Hidden Paradise
Savusavu on Venua Levu is also known as Fiji’s “Hidden Paradise” as it has a lot to offer as a town, besides being a great central spot for several diving options. For me it became a kid of “Base Camp” as I first boarded SV Russula waiting for us in the Marina of Nawi Island Marina Resort. After having sailed to Taveuni, Qamea and Viani we came back anchoring this time at Copra Shed Marina. We collected a parcel to re-instal Starlink, enjoyed eating out and got ourselves some supplies before continuing our adventures.
Restaurants
There is a wide variety of pretty good restaurants. I loved going to “Arun’s Restaurant” for a homemade Fish Lolo. The Chinese Restaurant is also good value for your money and offers a more “romantic” setting with real table clothes! If you like tofu, this is where you get it. Also Fish served to other guests looked amazing. My absolute favourite though was “Sugarlicious“. Wonderful Indian cuisine is served her by a delightful woman. Indulgence pure, especially if you also go for desert!
KokoMana
If you like chocolate, you should definitely go for a lovely walk to the Cocoa Farm and Chocolate Factory. While Captain Craig installed Starlink, I went for a 40-minute walk to KokoMana. The biggest part is next to the main road with quite some traffic and almost no shade. Anyway… I enjoyed some me-time on land and the friendly people waving at me with “Bula, bula“!
The last part is wonderful and very rewarding after being out on the asphalt in the heat. A forest path surrounded by lush green bush and colourful flowers was leading me uphill untill I reached the Farm. Richard, the owner, welcomed me and offered to join a small group for a guided tour and tasting for the price of 60 FJD.
I thanked him gratefully, but admitted not having the 1,5 hr of time, as I needed to be back at the boat soon. I could walk around by myself too, he kindly suggested and so I did. It was impressive to see how the cocoa beans are carefully nurtered under the sun. One of the workers explained the process to me. So much work and care is involved to produce their fine-flavoured chocolate.
Nakama Hot Springs
Right in the centre of Savusavu, some Hot Springs can be found. I didn’t want to actually go there, but while strolling around found them by accident. There’s a nice sign indicating the local geology. Apparently these hot springs have been gushing piping hot water and steam for centuries. There are shady sitting areas to linger for a while.
Khemendra Sanatan Primary School
What caught my attention while visiting the hot springs was the vibrant crowd just behind it. I spotted a big blue and white school and lots of children but parents too. Of course I needed to find out what was going on. Soon I found myself in an interesting conversation with one of the teachers. She told me that the school educates 710 pupils from year 1 to 8.
Today was a special day as the Prefect induction ceremony was held. During this event 71 students are honoured for several reasons, such as being a good role model, or a very discplined learner. The children to be honoured were wearing a festive “salusalu” (traditional garland). They looked so beautiful and it was great to see how proud they made their parents and siblings.
For a moment it set me back to my own teaching time in Liébana, Picos de Europa, Spain. I missed my students instantly. The lovely teacher encouraged me to go closer and enjoy being part of this special day. I went to sit under some trees with parents and a group of young boys. We chatted along about their subjects and which games they liked best. A wonderful afternoon!
