Today was our first voucher activity, Seaspray sailing day but we didnt know what to expect. After a buffet breakfast of toast beans and an egg we caught the small speedboat to the ferry where we would depart at Mana Island. After a half an hour trip we got onto a small taxi boat which took us onto the Seaspray (another boat). The boat was taking us on a tour to the Castaway Island where we could jump off and snorkel and then to a village for a traditional welcoming kava ceremony (a drink that is made from the pepper plant and has a sedative effect).

We had a glass of champagne to start and biscuits and fruit went around. Then there was self service beer and wine available all day, which got us all nicely tipsy and chatty. We met lots of people and got friendly with the guys on our end of the boat; a guy called Luke from Romford (you always meet someone uber local), a group of Australian girls from Brisbane, Sarah, Emily and Shannon, a couple of Aussie brothers also from Brisbane, Breton and Josh who were in Fiji for their older brothers wedding, then there were 3 exchange students who were studying at Sydney Christine, Sebastian and another American but can't remember his name.

The castaway island was quite small but recognisable. We jumped of the boat and snorkelled to shore for a quick walk around. The drum sounded and it was back to the boat for lunch. BBQ chicken, fish and lamb sausage and sides of, fried rice, potato salad, coleslaw, salad and fruit. It was delicious and perfect for our surroundings.

As we digested we sailed to the village were Breton and Sebastian were nominated as spokesman for the group (they had to drink the kava first and say thank you to the Chief). We all a bowl (made out of half a coconut) of the kava. It tasted like muddy water and left my mouth slightly numb. If you drink enough of it, it is supposed to be like getting stoned. We walked around the village and through the stalls where the women were selling souvenirs and jewellery, I bought a pair of earrings.

We got back on the boat and sailed back to Mana Island, drinking whatever was left in the buckets. Feeling merry we said our goodbyes and boarded the ferry which would take us back to Bounty Island. It was a brilliant day! we got back at 5pm and I had time for a swim in the pool and a couple of drinks before a shower and then dinner. Dinner was served buffet style, fish curry, meat curry, rice and salad. I had the yellow coriander fish curry and rice with pineapple for a desert yummy.
The evening was ended with fijian songs from the staff.