Fijian Families Village Homestay
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My Homestay at Vatukacevaceva Village
Rakiraki, Fiji Islands


Vatukacevaceva Village
written by Ali and Emily,
London, England


We thought we’d let you know about our experiences with our Fijian family so that you can add them to the website to give people a little taster of what they may experience when staying with a Fijian Family.

VillagersWe were greeted at the airport by Mary, 2 shell necklaces and a big warm smile, which set a precedent for our stay in the village. We arrived at the village,Vatakacevaceva, having bought some Kava roots for the family on the way and were met by our family and some of the other villagers. They blessed the Kava and then accepted the gift and us into their home. Lisi, the lady of the family cooked us dinner, which included locally grown root vegetables, cassava and kumala. We then partook in the Kava ceremony until we retired to bed.

The next day we had a hearty breakfast of roti and potato and pumpkin curry, before Lisi took us on a tour of the village. We met many friendly locals and were taught how to weave mats from pandanus leaves. The Fijian hospitality was so warm with food and drinks constantly being offered to us. Villagers Just walking around the village the ladies made us tea, lemon juice and afternoon tea with custard pie. Most of the houses in the village are now made from either cement or wood, with corrugated roofing, but the men still build traditional Bures (houses) and we visited one of these. The Fijian people are so creative and talented and it was really interesting to gain an insight into how they utilize the plants for everyday living.

Beqa, the man of the family, then husked some coconuts for us from one of the palms trees growing in the village so that we could taste the milk and eat the coconut. The village setting is stunning, with palm trees growing throughout and the Uluinakauvadra Mountains ascending in the background.

After another traditional meal we were taken to the local primary school on horse back and met all the children in their classes. Grades 1 and 2 sang two nursery rhymes in English for us and then one in Fijian about a mongoose! Villagers We spoke to Grades 7 and 8 about smoking, as that was the topic they were studying. We spoke to the other grades about England and answered their questions.

As it was our last night we were told that the village was going to hold a farewell ceremony for us. This was very touching as the ladies made flower garlands for us and performed the traditional Meke, which they later taught us. This was highly amusing for everyone!! The children also sang for us. The fact that this was not a tourist show that the villagers were paid to do, but a demonstration of normal Fijian life made the whole experience very special and one we will never forget. We really enjoyed our entire visit to the village and feel like we experienced the true Fijian way of life.

We have thought of a few hints for future visitors that you might like to also add somewhere on the website, as we were not aware of these things in the beginning:

Women can not wear shorts or trousers in the village and skirts must cover the knee. It would be advisable to buy a sarong…luckily Mary had some she could lend us, At the leaving ceremony it is customary to give the children sweets, which should be bought before going to the village. We however thought possibly coloring pencils or something similar that could be used for their education would be beneficial to them. A gift of some Kava is recommended on arrival. There is no hot water in the village that we went to – so be prepared for cold showers!!

Villagers We also took lots of photos, once we’ve downloaded them onto the computer we’ll send some to you so that you can also add those to the website, it may be a few weeks though before we send these.

Thanks to both you and Mary for giving us the opportunity for such a great experience.

Ali and Emily
London, England




Vatukacevaceva Villages
by Ali and Emily,
London, England



Back to Vatukacevaceva Village web page