Arriving in Vanua Levu and Tabia

On the ferry looking back at Viti Levu.

Arriving in Vanua Levu.

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USP Field and Laboratory Technician, Saten Kumar, demonstrating how to collect samples from the Tabia hotsprings.  The metal container is used to cook, wash and steam using the boiling hot water from the spring.  The area stank.  Did it stink of slowly rotting fish and sea-cucumber guts left behind by those who use the hot-spring to clean their catch, or did it stink of sulfur?  Tests will determine the contributors to the powerful perfume that would deter, rather than attract, most visitors.  This was unlike - very much unlike - the hot springs evident throughout Dominica in the Caribbean (see "boiling lake" or Screws Sulfur Springs, Dominica), which are national attractions and luxurious natural trappings.

Shrine to worship Lord Shiva (Hindu deity), a few steps away from the steaming guts of the hot-spring.  Fenced around completely so that it's not used as a chopping block, I suppose, and to protect it from those who don't worship.  The steam emerges from the shrine's pipe.  I would like to know why this shrine is here, and what the spiritual connection is with the spring.  Was there an Indian village or house nearby?  There is a Saijin (Moringa Oleifeira) tree, and I think I saw a neem and mango.

Om Namo Shivaya

Ami Suva, Tamicola Labasa, Built by, RS Lal Bihari and, Susuruj Narayan.