We had a fantastic day today on a day cruise to a small island just off the coast of Fiji. We sailed off on 'The Old Lady' and were welcomed aboard with a traditional kava ceremony. The Kava ceremony is one of the most common ceremonial and social customs in the islands. Its a drink made from the bare root of a pepper tree, pounded into a fine powder and then mixed with fresh water, and is regarded in Fiji as "the National Drink". In the past, Kava was drunk only by chiefs. Chris was made the chief and had to drink it first to begin the 'ceremony'. I also had a try and its fair to say it has a very distinctive taste, similar to when you leave your tea for a few hours until its gone cold. Nice.

On the island, just as beautiful as the one in the picture, we went snorkelling in the sea above a section of coral reef and underwater life. I was lucky enough to see and then pick up a starfish, which was rigid to the touch, and also pass over a school of nemo's (clownfish). Afterwards we were able to relax on the island and have a traditional fijian buffet. There were also other activities like kayaking and a glass bottom boat tour.

On the trip back, we were treated to a variety of traditional fijian songs, and also some more well know songs including their own version of "Oh when the saints" (the lyrics will be at the bottom of the blog!).

We were also shown the many uses of a coconut tree and fruit that have been used on the island since the beginning of time, and were lucky enough to pass by the island where they filmed the film 'Castaway' (WILSON!).

It was by far the best day so far, and we've still got 3 more months to go!!

Oh when the saints

Oh, when the saints go marching in Oh, when the saints go marching in Lord, how I want to be in that number When the saints go marching in

Oh when the wine, makes you feel fine.......

Oh when the whiskey, makes you feel frisky....

Oh when the rum,makes your bum numb....

Oh when the beer, makes you feel queer....

Oh when the Kava, makes you a good lover.....

It was great to be there.