Dravuni Island is a tender port.  It is a beautiful beach so they say come prepared to be in flip flops and shorts.  Vendors will be there with things to sell. 

We are now in the South Pacific where they are 332 islands where most are uninhabited.  The time will start changing as we head north. The Figian Dollar is used here abs it is about $2 to 1 Fiji dollar.  It is a crossroads of different cultures and people.  At one time it was a British Colony.  Bula!! Is a local word meaning Welcome or Lets go!  Village life is is the vital part of life here with families living on their plots for ever.  Ambition can be seen as a threat.  Life slows down here and traditions are not like those in the states. 

The Snake God watches over the island. Being a guest here is a complex protocol. You bring a gift and dress appropriately.  Whale teeth are highly valued and respected and a sign of prosperity. The ship offers a fire walking excursion. The fire walkers say they gift us from the Gods to be able to do this.  

Fiji is more laid back than any other place. They operate on Fiji time!  Top attractions 

150 people live on Dravuni.  We will land on the beach from the tender arriving at noon and leaving at 5:30 with a temp of about 82 and partly cloudy. It is a tiny island.  There is a little market in the town and school kids may do a little Welcome for you   from the school there.  You needs lots of sun screen there!  

It is named after a French explorer.  It typically is a fishing village but opens up to a bustling area when ships come. 

We were there so briefly we hardly had time to do much.  We got a tender ticket number of 26 and after docking at noon we didn’t get off till 2!  Dan snorkeled and I watched our stuff on the beach. Then I swam.  We found a nice shady spot on the beach under a coconut tree.  I brought a Janet Ivanovich book and realized I had read it so I just enjoyed the beautiful views and the lack of people.  The village people offered massages and had a few shops for sarongs and t shirts but it was nothing we needed. Dogs swam with the tourists and the children conversed and were interested in the folks who were sketching.   The village lives very meekly with little power and not much outside influence.  It was a lovely beautiful beach and an unusual experience but we felt more like we had invaded their space and for us it was awkward.   We boarded the ship after a few hours and cleaned up... then we headed to the Crows Nest for happy hour and the sail away.  After dinner we watched a hilarious comedian and loved him.  Then on to bed to get ready for Lautoka!