Yasawairara Things to Do

The village we visited is still very traditional (read primitive) - the only building to have electricity is the church and water comes from a spring. The doctor visits every two months or so and the children have 2 1/2 hours each way to school.

On our way back to the ship, the villages had laid out a little market for us, with shells, corals, wood carvings and the ubiquitous T-shirts. I did partake in some retail therapy, more to help with the local economy than anything else.

Meke is a group performance which mixes singing, chanting and drumming in a very catchy combination . Traditionally it is only performed in a village on special occasions - usually when the village is being visited by someone important (like us). However, meke is much more than a colourful dance, it is a way of keeping alive a culture and for important historical events, stories and legends to be handed down from one generation to the next.

Kava has a slight narcotic effect on the face and lips and causes lightheadedness and a feeling of euphoria.

It is certainly an acquired taste, many people did not enjoy it. The piquid is murky, with some pulp left in it. Some people likened it to drinking mud! Personally I found it very enjoyable, and would partake at every possible opportunity!