The Qeleloa-Lomowai Connection: Friday, November 10, 2006

Just a little recap on my recent 3 day visit to Fiji. This trip was after 12 years and for a sad occasion on the passing of Mami. I am really glad that I made the trip to represent all the brothers and sisters. It dawned on me after a while after hearing the news, that she happens to be a lot in my memory bank as a child growing up in Fiji.

From Fiji Trip 06

I spent a lot of school holidays in Lomowai where she cooked the most delicious meals. In fact that's what I probably missed the most as I sat on the Kitchen floor having the food that the neighbours brought for the funeral. It was not her that was serving it. It did bring back some fond memories. The funeral went really smoothly and I caught up with lots of the Lomowai Village residents. Some growing and looking older, some no changes. Mama was the usual under the circumstances but I think he did a good job putting up with the show. He offered me a Bathak (Duck) to sneak away and cook at Baba Mama’s. The sons relaxed a bit after the cremation and there were some reminiscing conversation over Kava. Funny, enough a lot of conversation was on Danger Tata and there were some funny moments.

From Fiji Trip 06

Babba Mama and Mami were really hospitable and they have a very comfortable house. It’s a really home away from home with all the mod-con’s. I think he only called me by Jayant twice, the rest of the time it was Navin. He said it was my fault for being away for so long. Kamlesh Mama and him slaughtered a goat on the last day at Babba Mama’s place and all his family came over. Good to catch up with all the cousins and yes, they all are keeping the family tradition of being good-looking.
Nadi has changed a lot in 12 years for good. The town is looking modern and clean, but the old road to Nadi town is pretty bad. The new back road is good and the Nadi-Lomowai road is good. Could not believe the tar-sealed toad to Qeleloa. Had a short visit at Qeleloa with some beers with Mukund Kaka. Lali Aunty brought some left over chicken chaser and Mukund Kaka had to cook something so he quickly fried some free range eggs. 2 hours at Qeleloa after 12 years, sharing 3 bottles of beer with Mukund Kaka was the best stress relieve I had in 12 years. I really hope we never loose that place. There are so many memories. The same goes for Mama’s place in Lomowai.