Made from teak wood

The chief is currently 92 years old. When he dies, the eldest male member of the whole family becomes the chief. So, unlike the olden days when the eldest son became the chief, now it can be his brother, nephew … whoever is the eldest.

Except that our village still has thatched huts with walls made of dirt. Here everything was concrete.

There was this gentleman with what looked like some kind of powder or ash all over his place. I asked the guide what was he doing?

Apparently, celebrating New Year’s! New Year’s celebration carries on thru the second weekend of January here. Drinking alcohol is permitted. (Kava needs no permission of course).

“So, what is it that he has put on his face?” I asked

“Powder”

“What kind of powder?”

“Talcum powder”

“Wow!”

That, for some of them is the only source of income!

Per the traditions, the women cover their legs inside the village.

This is the oldest village in Fiji. The original folks who settled in the island landed here and then spread from here. I believe in Fiji, the word Viseisei signifies spreading out. This village has a lot of significance for the British too. Prince Charles was here.

For my Indian friends, apparently Indira Gandhi came by here too!

Many of the nearby islands – including the ones we visited yesterday are owned by these folks.

Our guide Kelepi showed us around the village.