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The Fiji Islands are known as home to some of the most friendly and hospitable people on the planet. "They are so gentle and kind that visitors may doubt their sincerity," says Rob Kay, author of the Lonely Planet. There are many beautiful islands, but it is the people of the Fiji Islands who make the trip halfway around the world worth it.
 We share in the communal life of two small villages that hold deep beliefs about family and friends being the most important things in life
. Upon our arrival in each village, we participate in a formal "sevu sevu" (a welcoming ceremony) during which we present the chief with gifts and are accepted into each community as guests. We immerse
ourselves into the villages without electricity, cars, or stores, and gain a deeper understanding of a Fijian way of life.
Our first stay is in a small mountain community. We share customs and work, and try to bring as little of our ways into their lives as possible. Occasionally, to fully appreciate Fijian lifestyle, we
have small groups in mini homestays with our Fijian friends who open thier homes to us for meals, play, and sleep! Our host families spoil us with inspired banquets full of fruits, breads and native dishes.
 Some forward thinking Fijians have begun a program to develop sustainable eco-tourism in a healthy, low impact way. We are
contributing to this movement with our time, labor and financial donations. During the last six years we have built "bures" (guest houses), restored community buildings, and planted thousands of
young trees for many villages.
 After a few days to rest, swim and explore the markets, we travel to a coastal village. Fiji is paradise in the Pacific, complete with
volcanic mountains, coral reefs, waterfalls, hiking trials, and single lane dirt roads that transport us back to a simpler time. The village opens it's homes and heart to us, and works alongside us to plant
fruit and firewood trees for the future. The days follow relaxed "Fiji-time" and include projects, adventure activities, and introductions to traditional local customs, crafts, and games!
 We will travel by ferry and spend the final few days at a small island resort where time will be spent soaking up the sun and reflecting
with friends. It is here that our PADI Certified divers instruct us in a resort SCUBA course. You will find yourself enchanted by the underwater dream worlds! As we explore the reefs and see dazzling
colored fish, we realize why Fiji is known for its world class diving!
Your four weeks in Fiji will forever be an example of a Communal Village Life; a way of life that
may soon be lost in time. The people you meet will forever be etched in your heart.
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