. No photos to be taken during ceremony.
At times we may/should have clapped along, and at others we shouldn't. There are one clap and three claps. We are pretty new to this and are still learning. In the end, the English speaking chap told us the present was accepted, and we are welcome into the village. We learned where the village school is, what weekdays a pickup truck drives passengers to the other side, to Lomaloma for provisioning. Plus we were welcome to anchor in the Bay of Islands, which was our goal.
Above is how it most often happens for Sevusevu. At times there maybe the long version, that includes grinding the Kava and the actual drinking of that muddy, mouth numbing, dirty water. We knew this wouldn't happen here...
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| Daliconi is clean, tidy |
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| school, lawn being mowed |
