Island Life
24.11.2010
There was a nice breeze blowing on our first morning and so we took one of the sailboats out. We sailed over to the island of Qamea which is about 3 miles away. The island is dotted with small, white-sand beaches lined with coconut palms and surrounded by jungle. At first we thought it was the trade winds carrying us across the water, but now we’re pretty sure it was those beautiful beaches drawing us in. As we approached, the water changed from topaz blue to turquoise. Beneath the surface were scores of neon-colored fish sparking in the water.
We wanted to pull up on one of the beaches and explore it, but decided not to since we hadn’t asked permission. So we sailed close enough to still enjoy it. Somehow, I hear us asking for permission in the next couple days.
In the afternoon, we snorkeled just off the beach in front of our bure. The tide was low and so the water was too shallow to snorkel over parts of the reef, but there was still a lot to see, including colorful fish, soft and hard corals, a dark blue starfish, and some giant clams.
At around 6:00pm, guests begin to gather around the pool and dining bure for conversation before dinner.
If conversation is just too much work, you can hang out on the swinging bed that sits between the pool and the dining area. Clearly, there are no survival skills needed on this island.
Mealtime is announced with the rhythmic beating of a hollow log called a lali (lah-lee). It makes a sound that can be heard from far away. Ever since the first day, my stomach gets very excited at that sound. The meals have all been terrific. Isoa had to return to Nadi (Nahn-dee) in the morning and so we had dinner together. We had a great time discussing family, the wonders of creation, and our shared Christian faith. He felt like a close friend by the time he left.
