Katharine Bay, Rabi Island, Fiji

Buakonikai, Katharine Bay, Rabi Island, Fiji

Like all Rabians, the folks here were brought from their home Ocean Island (Kiribati) in 1945 so their home could be mined. We're told that Ocean Island now has 300 inhabitants who have returned and that the mining still continues. The situation leaves Rabians in a unique position. They have a voice (and a vote) in both the Fijian and Kiribati governments although the Fijian government has no say in the happenings in Rabi.

The Old Church

It had been pretty rainy by the time we walked to the church. The woman in the pics came to do her weaving in a dry spot. The rest is a tour of the 1957 Methodist church and it's view from upstairs.

Hymnal

Steps to Bu

Old coconuts fall down so you can eat them. But the green ones, with lots of milk to drink, stay up high. A few steps cut into the trunk sure help to get them down!

Breadfruit

Playing with Buakonikai Kids

Time to play! We're still not sure why Mya (and Cory) were given a fish but it was treasured for the whole evening. It took a little convincing to have the fish left behind. The older boys were happy to help Cory ride his bike as well as fix it afterwards. A few asked if we could bring it back the next day.

Live Music, Buakonikai, Katharine Bay, Rabi Island

The live music sung and clapped by the women was everyone's favorite over the stereo. Their intensity was incredible. We are in the local preschool. The primary school is a boat and truck ride away.

Dancing Fundraiser, Buakonikai, Katherine Bay, Rabi Island

Apparently I mentioned we liked dancing at the right moment. Gita turned it into an instant fundraiser for the church they are still rebuilding after hurricane Thomas last year. I brought the rest of the yachts in the bay, she gathered the village and the bu (green coconuts for drinking). We got treated to Fijian, Hawaiian, and Kiribati style dancing along with enormous cheers and thank yous for all donations dropped into the pot. The last woman shown here got lots of hoots and hollers and giggles from the kids for her extra fast hip shaking. All guests were invited to dance at the end...but not quite the same wild dancing Scott was saved from in Kiribati. It was a church fundraiser after all....

Thanks for the Lobster!

Yes, we are still too whimpy to go diving at night in search of our own lobster. But our friends in Albert cove were happy to pick one up while they were out collecting sea cucumbers. The men got home in the morning, collected all the kids and headed to the village to sell the sea cucumbers. They stopped off at 0630 to bring us their find on the way. What a nice way to wake up!