Next on demonstration was how pottery was made – from local clay.

One thing about the show – they make it hilarious! This was the kitchen place. The gentleman asked what was he going to show us? We all said “light a fire”. (we were told by our guide that is exactly what we will see).

“Easy” he said, and took out a cigarette lighter from his pocket!!

And then he put it back and proceeded to show us how to make fire from two pieces of dry wood! This is the first time I had seen any such thing!

The chief’s place was always the biggest and the most ornate. To go in, we had to utter a phrase and then wait for the response from the chief. Nobody was allowed to cross the chief’s hut without that.

This dates back to pre-Christian era. The place of worship was the tallest structure in the village.

The soldier turned drummer broke into a dancing stupor! Accompanied by some of the young kids from the village.

Suddenly the villagers came out and sang a song for us. The soldier gave up his blunt weapon and took to a decidedly less menacing tool – the drums! The drums is actually a hollowed out teak tree trunk. I tried it out. Pretty impressive noise it makes!!

We went to the Fiji Cultural Village. This showcases the culture of typical Fijian life – mostly of the past. First thing we know moment we open the door is that there is a menacing looking soldier with a really intimidating looking weapon staring at us. We shouted “Bula” as instructed by Aseri. He immediately calmed down, returned the “Bula” with a gruff voice and led us into the village.