Working in the garden

from w
Even though it's about 35 degrees Fahrenheit our resident Fiji family have been working together cleaning the side driveway which has become a jungle when unattended. Here are some pictures of some working, resting, posing. The drum kit has now been placed in the garage so no doubt will be heard by neighbours! Yesterday some of us were in Melbourne and went to Footscray market, a wonderful place for buying vegetables and fish. They even offer crocodile bones for sale!

Swimming at Eastern Beach

from w
This afternoon we had an excellent time at Geelong Eastern Beach, four boys from eleven to eighteen in the water. However one of the boys, an Aussie had a fear of deep water so only wanted to stay in shallow water even though he knew the basic swimming strokes. With a bit of patience, cajoling, and step by step we convinced him that he could go into the deep water near the diving tower. Jump away from the safety of a ladder into the water. Be able to float, to tread water, to swim with a football as security. Half an hour later he was swimming to and from a platform - quite some distance. A wonderful change in confidence. Thanks Epa, Jordan and Andrew for helping their friend to actually enjoy jumping into the deep end.

It is usually easy for Fiji children who live near the sea or a river to learn to swim though it's obvious from Fiji stories in the papers that there have been drownings. I believe that every child MUST learn water safety, to be able to stay afloat, to be able to swim a reasonable distance comfortably.

So today we feel pleased with the two hours of effort to teach the thirteen year old Aussie friend of our boys to be confident in the water.

Ratu Joni a Lord?

from w
There's a strange story from the Fiji Village media this afternoon. Ratu Joni had gone to the Solomon Islands despite being on of Fiji's highly educated chiefs. Now the Tongans want his advice. In the article there's a suggestion that he can just use email to provide legal advice! Okay, it's 2011 so that's alright. But a 'Lord' of Tonga, now that is bizarre surely.Although 'Lord' I suppose means 'Tui' which in Fijian sounds right. However democracy and egalitarianism seems distant even after Tonga had their election and a love of titles is something I find difficult to contend with. And 'Grand Gross' doesn't sound very good in English! Anyway good luck to Ratu Joni who is a fine gentleman and several of his speeches are memorable.

Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi bestowed new Lord of Tonga
Publish date/time: 05/01/2011 [13:04]

Former Vice President and the Roko Tui Bau Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi has today joined Tonga's Law Lords becoming Lord Madraiwiwi Tangatatonga, through a life peerage bestowed by Tonga's King George Tupou V.

Matangi Tonga news agency confirmed that in a brief closed ceremony at the Royal Palace in Nuku'alofa this morning Lord Madraiwiwi Tangatatonga was also awarded the honour of a Grand Gross of the Royal Order of Queen Salote.

He becomes a Law Lord who advises the King on legal matters.

Lord Madraiwiwi Tangatatonga told reporters that it was "great surprise" when he was informed that he was going to be given a Tongan noble title.

His responsibility will be to give legal advice to the king and it can be carried out via e mail, but Lord Madraiwiwi said he will visit Tonga from time to time.

Lord Madraiwiwi Tangatatonga is currently engaged in the Solomon Islands as one of the two International Commissioners with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Story by: Roneel Lal

What if an iguana met a famous tourist?

from w
What if an iguana met a famous tourist, who would be the most surprised? Actually there are 'visiting' iguanas on Laucala Island, or so they say, that need eradication, just like those on Taveuni and Qamea. The pic is of course faked and not even the 'American' iguana, but the local green iguana which is very welcome.
In today's Fiji Times, Serafina Silaitoga writes:
Villagers work with State to wipe out lizards
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
VILLAGERS are helping government officials as an iguana eradication program begins on the island. Ministry of Agriculture permanent secretary Colonel Mason Smith said he would receive an update this week. "Work on the eradication program has started and we have involved villagers to assist government officials," he said. "The team has started with the trapping of iguana and awareness programs including training of people who have assisted government officials." Col. Smith said he would meet with the team from Nature Fiji this week to finalise details of the work. "Once we do that then we can move on to the next step. The eradication program covers the whole of Taveuni, including Qamea, Matagi and Laucala," he said. "At this week's meeting we will also know exactly how many iguanas have been trapped and in which areas."

