Malo e Lelei! Cruising is becoming fun again. We arrived in Tonga and for the first time got off the ship and went on a tour. We crossed the International Date Line yesterday (which is imaginary) and went through the Twilight Zone as we slept... It was agreed upon (dictated) that we on the ship would loose a day and an hour. We went to bed on Tuesday and woke up on Thursday. Life is confusing enough. Good thing we had another sea day to sort this out. Anyone with a birthday on Feb 2nd was out of luck. It did not exist. No cake for you! We now are officially a day ahead of you at home.
Cruising into Tonga was a visual treat. This is a tiny slip of land where when you first see the land, you see the whole island and the water surrounding it all at once. I don't know what keeps it from being swallowed up by the sea. It is long and thin, just barely jutting out of the ocean. Tonga means South, as it is South of Samoa where most people here originated from. Nuku'alofa, where we docked, is the capital of Tonga. About 30,000 Tongans live here. Fishing and agriculture are the main sources of income. The water surrounding this island is an "amazing turquoise" color. Breathtaking.
The first thing that happened upon docking is two tour buses broke down. A shuffling of people and buses had to be made quickly. Then the numbers that could be fit on each bus was wrong making another shuffling that had to be done last minute. Air conditioning on busses? You jest. Welcome to Tonga. Tonga is led by a King. Since the King rules, all cruisere were REQUIRED to see the Royal Home (drive by only) and the Royal Cemetery. These were the two top attractions of the Island, so says the King. So as commanded, we all saw the Kings Palace and family cemetary.
We also saw The Blow Holes, some creepy Flying Foxes that were like bats, The Cultural Center and a beach. Local dancers danced for us as we sat and admired a local beach resort where the signs said NO SWIMMING. So why did they say wear swimsuits under your clothes? Their Polynesian style of dance is more standing still and using the hands and arms slowly and beautifully.... not the hip shaking like Hawaii.
Not so much to do here, but it was a wonderful place to visit. I loved our time here. The people were amazingly nice, warm and friendly. I felt safe at all times.
The Flying Foxes look like bats and they hang in the trees in your front yard. I would not want them at my home nor would I want to walk under any tree they are hanging in..... We were told they do not harm you. They help pollinate the fruit? We loved the ride around the island. The homes were simple and open. People sitting around in groups talking. With the windows open wide on our little bus we had perfect air conditioning as long as we were moving. The condition of the busses .... well, they were very well used for years and years. I never saw so many children in school uniforms all in one place at one time...all waving and saying Hello. I think I know what parents do a lot in their spare time.
After our tour I headed into town on my own to see the market. There is nothing in the town but a bank, a hardware store, a few diners.... The market is the local hang out. Handicrafts, food and clothing were sold here in a two story open sided building with cement floors. Since it was a last minute idea of mine I did not have my camera. Merchandise was placed on the floor or on makeshift tables. I saw fruits and vegtables ... I found a magnet, Andy! I traded dollars for Tongan coins, Lori! It was hard to find 'souvineers' as such as I don't think Tonga has that many tourists. It became a very hot and humid day. When I got back to the ship my arms felt like they were on fire from the heat.
During a dance this little one stole the show!
I was delighted to be able to capture these little guys coming home from school. I think the photo captures their sense of freedom and fun. Notice the little guy with the stop sign at the end? He must be on school patrol?
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