| 09.05 - 05.06. 2005
BULA ! Which is "hello" in Fijian, where we've finally
arrived, but lets take it step by step ...
Beginning of may we were still in Samoa, on the island Savaii
- a beautiful, volcanic island with impressive "blowholes".
There are lots of steep cliffs along Savaiis coast. There's a
nice anecdote to one called "Lovers Leap". A long, long
time ago a blind woman and her son jumped off this cliff after
a fight in the family. Legend has it, that the woman came back
as a turtle and the boy as a shark - and if one looks closely
they can still be seen swimming around down there... |
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From Samoa we continued to Tonga. After some fast sailing, almost
too fast (we had to cruise around in front of the reef for half
the night, having to wait for enough light to pass through the reefs
entrance) we reached the "paradise-island" Niuatoputapu.
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A secluded atoll, by now rather isolated since the ship that
brings provisions only comes by every three months and the airport
with its bumpy grass landing-strip was closed after an "almost-accident".
So we receive a very warm welcome, being the first yacht to arrive
this year, and are promptly invited to a Sunday feast. |
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We contribute a chocolate cake, which is accepted enthusiastically.
Chocolate, like a lot of other things, is hard to get by here.
So a lively trade starts up between the incredibly friendly islanders
and us. Fishing hooks, cigarettes and rum changes hands for plenty
of fresh fruit, vegetables and beautiful handmade craft items.
The people do lead simple lives here (with telephones though), but
are so much the friendlier. |
Antoine chauffeurs us to our daily visit to the village, and,
of course, he is the center of attraction and all the children
gather around wanting to play with him.
After 2 fantastic weeks we have to take leave of Niuatoputapu
and its enchanting lagoon. |
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We take a last look at the neighboring "Mountain-Island"
and set course for Fiji.
Southeasterly winds doing 15-20 knots take us on a speedy yet
relaxing cruise. After 3 days we arrive at the Nanuka straights
were we finally catch a magnificent fish again.
By sunrise the next morning and with plenty of fish in the fridge
we enter the harbor of Savu Savu, Fijis easterly "port of
entry". And since we're going to spend at least 2 months
in Fiji we'll have ample opportunity during the next few weeks
to tell you more about this beautiful land. |
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 See
you then ...................
Tom, Nela & Antoine
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