Mid last year, the ministry appointed two herpetologists to develop an eradication strategy for the South American Iguana first found on Qamea Island. Igt also appointed a team of bio security officers to help the herpetologists.

American iguana has caused fear among the islanders, especially those on Qamea, with women reluctant to to go out fishing alone.

Art, phys ed and music

from w
In Fiji schools three subjects are put on the periphery of the basic syllabus for Fiji's schools and it's such a pity as Art, Physical Education and Music add a balance to the emphasis on rote learning, English, Maths, etc. In fact a very long time ago I taught Art, Physical Education (okay that sounds pathetic for this lazy one) and Music in high schools. Apparently the teachers in training at Nasinu prepare for these subjects but in the real situation, Art, Music and Physical Education don't rate highly. IMHO they are the top three subjects because they offer the potential for alternative career choices to white collar jobs or farming. All important in the emotional, physical and social development of children. Three articles in the Fiji Sun picked up the topic.

PEMAC is the acronym in Fiji for a department in the Fiji school system. The acronym [PEMAC]stands for Physical Education, Music and Art & Craft. The department's role is to promote the PEMAC subjects.

MASTER’S TOUCH
seraj@fijisun.com.fj
10/15/2009
Two years of artwork and handiwork of art student teachers were on display for the public yesterday. The Fiji College of Advanced Education yesterday opened its doors to members of the public to showcase the work of PEMAC second year students.
PEMAC students study Physical Education, Music and Art and Craft, majoring in usually two out of the three courses. These students are expected to graduate at the end of the year after two years of studies.

Iliesa Namosimalua is a PEMAC student at the College. His display corner seemed to be one of the popular ones. The Lau native showcased his artwork and handiwork in the two years of studies at FCAE. His art ranged from wood carving to coconut carving, water colour to oil painting, tie dying to screen printing. The student teacher is looking forward to passing on what he has learnt to his students once he enters the main education system.

Mr Namosimalua, a national sprinter is studying PE and Music at the College. As a requirement he took on Art and Craft studies and has become hooked. “My initial interest was PE but Art was part of the PE course. Once I developed an enjoyment for art I have learnt plenty of good skills,” he said. Most of the skills Mr Namosimalua came to learn from his teachers. He is also skilled in weaving. “We learn weaving as well, as you can see from my displays. We only see our grandmothers back in the village weaving, since taking up this course I have also learnt how to do this,” he said. He has also mastered the art of origami."Origami is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding. The goal of this art is to create a representation of an object using geometric folds and crease patterns preferably without gluing or cutting the paper, and using only one piece of paper. “When a volunteer came to the school some time ago, we were taught origami,” he said.

Students of PEMAC are also taught flower arranging.

Another second year PEMAC student Pratik Kumar had an interesting design work. He has mastered the making of batik fabric. ccording to the Wikipedia, batik is cloth which traditionally uses a manual wax-resist dyeing technique. Mr Kumar gave the FijiSUN a rundown of how to make batik. “First you make your design, then heat candle wax and apply on design and live it there for it to dry. When it is dry dip the fabric into the dye then hang it out to dry. After it is dry place a newsprint sheet on the floor/table then put the fabric on it, cover the fabric with another newsprint sheet. After this iron over the newsprint.In this way the excess wax will stick to the newsprints and your batik fabric is ready to be sewn into whatever clothing one wishes.” Mr Kumar said art is interesting and fulfilling, especially when the end product is revealed.

As the showcase went on several teachers at the College and members of the public approached Mr Namosimalua’s display corner to buy some of his art work. However, most of his art work will also be taken with him to show his students once he takes up teaching duties. He said the skills he has learnt from his teachers at Nasinu will help him a lot when he joins the teaching system.

