After six months of sailing around New Zealand, we were ready for our first offshore passage to Fiji. It was thrilling, especially since I hadn't left New Zealand in 10 years.
Some of you may have seen Fiji, but have you really seen it? I’m not talking about resorts—I’m talking about exploring remote places and experiencing the culture.
We arrived in Fiji as one of the first boats post-COVID, so entry was relaxed after two years without visitors. Fiji has over 300 islands, but only about 100 are inhabited.
We prefer remote areas, so after some time in Savusavu, we stocked up and headed to the most secluded islands. After 48 hours, we motor-sailed to Ongea, with just 30 residents and a secondary school. A week later, we sailed to Moce ("Mothe").
On arrival, we performed the sevusevu, a traditional ceremony to get the village chief's permission for anchoring, fishing, and swimming. Moce, with over 500 people, had a secondary and a high school.
Spending time with the kids was the quickest way to learn their culture. We stayed in the school for over 10 days and were welcomed like family. Every lunch, the mothers served us delicious meals, and we even farmed with the older kids.
On Moce Island, we learned not to judge too quickly. Despite initial warnings, the kids were kind and welcoming. Some grandmothers and children cried when they saw us because they hadn’t seen a white person in 14 years. Leaving the island was emotional, and it will always stay in our hearts.
I tried to make it short as possible but if you want the full experience https://medium.com/@kon.berns
I also post on medium !!!
Today I was going back in time, but till this day it still remain s in my heart this was truly one of the most unique experiences I have had...Thank you for reading if you like this type of stories please do leave a comment or follow
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