Island Paradise –
Dravuni, Fiji
Our second stop in Fiji
was what most people think of when you hear the word “Fiji” – a tropical island
paradise! It’s that and more!
I was very excited to
step out onto our balcony on the ship and see this lovely little snippet of the
island of Dravuni – the palm tree sticking up above all others (middle
photo). But, there’s more to Fiji than
one island – there are over 300 islands that make up Fiji!! I remember the number 322, but Jeff remembers
hearing 330 and 340, so who knows! Some
of these islands are so tiny, they are most likely easily overlooked!
One surprise about
Dravuni Island – altho it’s very small, there are about 200 people who call it
home. The small village where we set
foot on the island even has its own school.
It was interesting to see that every day a ship visits, it’s a holiday
from school! The homes of the residents
are painted with tropical colors to add even more charm!
Altho it was a busy day
for the island residents on the day we visited, they never lose sight of what’s
important – island time!
The villagers had
several items for sale. I loved the
bright colors of the sarongs, but there were other handicraft all made by the
natives of Fiji.
Some of the treasures
are natural and are quite tiny. One interesting
thing – the red “flower” on the bottom left of the collection of images isn’t
really a flower! Look close and you’ll
see it’s a green plant whose leaves are slowly changing their color. I don’t know if it stays this way, mimicking a
flower, or if eventually the leaves turn entirely red. There was no one around to ask!
One of the tiniest
inhabitants of the island are the butterflies who are very social with the
flowers all around!
At the other end of the
spectrum, are the giant plants of the island – the towering palm trees! They don’t grow entirely straight here. Sometimes their trunks have some gentle
curves and sometimes, like these, they grow straight, but on a bit of a
diagonal!!
Jeff and I were amazed
at the landscaping art that was used by some of the villagers – giant seashells!! Somehow, we think they don’t import these –
but they must know the best section of the beach to find them. I would imagine right after a storm would be
the best time, too!
You know you are in a
totally different environment when this is the main street thru the village and
around the island!! No, we didn’t walk
it all the way around and up the bluff that seems to be behind some of the
homes on the island, but just enjoyed the idea of this very exotic main street!
All too soon, it was
time to say good-bye to this tiny piece of paradise here in Fiji!
Enjoy!