Music motive ‘lacking’
11/24/2010
A survey revealed that some students studying music do not have basic knowledge of the subject. The survey was conducted by Fiji National University music lecturer Saula Naivalu. Mr Naivalu revealed students are not motivated to learn music. In his survey, Mr Naivalu states that in his first semester in the Music Department at the Fiji National University, many music students did not have the basic knowledge of music.

"One of the main concerns I encountered in the teaching of music among the year one students of the Fiji National University (FNU) was their difficulty in reading and understanding music theory," he said. So in his bid to see that students at lower levels contribute efficiently to the music industry he conducted a survey to see how schools offered their music classes. Mr Naivalu said in the process he was able to identify schools that were actively offering music classes and explored with the heads of department (HOD), principals and management how music is taught in their schools.

He also made recommendations on how to improve the teaching of music in secondary schools and also identify the causes of problems encountered by the schools. With the 12 schools he visited, Mr Naivalu was trying to find out the effectiveness of music teaching in the Secondary School.While visiting these schools, Mr Naivalu noted that only one period per week was allocated for music class by all schools. He discovered that most schools did not have specialist music teachers.

Schools need to do sports
11/25/2010
“Quality education is an investment to our country therefore schools, teachers as well students should be better equipped in learning and teaching resources in order to become real agents of change.” Speaking at a panel discussion on sports education, researcher Fabiano Tikoinavuso said at times students were deprived from participating in sports due to financial problems. “About 5 percent of government grant is allocated towards the development of physical education. Schools have to fundraise to cater for the financial needs of the Physical Education department.”

Mr Tikoinavuso, who once carried out a survey of the allocation of funding towards the development of physical education and sports in the country, said the majority of the schools do not have the required teaching and learning resources for physical education. “Schools have very tight budgets, therefore if a particular subject is treated as unimportant, minimal amounts are spent on it.” He added that in some schools the playgrounds were not up to standard and the same can be said of the equipment used for PE classes. “It’s just a pure testimony to the small amount spent in this area. I strongly feel that nothing has been done to remedy this situation,” he said.

Some of the recommendations highlighted in his research were:
1. Increase per capita grant from 10% to 15%.
2. Core subject like sports be given the same priority as academic subjects as far as grants is concerned.
3. Students and sports should not be at any time compromised due to unavailability of funds.
4. Students are not to be used outside of the school premises to fundraise. The number of fundraising drives should be determined by the policy makers of the day.
5. Government should assist in supplying the required learning and teaching resources for Physical Education and Sports financially.
6. Principals and HOD’s should have the rights to be informed of the financial statement of the sports department. (Transparency)
7. Fair distribution of Pemac teachers in all secondary schools in the country.
The three- day conference was held at the Fiji National University Lautoka Campus.

I found an interesting website about physical education in Fiji Schools - it's based on an academic study of the topic worth a read.

And now for some drau-ni-moli

from w
The lavish meals seems to have been going on for ten days so it's time now to fast a bit and surely drink only drau-in-moli (lemon-leaf tea) and eat plain biscuits! Every day has been a feast of some kind - here, or visiting friends, or after the Fijian church in Altona Meadows/Laverton. Of course laughter and stories and food all go together and we thank God for the richness of family life and for reliable friends. We've had about eight or nine people sleeping in our compound and now have a vakatunaloa set up outside - it was an open walled car port and now has mats etc.

Anyway today we'll start our long walks to get fit again! A New Year resolution.

The pictures were taken at Wyndam Vale at the home of Sailosi Koto.

Recipe for drau-ni-moli. Start boiling the kettle. Put in about six to eight fresh lemon leaves and boil. That's it. You can still use milk and sugar with it. It doesn't curdle. Enjoy. A frugal drink that they used to joke about in Fiji.

