It was anchors up in Paradise at 0000 hours on 20 July. We were headed to Makogai, a former Leper Colony and, since 1989, a Maricultural Center for turtles and giant clams.
We arrived in an internet free anchorage after a comfortable 12 hour sail, had a quick lunch and a lie down, and then went ashore for our Sevusevu with Khamali, the person in charge of Center.
We remained at Makogai for six days, a bit longer than originally planned due to weather. But we didn’t mind. We had the company of friends, enjoyed a bit of snorkeling and hiking, toured what remained of the Leper Colony, and got to know the turtles and giant clams in residence.
Best of all, we enjoyed entertainment and kava courtesy the Center’s employees, their families, local villagers, and the school’s Headmaster and staff.
Before we knew it, it was time to continue on toward Denarau.
I’m in a gallery mood today. so that is how I will share Makogai. You can click on any image to enlarge it.
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Michelle Hill July 30, 2015
Fantastic photos Lisa. So much colour.
Lisa Dorenfest July 30, 2015 — Post Author
? Michelle ….oh the pictures you will take here….?
Michelle Hill July 31, 2015
I can’t wait. ?
tgeriatrix July 30, 2015
This looks like a gorgeous visit!
Lisa Dorenfest July 31, 2015 — Post Author
? Fiji is glorious. Am lucky to travel here
tgeriatrix July 31, 2015
Enjoy!
Terri Webster Schrandt July 30, 2015
I just love the happiness the exudes from the locals! Your photography capturing your experiences is wonderful!
Lisa Dorenfest July 31, 2015 — Post Author
I am delighted that you enjoyed the smiles Terri ?
margo July 30, 2015
Great job as always, Lisa. So glad you and Fabio are having a great time with good friends. xo Margo
Lisa Dorenfest July 31, 2015 — Post Author
Ahoy Margo! Great to hear from you. Wish you and Steve were here sailing with us. Fiji is magical ?
thirdeyemom July 30, 2015
Gorgeous pictures Lisa! They really show the feeling of the place!
Lisa Dorenfest July 31, 2015 — Post Author
You are wonderful to say so Nicole! Fiji is sublime. Can’t wait to see more on your summit of Kilimanjaro
thirdeyemom July 31, 2015
How long are you in Fiji for Lisa and where to next? Must be pretty amazing!!!
Lisa Dorenfest July 31, 2015 — Post Author
Likely in Fiji through mid-Sept then off to Australia via New Caledonia. I am lucky to have been able to sail here. Will be tough to say ‘good-bye’ ?
thirdeyemom August 3, 2015
Wow, that is wonderful Lisa!
Mary July 30, 2015
Always a pleasure to read about your travels and insights into your adventure
Lisa Dorenfest July 31, 2015 — Post Author
You are wonderful to say so Mary. Missing the Isle of Big but still able to enjoy it through your lens. And you know I love watching Baby Ava start off on her own adventure ?
Amy July 30, 2015
I love this gallery, Lisa! Beautiful smiles 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest July 31, 2015 — Post Author
I am so pleased that you do Amy. You’ve made me smile ?
kirsten July 31, 2015
Love the joy reflected in the faces of the locals. What a beautiful place. I also love how you call yourself a “corporate fugitive.” There is nothing like sailing. I grew up on a boat, but haven’t been on one in years. I miss it.
Lisa Dorenfest July 31, 2015 — Post Author
? The sea is calling you ⛵️
Faraday's Candle July 31, 2015
Spectacular photos as always. How will you ever be able to go back to a “regular life” after this.
Lisa Dorenfest August 1, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you so much for your lovely compliment. And when the time comes to return to ‘regular life’, I’ll ease the transition by remembering that ‘interesting is everywhere’…just need to keep my eyes open to see it ?.
Faraday's Candle August 1, 2015
Wonderful thought!
restlessjo July 31, 2015
And what a wonderful gallery it is, Lisa! So full of island life 🙂 My favourites are those future performers.
Lisa Dorenfest August 1, 2015 — Post Author
Am so happy that you enjoyed the gallery Jo! The future performers stole my heart with their enthusiasm for the show and their dance moves ?
ledrakenoir July 31, 2015
Amazing – really enjoy this gallery of fascinating mood – excellent captured… 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest August 1, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you for putting me in a good mood with your compliment Drake. Greatly appreciated ?
lexklein August 1, 2015
Good day for a gallery! The people are the stars, but I love the supporting characters, especially the church, butterfly and cemetery (and how they look together).
Lisa Dorenfest August 2, 2015 — Post Author
I love, love, love seeing my blog through your eye. Your perspective always makes me smile. Thank you ?
Jill's Scene August 2, 2015
Hi Lisa, Was there drumming in the background of these shots? It’s the drumming I remember from my trip to Fiji and when I look at your photos I reckon I can hear them again. Beautiful, beautiful place.
Lisa Dorenfest August 2, 2015 — Post Author
? only guitars, vocals, and some stomping by the Warriors at Makogai but most of the other celebrations that we have enjoyed in Fiji have included rhythmic drumming. Fiji is beautiful ? Can’t wait to see the beauty that you will share with us from Myanmar ?
