Blowhole at Tonga beach

Tonga - "The Friendly Islands"

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February 1st 2005
Today the Crystal Serenity docked at the last set of islands before we get to New Zealand. Our travel notes say Captain Cook sailed around these islands, but they were never (unlike the other Polynesian islands) colonized by the British or any European country. Net result today is a very laid-back community of handsome happy Polynesian people without the blessings of Walmart or KFC - or paved ro ... read more

Oceania » Tonga

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The archipelago of "The Friendly Islands" was united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845. It became a constitutional monarchy in 1875 and a British protectorate in 1900. Tonga acquired its independence in 1970 and became a member of the Commonwealth of... ... read more