New Year in Geelong

from w
Instead of a marathon of church worship, feast, kava drinking and talanoa with our Fiji friends in Melbourne, we decided to stay home with about twenty family and friends. After cool weather we were astonished by the 42 degree heat which meant no wood barbecue but we used a gas barbecue to cook meat - vinaka Epa. Luse from Sydney and Letila were busy in the kitchen. I conked out in the heat. Peceli drank kava and the kids had a great time on the half basketball court, skating, and generally enjoying themselves. I hope all our near neighbours liked loud reggae music. There were fireworks down at the bay at midnight that some of us saw. Luse caught her flight to Sydney as the last passenger on board at 5.40 a.m. and we all slept in. Today visitors came and we drank kava and shared stories and ate leftovers, prawns and kumala. The boys went swimming at Eastern Beach. A lovely New Year but different to the usual.

Naseakula fundraising

Naseakula children on Children's Sunday - a photo I took some time ago.
from w
It's good to see some initiative coming from the people of Naseakula to improve their church building in the middle of the village. It's better to hear local stories than the gossip from the headquarters eh! It constantly amazes (or dismays) me how much money can be raised quickly for purposes that the Fiji people consider important. Even with Christmas over and the New Year starting they can still put money aside for their Methodist Church. It's a wonder we haven't received an email requesting a soli! At a distance life is not so full of such demands as it is when you live nearby! Anyway this overcrowded building does need an upgrade.

Peceli spent part of his childhood in Naseakula and as a teenager loved madly riding a bicycle around the village, which probably was not appreciated. His grandson, now small, is a similar rager on a bicycle, a pink bike he has repainted brown, so we do have to keep a watch out when putting out the washing in our backyard.

Methodists organise fundraising drive
shratikan@fijisun.com.fj
12/29/2010
Residents of Nasekula village in Labasa living in various parts of Fiji gathered to raise funds to help in the extension of the Nasekula Methodist Church. Children and adults dressed in bula wear sang special songs and performed dances as part of the day's programme.

The Church was believed to be built in the late 1920s. Church committee member, Jonacani Nawaiqila said the church was built during the colonial era to cater for close to 100 people. "Since then the number of church members have increased and an urgent need for an extension is there," Mr Nawaiqila said. "At the moment the church can only cater for 200 people," he said. Mr Nawaiqila said, the attendance daily at the church is from 800 to 1000 people from all around the Labasa circuit.

He said the villagers have collected close to $40,000 during the period of two years and planning for the extension has begun. For the extension we need $150,000 and this is the reason we had made a formal request and invited the Nasekula people residing in other parts of Fiji to lend a helping hand.

He said the fundraising went well and once they had collected $100,000 the committee would begin the extension probably before mid next year.Northern divisional planning officer and Nasekula Methodist Church advisor, Ratu Eliki Tikoidraubuta and Tui Labasa, Adi Salanieta Tuilomaloma were present at the occasion.

Making a lovo for Christmas

from w
Bula si'a. Far away from Fiji and our land in babasiga it's still possible to make an incredibly good lovo. An underground oven. On Saturday Peceli, a son, and three grandchildren worked very well together from about 6 a.m. to steam our three pieces of pork, some dalo, kumala and potatoes. As it was cooking most of us went off to the local Uniting Church while Epa watched the lovo. By 11.30 the lovo was ready to open and everything was cooked beautifully. Lovely when the men do the main cooking and my daughter-in-law and I prepared shellfish and prawns etc. What is more important is that each generation of men and boys learn how to participate in Fijian cultural traditions such as the making of an underground oven.

A Lelean descendant

from w
I noticed in today's Fiji Times a feature article about the research of Kirstie Close in Fiji. Vinaka vakalevu Kirstie to having the persistence and energy to look into church history in Fiji. Good luck with your studies. I think the most interesting part of study is when discovering something, when putting the jigsaw pieces together, to see the courage and strength and failures of people in our history and to learn from that. It is interesting to link up with the story of Ranawai because history is written from a point of view which may be rather biased or prejudiced. I hope that Kirstie's thesis may give some light on the Fiji stories that may have been misrepresented.

