The day was spent at sea, traversing the approximately 600 nautical miles from Tanna, Vanuatu to Suva, Fiji. Time was spent enjoying the shipboard facilities, including the gym and sauna, and attending presentations by the ship’s naturalists and field staff.
2/24/2024
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National Geographic Orion
Beqa, Fiji
After a boisterous thunderstorm, we set out to explore one of the villages of Beqa. Local guides showed us around and told us about everyday life in Fiji. Colorful houses and friendly people greeted us at every turn, and the school was especially interesting. From there, we proceeded to a resort setting. After birdwatching and kava tasting, some of the women performed a traditional meke, or dance. The singing was awesome! The grand finale of our day was firewalking. This only takes place on Beqa in Fiji, and only two villages do it. The fire had been burning all day, and after the explanation of the practice’s history, men stood on fiery hot rocks, all with a Bula and smiles on their faces. Fun was had by all. Photo caption and photographer: Firewalking at its finest! Photo by Mikaele Greenfelder
