You had a week to absorb the the Extreme Hiking post. If you are stumbling across this vacation tale in mid-stream, I invite you to start at the beginning by going to the Fiji Diary tab at the top of the blog. Those posts will get you up to speed before reading this one.
Today we continue on with the Day 5 activities. At least this next one really didn't pose a threat to my safety or any of my remaining, undamaged digits.
If you're ready, here we go...
Wednesday June 15th, 2011 - The Day That Will Live In Injury! PART II
After the return from the Waterfall Hike aka Modern Bataan Death March, the fire was good and ready and the stones for the Firewalkers were nice and hot. The Firewalkers in their native (and highly flammable) grass skirts prepared for their performance.
You will want to enlarge all of these.
Legend has it that a Fijian god once repaid a favor to a warrior on Beqa island by giving him the ability to walk on fire unharmed. The Sawau tribe of Beqa are noted for their ability to walk on white hot stones without being burned. Strict rituals have to be observed before the firewalking ceremony. Two of the strictest rituals are 1) No form of coconut (a staple in their diet) can be ingested for 4 days prior to the firewalk, 2) No woman (no cry?). So no coconut, no sex, four days.
Let's continue...
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| To prepare for the firewalk they have to clear out all the burning wood that was used to heat the stones during the day. |
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| Then they walk in the motherf*#&ing hot stones!! |
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| Taking turns, standing on the stones for various lengths of time... |
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| Doing the two-stone no hands trick... |
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| Didn't have my zoom with me so my closeups weren't that close... |
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| Show off! |
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| And then they took my wife!!! |
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| And several other women of our tribe...one of the Others |
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| The two young Arkansas girls |
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| And one of our group... |
I am keeping this post short since the Hike was so damn long.
Next up...the Kava Ceremony to cap off Day 5 of extreme activities Fiji style.
Vinaka for now
8 comments:
That's impressive! I've enjoyed your tales of Hawaii, Chuck. Not going that long without the sex though. Not happening.
This could do with one of your charts . . . what do you do if your wife is lifted - rescue her, run away, take a photograph?
Chuck - could the print be a bit bigger?
Lucy
Alex: Thanks...but as the title infers I am on Fiji...Pat was in Hawaii... :))
Lucy: If you are talking about the caption print I can and will in the future. I usually try to since the default is so small. Sorry 'bout that! And I like your graph idea...obviously I was entertained and took a picture!
Wow! That is amazing! I once did some accidental firwalking. Well, it was actually fire falling into... It was a long time ago, so I'm sure drugs and/or alcohol was involved.
Loving your Fiji series Chuck...
Pat: I did a firewalking event as a corporate team-building exercise back in the mid-90's. It was one of the most badass things I have ever done. Went through the fire pit three times! Too bad the video of it sucks so bad.
Thanks for liking the Fiji trip.
looks like you had an incredible time Chuck! Glad to see it! xx
Ally: Thanks for stopping by,know you are busy. Have you clicked the Fiji Diary tab at the top and read the whole sordid tale??? If not give it a look.
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