Rewa Days - success!

So, a couple hours ago, we performed our Meke to the high chiefs of Fiji  and The Fijian Princess (highest chief). It went very well despite the fact that sweat was pouring forth because the heat today is through the roof. The whole process leading up to this performance has been surreal. Lastnight, we sat on a veranda with about 20 fellow villagers - men and women - and made belts and bracelets and spears out of poles and leaves from a ficus tree while grog was passed around. Apparently many of the villagers stayed on late into the night making these very luscious costumes for us to wear today. Our village is based on ncredible generosity and eagerness to help. Our host families provided us with their own VERY special paper-like skirts that women wear high on the waist. This was a great honor to wear this. I will put up pics soon so you can get an idea of what I'm talking about. I only messed up a little bit during the meke which is just FINE. I found out this morning that I was to take center stage and alter some of my choreography because my poor partner Sarah got sick and couldn't make it. But, all went just FINE! Now me and some fellows PCT's (peace corps trainees) are hitting up the internet cafe and bopping around town. I think my friend Jenny and I might go get some icecream, YAY! Cold things are SO appreciated here. With no fridge, life in Fiji is constantly steamy. I bucket bathe at least 2 times a day out of necesity to COOL down (and smell good). I got some virgin coconut oil yesterday from the man who makes it and am excited to use it as lotion. The process involves shredding the coconut, putting in water and wringing it out (this makes lolo or the coconut milk we buy in cans). Then the lolo is left to sit and separate and ferment a little. Then the oil is manually scooped off the top. When I use it, I definitely smell like a walking coconut. Not much more news, as I gave a big update yesterday. I'm excited to go see my village team play some rugby 7's tomorrow. Should be exciting! Lots of love - Z