Cruising the
"Blue Lagoons"
of the
Yasawa Islands
village
Rural Fijians practice subsistence agriculture. Some live in traditional bures, one-room houses with woven mat walls and thatched roofs. However, many bures have been replaced by concrete houses that withstand cyclones better. Furniture is sparse, as floor mats are preferred to sofas and chairs. Village life is communal, with everyone expected to share in ceremonial preparations and village upkeep.
dwelling
People are respectful of traditional patriarchal authority; the village chief, usually a man, leads the villagers and presides over important rituals. Kava, a non-alcoholic drink made from the crushed root of a pepper plant, is the ceremonial drink. It is served from a bilo (coconut cup) and drunk to ritual clapping, once before drinking and three times after swallowing. Rice, yams, and fish are typical foods. Western-style clothing is common, but sulus, wraparound skirts for men and women, are also worn.
church
the interior
grave marker
items for sale to the tourists
ship for the "Blue Lagoon" cruise
the Blue Lagoon
fire for meal on the beach
sundown
on board the "Blue Lagoon" cruise
dancing with the band
male dancers
women dancers
at the beach
back at the food market