Fijian methodist church independence
Saturday, December 25, 2010
I arrived in Fiji on 11 November all set for adventure. I am a PhD student from Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia. My thesis is looking at the independence of the Fijian Methodist Church. The starting point of my thesis has a personal element. I am the descendent of some of the Methodist missionaries to Fiji, including the Waterhouses and Leleans. My great-grandfather was Arthur D Lelean. He was the nephew of Charles O Lelean, or 'Uncle Charlie' as my grandma (aka Granny) calls him.

Arthur Lelean came to Fiji in 1918, newly married to my great-grandmother Doris, for their first posting at Niusawa on Taveuni. While they were there my two great-uncles and my grandmother were born. It was after they moved to Nailaga in 1923 that they had my great-uncle Drew. And this is around the point in time that I start my thesis.

As many in Fiji will know, Apolosi Ranawai was a big influence in these parts. In 1923 he returned from his first exile in Rotuma. I knew there had been suggestions from historians that Arthur Lelean had been working alongside Apolosi Ranawai but it was not really clear as to how or why.

I was fortunate to be accompanied by Deaconess Unaisi Matawalu to Nailaga where we began a series of meetings throughout Ra province to see if we could get to the bottom of this supposed collaboration between Apolosi and Arthur. I wanted to know exactly what they had been up to.

I definitely need to thank Deaconess Matawalu, but also to the Talatalas and their families at Nailaga and Tavua, and also at Lautoka for being so hospitable as we went on our journey.

My Fijian language skills are pretty hopeless (though I am happy to report they have improved since I got here!) and so without the Deaconess I would have been in big trouble.

We had our first clue as to what Arthur was doing at Nailaga. We visited the matanivanua who told us that Apolosi and Arthur had lived as neighbours, with a road dividing their homes, which faced each other. We thought this to be quite significant and a sign that they at least must have known each other and kept an eye on what the other was up to.

We also went to Votua where we learnt of a healing practice used by healers connected to Apolosi that was very similar to the practice that Arthur used when back in Victoria, where he returned in 1936. He had said that he learnt the skill while in Fiji - could he have learnt it from Apolosi?

On we went to Tavua, where the Talatala kindly accompanied us to Yaladro. I had known that here, Arthur Lelean had assisted in the establishment of an independent farming scheme for Fijians. This involved the movement of Fijians from their original villages to these designated areas to work the land, particularly to do sugar cane farming.

We spoke for a while with one of the elder men at Yaladro. He knew of Arthur, and spoke about his work with their chief, Ratu Nacanieli Rawaidranu. Rawaidranu sounds like a fascinating man - educated as a surgeon at the Fiji School of Medicine he had tended to this man at one stage in his life.

This man told us too, that there had been an agreement signed on 29 September 1929 between Ratu Rawaidranu, Arthur Lelean, Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna and Mr Abraham from the Colonial Sugar Refinery to say that the community at Yaladro and Toko would be independent farmers.

The community faced extremely hard times to start with, with hunger and poverty reflected in the names of their children (Osoto - meaning 'patience'; and Kanawai - 'eat water').

Part of the agreement, in addition to the idea of those in the community being exempt from communal duties to their villages, was to establish an independent, Fijian Methodist Church.

This was supposedly the aim for missionaries wherever a mission was established, but sometimes it seemed like incredibly slow going to achieve that independent status. Arthur and Rawaidranu agreed that 500 pounds and 100 tabua would be collected to present to Synod as a means of requesting an independent church.

The money and tabua were presented in 1941, however the request was denied as it was not supported by chiefs or missionaries from other parts of Fiji.

The war was also seen as a hindrance.

After these initial interviews, the Deaconess and I parted ways so that she could get to her business with the church and I to my archival research at the National Archives of Fiji.

There is a wealth of information at the archives and I strongly encourage anyone who has an interest in the history of Fiji to visit them.

I had attained permission from the Methodist church to look at their archives and so was able to read the correspondence from and to Arthur Lelean through this period, and also right up to the point when the church became independent in 1964. This was all very enlightening and thickened the plot a bit. There were letters from 'Uncle Charlie' to say that the serpent had gone to Melbourne to meet with Arthur and Doris while they were in Australia on furlough.

