Excursion Hints: Keamu Cultural Visit from Mystery Island @julescruisecompanion #cruise

Today my shore excursion is to Mystery Island and then on to the Keamu Village, I made sure I had everything packed in my bag: cash, as it's the accepted currency on the islands, a power pack, some cords, and a poncho, just in case of unexpected rain. Of course, the most crucial item for any excursion is your ticket, and it's essential to ensure you're at the right location and meeting point to begin the adventure. After arriving at Mystery Island, I caught a tender to reach the island and then a smaller boat back to the mainland, known as Aneityum. This tender transfer provided an excellent opportunity to capture some stunning footage of the magnificent Carnival Splendor. The Pacific Island weather was perfect on this August day, and I couldn't have been more thrilled to explore Mystery Island, my first island experience on the Carnival Splendor cruise. Once we disembarked from the tender, we strolled along the dock, where local singers greeted us warmly. It was at this point that we gathered at the excursion meeting area and presented our tickets. Each group received a sticker indicating their return time, and we eagerly awaited our boat's departure to the mainland. As we set sail for Aneityum, I couldn't help but notice fellow travellers bringing snorkels, pool noodles, and floaties, all in anticipation of an exciting day. Upon arriving at Aneityum, we embarked on a roughly 10-minute walk along an uneven, unsealed pathway to the cultural site. Despite the challenging terrain, the tropical surroundings were enchanting, with roosters, chickens, and the distant sounds of pigs in the background. At the cultural site, one of our group members was designated as the leader, and he was entrusted with a special plant. When approached by the chief, he had to utter the words, "We come in peace." The chief then moved a specific palm piece, signalling us to enter the cultural area. Over the next 20 minutes or so, we had the privilege of observing a woman crafting a basket while her adorable baby accompanied her. Our knowledgeable guide explained the multifaceted uses of coconuts, from making fishing lines to wrapping seeds and crafting various items like walking sticks, trays, and children's toys from different parts of the coconut tree. We learned about the significance of the chief's role as the head of the family and the absence of a traditional currency system. Instead, bartering with items like mats, chickens, and pigs played a vital role in their economy. We were even treated to a demonstration of fire-making techniques, which they employed when they lacked matches, showcasing their resourcefulness. Moving on to the third segment of the cultural display, we delved into the tribe's fishing practices. They ingeniously created fishing traps using palm leaves, effectively capturing fish in rock pools during high tide. This sustainable approach to fishing meant that only enough fish for immediate consumption were caught, leaving unwanted catches like sharks and stingrays to be returned as fish food during the next high tide. At the final station, I observed the process of cooking cassava root, which was grated and placed into banana leaves before being cooked over rocks known as laplap. Our guide explained how, after cyclones, fallen fruit such as breadfruit and bananas were salvaged. Banana flesh was scraped together, placed in a unique coconut leaf reservoir, and covered with rocks, preserving it for up to a decade. However, the guide warned that the smell of this concoction was far from pleasant. One of the most striking takeaways from this cultural experience was the tribe's self-sufficiency, eco-friendliness, and commitment to environmental rejuvenation. Their sustainable living practices, devoid of excesses, served as a compelling model for the modern world. It was a subsistence lifestyle that demonstrated profound respect for nature. As a farewell gesture, the tribespeople serenaded us with a beautiful song, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in the excursion group. Overall, the experience was both informative and captivating, with the demonstrations flowing smoothly. I wholeheartedly recommend the Keamu cultural excursion on Mystery Island, an adventure that not only educates but also inspires visitors to consider more sustainable ways of living. It was an extraordinary journey, showcasing the beauty of the South Pacific and the wisdom of its indigenous cultures. My book HANDY CRUISE COMPANION, Cruise with Confidence is available on Amazon http://bit.ly/HandyCruiseCompanioneBook Check out my website http://www.julescruisecompanion.com.au/ Follow me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/julie.burgess.5011/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/julescruisecompanion/?hl=en Edited by VideoGuru:https://videoguru.page.link/Best Copyright JCC