LDG luciledegodoy August 2, 2015
I have been missing your photos, Lisa. Since I returned from vacations last week, I’ve been trying to catch up with reding blogs, and I’m glad I’m visiting yours now,
Your trip, your photos and your narrative, is a perfect combination of awe inspiring ingredients. It’s the best formula to place instant smiles on everybody’s faces.
This particular gallery exudes so much happiness. Their eyes expressions are spontaneous, and speak do much to me. They leave a message that life is simple and simply wonderful, and we can choose for that anytime.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us and teaching us so much.
Cheers!
Lucile
Lisa Dorenfest August 3, 2015 — Post Author
Your comments fill me with joy Lucile! Thank you being so incredibly gracious. It is a treat to travel with you virtually.
Fiji should be called the Smiling Islands. Happiness seems to permeate the place. And to your point, even here, the simpler the lifestyle, the wider the smile 🙂
LDG luciledegodoy August 4, 2015
And your reply made me smile! Thanks.
What’s your impression on why these people are so happy? I don’t know anything about Fiji’s geopolitics, culture, economy…
What’s their society like?
Lisa Dorenfest August 4, 2015 — Post Author
I think that they are happy because of the strength of their traditions and families, the simplicity of their lifestyle (especially outside of the cities) and the beauty and abundance of the surrounding landscapes and seas.
The primary sources of revenue are sugar cane (which I understand will change next year when world subsidies disappear) and tourism (huge and growing).
On the downside, there is some ill feeling between the native Fijians (Melanesians with some Polynesian ancestry and Methodist) and Indo-Fijians (descendants of Indian Contract Laborers brought in by the British who now run many of the businesses here.. and Hindu) However, I think that relations are improving with the current, visionary government.
The nation has experienced several coups resulting from the ethnic tensions. The leader of the last coup (Commander of the Military Frank Bainimarama) was later legitimately elected as Prime Minister and seems much beloved by the people, and good for Fiji.
It is quite an interesting place.
LDG luciledegodoy August 5, 2015
Thank you for the thorough and insightful information. I really appreciated your attention and fast reply. I learnt a lot today. Thank you so much.
Lisa Dorenfest August 5, 2015 — Post Author
I really appreciate your asking me a question. I tend to be a woman of many pictures and few words but am thinking of ‘stretching’ myself and doing more writing in the future. We shall see ?
Gallivanta August 2, 2015
Lovely photos Lisa. Fascinating to see the turtles and clams.
Lisa Dorenfest August 3, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you so much for having a look and for your lovely compliment Ann! Greatly appreciated. I hope that, given nurse Jack’s good care you now fully recovered and enjoying the first crocus blooms of August.
Gallivanta August 3, 2015
Dare I say I am fully recovered? Yes, I think so. But the crocus blooms haven’t appeared yet in my garden.
Lisa Dorenfest August 3, 2015 — Post Author
They’ll sprout soon. And when they do, it will be a lovely day
Gallivanta August 3, 2015
Indeed.
rosemaylily2014 August 3, 2015
A great way to show off the islands Lisa – what a lovely gallery! You really feel yourself slowing down as you look at the photos – such a laid back happy looking place! 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest August 4, 2015 — Post Author
’tis a happy, laid back place indeed! Thank you for your kind words. Always a pleasure to hear from you Rosemary. Have been very much enjoyed your recent images from the other side of the world (London is 180 degrees of longitude from here). As much as I love Fiji, I miss big cities and museums. Your images of the V&A were marvelous.
rosemaylily2014 August 5, 2015
Thanks Lisa – am glad to keep in touch as you’re sailing round Fiji it’s wonderful that we have modern technology these days to help us all to stay connected 🙂 Thanks for your compliments and support of my photographic efforts – much appreciated! 🙂
dunelight August 4, 2015
This made me smile; same planet, different world. 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest August 4, 2015 — Post Author
Indeed :-). Glad you enjoyed the gallery.
Susi August 6, 2015
Wow! Lisa…what a gallery!!! So baeutifula nd says so much. I just love being able to follow you. What a life you have chosen! Hope all is well with the captaina nd with you…is Amy going to visit you guys there?
Lisa Dorenfest August 6, 2015 — Post Author
⚓️ Ahoy Susi! Wonderful to hear from you. Delighted that you enjoyed the gallery. The Captain is in LA renewing his USCG license. Amy not coming to visit ? but The Captain’s cousin from LA is coming back with him ?. Perhaps we can convince you to visit in Australia ?
Lisa Dorenfest August 6, 2015 — Post Author
….or why wait. You are welcome in Fiji or New Caledonia as well. We miss you ?
Artistami.Eva August 19, 2015
Lisa these photos are just amazing! I just got back from a month vacation, and I can honestly say no where near to how much living and enjoying you are doing. You are a wonderful soul. God Bless You!
Lisa Dorenfest August 20, 2015 — Post Author
Welcome back Eva! A pleasure to hear from you. Your kind words always make me smile ?.
Sue Slaght September 3, 2015
What a fabulous gallery Lisa! I love the image of the boy with the guitar on his head. It makes me wonder what he is thinking.
Lisa Dorenfest September 3, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you much Sue! Perhaps he was hoping to be the band leader when he grows up ??