I still have not quite figured out who the 'serpent' is, but I think it was probably some reference to Apolosi. So, the plot thickened!

While in Suva I took the opportunity to meet with the leaders of the Methodist Church, past and present, and am so grateful for the time that I spent with them and also at Wesley church. I am hoping that my research will be of interest to them.

After speaking with them I have decided to try and extend my research past the point of the church's independence, up to the point where Reverend Josateki Koroi was the elected President. It should make for a very rich study into the church's history.

After three weeks in the archives, I met with the Deaconess again, this time at Lautoka. We travelled over to Tavua again, where the Talatala and his family once more looked after us. We spent a very special evening at Toko where we discussed the history of the farming scheme once more. We learnt a lot here about Ratu Rawaidranu and the agreement that was made between him and Arthur.

We also met with some of the great-grandchildren of Apolosi Ranawai. While I still am not 100 percent sure of their working together, I think our great-grandfathers had similar interests in promoting economic progress for Fijians through business and particularly agriculture.

Respite in the Christmas Eve city

from w
Every city certainly needs gardens, trees, seats, and churches for respite from the hard concrete pavements, the brash advertising and people calling to you to buy in the $2 shops in Swanston Street, Melbourne. We were up there this morning on a 5 minute errand and I dislike the city environment so I persuaded my family with me to go inside the cool St Pauls Cathedral where we lit candles in remembrance of absent family long gone. And I'm sure that Christmas is not a happy time for many people where there are all kinds of troubles and anxieties. A city church gives us a space to breathe slowly and in the darkness of the gothic styled St Paul's it was an important stopover for us. And Macdonalds icecream went down well also!

The turning point of time

from w
Though the date of December 25th isn't necessarily the exact date of the birth of Jesus Christ, as some church leader many centuries ago declared the day to be Christ-mass, a celebration. It actually was related to the northern summer solstice and the Sun. However through the centuries it has become the Christians special day. So, how do we celebrate it? Worship, carols, quietness, family feasts, story-telling, gifts particularly for the children. It's not a day for shopping. Okay, I know that times are hard and money is ever important, but in Fiji Christmas does have significance for most of the population. It is disappointing to read that there is confusion over whether shops can or cannot open.

From one of the Fiji media outlets I read that municipal administrators can be flexible in allowing the day to be a trading day, though Suva City Council say the shopkeepers will need a special permit. Monday and Tuesday are also holidays. Okay, there are some people who do have to work - in hospitals, taxi-drivers, hotels where there are tourists, but generally it still ought to be 'shop-free'.

From a Fiji Times story comes the view of a highly respected leader, Fei Tevi.

Tevi: Respect Christmas day

Friday, December 24, 2010
THERE has been a call for businesses to respect the setting aside of the 25th December as the day Christians worldwide celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) general secretary Fe'iloakitau Tevi said businesses should not discriminate against workers who do not turn up to work on Christmas Day, by not paying them. He called on the line ministry to ensure the rights of believers in the workplace were protected.

"There should be a respect for religious beliefs and ordinances from employers that should not impinge on the rights of believers of any faith who may want to attend religious services and spend a religious day of celebrations with their families," he said.

"This is one day in the year that is so special in the Christian calendar, and it should not be overwhelmed and dictated by the blind pursuit for profit of businesses and the private sector."
One of my favourite Christmas theme songs is called 'The Turning Point of Time' written by an Australian composer. It starts off with these words:

The stillness of anticipation
cradles tiny Bethlehem;
silent now in preparation
for the miracle of birth.
all creation, hushed, expectant,
waits a baby's cry;
born in all simplicity
at the turning point of time.

And one of my favourite Fijian carols is 'Matanisiga'

Of course the story of Christmas isn't complete. There's the whole life of Jesus when he lived on earth, the gentle man of God whose intuition of human frailty and need for healing has changed the world for ever.

