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Published: February 1st 2005
The Royal Tombs
Tombs of the Tonga royal family going back to the late 1800s. We were not allowed on the grounds past the gate because this requires traditional Polynesian clothing.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 roads, for that matter. There is a small capital city, Nuku'alofa, where we docked, but it has been minimally invaded by the tourist industry. Our guide said they have cruise ships "fairly often - we had another one last month." We spent the day sightseeing around the Royal Palace (a large two-story house) and Royal Tombs (suitably impressive). In all cemeteries the bodies are above ground, and are often located in the back yards of modest residences. According to the guide, "so we will always know where our loved ones are buried." We saw a large Catholic church and school plus many smaller Mormon churches, and occasionally a "Free Church" (anything else). The whole place looked a little like rural Florida during the 1930s depression. For lunch we went to a local beach where
Royal Tombs Gate
Mary at the gate. There was a gorgeous flowering bush there. I never learned what it was we saw flying bats hanging in the trees, and blowholes featuring heavy surf and lots of foot-destroying coral. A suckling roast pig with all the trimmings for lunch, and finally entertainment by local dancers in traditional (so we were told) costumes. Then we happily toddled back to civilization and air conditioning. Two more days at sea, and then we dock in New Zealand. A wonderful treat there - a visit to the Lord of the Rings movie set!! (At least for me. Dick is not all that enthusiastic.)
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kulene
non-member comment
wow
this photo is really cool