Isoa

Isoa is the caretaker of the house that we stayed in on Taveuni. He lives right near the house with his wife, Pini; his grandson, Isaac; daughter, Salomi; and sometimes his nieces. He is very nice and helpful and came with us on most of our trips around the island. He and Pini also cooked a lovo (a traditional Fijian feast) one night. He was born in a small village called Wiwi village, about 1 to 2 miles from where he lives now. It was very interesting to talk to Isoa because he still does a lot of traditional Fijian things. He can free dive down 70 feet and spearfish. He also raises pigs and chickens on the property. He knows how to cut open a coconut and get the coconut milk, which is one of many foods growing around his house. There are also pineapples, bananas, papayas, breadfruit, mangoes and eggplants. Our stay would not have been nearly as enjoyable without Isoa around to help us out.