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Fiji, Wananavu Beach Resort 2006Of kava and coral and cannibals…
May 18-27 a dozen Underwater Phantaseas divers ventured to Fiji's main island of Viti Levu for a week of diving, adventure, and culture. Guests of the secluded Wananavu Beach Resort ("wonderful" in Fijian) and Kai Viti Divers, the group spent their days exploring the area reefs and this charming site. 
Often called the soft coral capital of the world, Fiji's underwater environment didn't disappoint. It's drenched in a rainbow of soft and hard corals, sprinkled with rare nudibranches, and accented by soccer-ball sized bright blue jellyfish and exotic lionfish. Some glimpsed a humpback on the surface; others were treated to an appearance by reef sharks and blacktips. High winds and shifting currents cut the visibility a bit on some days, but the divers fine-tuned their entry and exit skills all with a sense of humor!
It will be awhile before the dive and hotel staff forget this group. They quickly got into the island spirit. The resort prides itself on having no televisions and no telephones, so simple pleasures quickly became big entertainment. The evening torch lighting became a favorite pastime and the group kept a careful eye one of the wait staff- "Ovini"-as he went undercover in a grass skirt and charcoal body paint for his torch lighting gig. On the last night two of the guys bravely donned grass skirts and a few of the gals sported charcoal body paint and they surprised the local warrior at his own game. 
Two land excursions-hosted by a delighful Fijian named Evuloni-proved rich adventures. The first was a tour to a nearby village where the group was welcomed with flowers and honored by a kava ceremony and indigenous dance presentation. The second was a first-ever bamboo rafting tour where the group hiked down to a slow-moving river and was "poled" down the river by Evuloni and crew on crude rafts. The area villagers were so delighted to see this premiere excursion that they rush to the banks, offering juices, flowers, and songs of celebration. |