Makogai is an island to the north east of Viti Levu. It was a former leper colony. So, there are many structures and other stuff left over from former days.

As an example, many homes have modern furnishings such as you see on the left. We also see discarded bed frames used to grow giant clams.

The beds have been used out in the bay to allow the baby giant clams to grow. (right)

These babies start in an onshore breeding facility that you see on the left.The very small clams need protection from predators if they are to grow up to be large as the clam on the right.

Of course they will eventually grow even larger.

Another part of their breeding program is the raising of sea turtles.

It's possible that this guy on the left is a graduate of that program. We haven't actually seen many turtles on our travels as many native peoples enjoy eating them!!

After going to Church on the far side of the island the chief invited us to his house for a feast. There was another yacht in the bay and we all enjoyed a great afternoon.

I had a chance to get quite a few interesting photos of the interior of the chief's house and the people who joined us for the feast and kava afterwards. A beautiful and large tapa dominates the interior of the "family" room. People have the normal sorts of things in their house: TV, photos of family and memento of events in their family life. Two other things are noteworthy: The house is kept very clean as you see in the next shot.

Additionally, you notice that people don't sit on the furniture. They sit on the floor. I would guess that when the family is gathering without guests that they do sit on the couch.

I hope these don't seen too redundant. After the feast (to which I brought a cake), we had the kava ceremony.

You see this young man preparing the kava. (Right).

After the kava is prepared the cup is passed around.