The
middle of September is clearly "village time" with several of our villages
booked out. Our hosts are delighted with the opportunity to benefit from
the tourist dollar - while sharing their unique community based culture with
small numbers of guests. Two projects funded by FijiBure.com include the
community hall in Namuamua which is coming along well and the Batibasaga's
guest house which is near completion. In Namatakula Judith has rallied some
of the local ladies around and a new cottage industry has evolved with the
making of floral wreaths, assistance in cooking and other traditional activities.
Image right: Our host Toye at Malevu - booked out for part of September
I would like to make special mention of Marie Kuipers who's donation of F$240 to help the village of Namuamua following our alert about their devastating flood in March has been well spent on kitchen utensils, plates, knives and forks etc… Emma is delighted!
Thank you Marie!
Feedback of the month from Kaye Ellery:Our stay with Simon and Judith was definitely a highlight and such a special experience. Simon picked us up as promised and took us to the Forte, Sigatoka and the Craft Shop on the way back to Namatakula as you had suggested. The food was magnificent and the whole family were great hosts. We were also lucky enough to be a part of their grandson's fourth birthday celebrations which was a special treat. We really enjoyed the village tour with Tema and she took us to a beautiful beach, showing us a burial cave along the way. Judith took us to church on the Sunday morning. Although they go to the Assembly of God, as we had discussed that I was originally Methodist so she actually took us to the Methodist church which was very kind of her. They are all truly wonderful people. |
In October I will be returning to Fiji for the third time this year. (Wish it was for a holiday!) During this time I will be discussing the leasing of beachside land to be used as a cultural centre to assist future guests in an understanding of Fijian village life as part of a package.
During the trip I will be also adding a few more villages to FijiBure.com
Scott Balson