Henceforth, Steve will be referred to as CHIEF

The weatherman suggested that anyone going out today, should take along a "brolly", however the weather was beautiful, and we didn't get drenched till the end of our adventure.  Today was our day to take a jet boat up the Nadi River to the Fijian Village of Moala, but the high tide made the river too rough, so they delivered us by van.  The village is under the leadership of the Chief.  If outsiders are going to come into the village, they must first meet with the chief.  Steve was selected as the chief of our group of 9 people visiting the village.  Our group entered the community hall, Steve sat down on the right side of the chief, and the rest of us sat on the sides.  The Village Chief offered Steve a bowl of kava.  (Kava is a root crop that is grown for at least 5 years before it is harvested.  To be used as the drink, it is ground up into a dust, and water is added.)  Steve did the appropriate three claps and "Bulas".  He downed the bowl of kava with dignity.  The rest of us were offered and accepted bowls of kava.  Some of us will not be ordering it in restaurants.

After seeing handicrafts that the villagers had made (jewelry, carvings, dyed cloth, and toys) we were taken into another building to be entertained  by villagers from little children up to grandparents,  who sang, danced, and played.

Greta talking to the Principal

We then went over to their K-8 school.  School was in progress, but we were invited in to see the five classrooms.  Happy children, wooden desks, and chalkboards.  

Our trip was over, so we were driven back to our starting point.  The river was much calmer at this point, so we climbed into the jet boat.  It was a beautiful river with thick mango trees along the edge.
We zipped up the river between 40 and 45 knots.  It was all very fine, but, every single time, when the young Fijian pilot put his finger above his head, and made a circular motion, it meant he would make a tight 360 degree circle.  It also meant everyone got soaked!  Another great day in Fiji.