Not scared of the red moon but

from w
Last night there was an eclipse of the moon seen in Fiji as bright red but this doesn't scare the chooks, the turkeys, the little pigs, as much as the idea of Christmas feasting next Saturday. The chooks of Fiji, the turkeys of USA and the little pigs of Tonga are running scared. I think a vegetarian Christmas would be a nice change, but I know it won't happen in our household. We'll pick up a bag of Fiji dalo, buy some pork, chickens, and do what we usually do which is to make a lovo. Prawns though might be nice. We'll have only about eight people, though another seven threaten to arrive!

Celebrities and privacy

from w
Yesterday I posted on some gossip about Oprah booking in two weeks at Likuliku Resort on Malolo Island after a Facebook contributor spilled the beans, but then I deleted it because really a celebrity should have some privacy perhaps? Anyway, the second story is that she'll be at Laucala Island near Taveuni which is even more private, away from the milling crowd. Certainly a millionaire's holiday spot. Staff at Fiji resorts in Fiji are told not to gossip about the whereabouts of who is where and not to take photos. If they breach the conditions they can not only be sacked but they may be sued if they sell a photo to the media. So if it's Laucala good luck to the staff there who will have interesting guests but a warning - no photos! Though Oprah in a liku or a sulu would be a very good shot!
Oprah due in Laucala Island within the next few hours
Publish date/time: 16/12/2010 [15:10]

Talk show Queen and legend, Oprah Winfrey is expected to jet into the exclusive Laucala Island within the next few hours. Fijivillage has received confirmation that Oprah will spend a few days on the island with her partner, Stedman Graham.

Despite hinting she may visit Egypt before returning home from Australia the couple told those in their closest circle they will stay at a private, luxurious Fijian resort. Her businessman boyfriend of 24 years, Graham will fly halfway across the world to reunite with his partner. Oprah and Graham will fly into Laucala on the private jet of the owner of Laucala island who is also the owner of the popular energy drink, Red Bull, Dietrich Mateschitz.

Laucala, a seven star haven, was formerly owned by publishing magnate Malcolm Forbes. Placed in the top hundred of the most beautiful hotels and resorts in the world by Hideaway Hotels, Laucala was redeveloped by its new owner at a staggering 30 million dollars. Located about 45 minutes by plane from Nadi International Airport, Laucala Island which is near Taveuni was a coconut plantation for nearly a century.

The 3,000 acre atoll is now a study in tropical gardening, with hillsides thick with herbs and vegetables, as well as fruit bearing plants that supply the shot glass portions of fresh juices that attendants serve to guests throughout the day.

Visitors stay in thatch roofed villas, each with its own swimming pool, set along the mountainous island's beaches and cliffs. The accommodation rate for a night goes as high as US$26,000 which is for the Hilltop Residence located 360 feet above sea level. Fijivillage has also been told that if a guest wants to book the whole island for 7 days for only themselves, the charge is US$1 million.

One day at a time

from w
Some news about the Fiji Methodist Church and one day meetings for next year. A conference in a day, vakatotolo indeed. Therefore a disconnect with the vanua greetings and leisurely meals. I remember the time the conference was held at Cuvu when there was a large amount of time spent on ceremony, reviving old customs, and a very real connection wtih the vanua. Well, this time it's business only. Some say a good thing. From Fiji FBC this evening
Fiji Methodists to meet in August 2011
Monday, December 13, 2010
The Methodist Church will now hold their annual conference in August next year – but only for a day. Church assistant General Secretary Rev Tevita Nawadra says this was decided in their meeting this afternoon. The 'Bose Vula Tolu' – or quarterly meeting will be held in March next year and the 'Bose Vakayabaki' – or annual meeting of each division will be held in May 2011. The dates were decided after government last week gave the Methodist Church approval to hold their meetings. Rev Nawadra is urging church members to adhere to the conditions of the approval of the meeting. The 3 meetings will have to be held in a day each. The annual conference is usually held over a week – with the annual bazaar – to raise money for the church’s operations and on-going activities. Rev Nawadra adds - the annual bazaar will not be held next year. The meetings were initially banned last year on the grounds that political subjects would be discussed - and could lead to trouble.