A Ride Around Tonga

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Geo: -21.136, -175.216

Today's disembark procedure is simplified by the presence of a pier in Nuku'alofa, sparing us of the ordeal of the tender operation. A fifteen minute breakfast gets us off the ship and onto the pier by 8:45am, earlier than expected. The money conversion trailer is outside and quickly changes $100 USD into $206 TOP, roughly two Tongan for one U.S. and we meet up with our group. Two vans provided by Toni's Guest House will be our transportation around the island. No boats today.

On Tongatapu's northern shore lies Nuku'alofa, the country's capital and major port. Sprawling along the sea and backed by a lagoon, the town features white-frame, picket-fenced houses. Its small size makes it easy to explore on foot. Most of the activity centers along the waterfront thoroughfare, with the Royal Palace at one end and the Yacht Club at the other. Until its death in 1966 the palace grounds housed a tortoise given to the then King by Captain Cook. Nukuʻalofa is the capital of the Kingdom of Tonga.

We scoot out of town to the far side of the island to see the Stonehedge of Tonga, or Ha'amonga 'a Maui. Similar to the mysterious stone arrangement in England, there are three huge blocks of stone arranged precisely to predict longest and shortest days of the year. The method of placing the 40 ton stone blocks in such a manner remains a mystery although the latest theory that it served as a calendar may have credence. We stopped at a Tongan cemetery. Unlike the Samoans who placed their dead near their homes, Tongan people use cemeteries. We took some pictures at Captain Cooks Landing place although there wasn't much there but a sign. Later, we went to the blowholes at Mapu a Vaea. Of course, every place frequented by tourists comes complete with vendors of all types. Mom is getting much better at looking but not buying. We stopped to check out the fruit bats in the trees. At first, Karen thought they were black pine cones. Our driver/guide, Rick, in our van was very informative and spoke of the Tongan customs and way of life.

After our travels through the island, we went to the home of Toni, whose wife had prepared a beautiful meal for all of us. The other van in our group said they weren't interested in eating and decided not to stay. It was unfortunate since his wife had gone to the trouble and expense to prepare yams, plantain, taro leaves with corn beef and chicken, corn, cervichi, BBQ pork, bananas, coconut, papaya and mango. With cold Tongan beer and coconut water to drink, we finished up with a banana/coconut milk dessert. They truly missed a great meal. I have to say, Toni was an odd character. Coming form England 25 years ago, he seemed to be upset with many things in life. You know, the kind of guy that if you said, "Nice day today" he'd reply, "Ya, and what makes it so nice?" He wasn't rude, just weird. Maybe rude. He did ride in the other van all day. That could explain their hasty exit.

After our lunch, Rick drove us back to our ship. With an hour left before final boarding, Mom explored the shops set up port side for our convenience, taking home a couple of T-shirts. We showered and dressed for the sail away at 4:30pm. Mom ordered an Ultimate Tonga Mudslide while I sipped some of our delicious free wine brought from our cabin. After about an hour, we went for dinner. Our usual greeting, "Hello, Mr. & Mrs. Meedows" was followed by direction given to one of her minions who escorts us upstairs to a table for two by the window on the sunset side. Very nice. Karen thanked our hostess afterward as we know she set that up just for us.

With such an early dinner seating, we arrive at the theater 45 minutes early and I take advantage of the time to continue working on the blog for today. At 8pm, the Amsterdam singers and dancers entertain tonight with songs from Englebert Humperdinck, Neil Diamond and Dusty Springfield. Very good but we turn in early since tomorrow we will be snorkeling in Tonga.

Note: We have gone as far west as our trip will take us and are now heading back in the direction of California. The port of Suva, Fiji, was our furthest destination from home. Soon we cross back over the International Date Line and no longer will be a day ahead of California.

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Comments

[al-karen]

Now we heading back toward California

[Hank & Carmen]

Hi Al and Karen, sure looks like you two are having a wonderful time!!! Enjoy yourselves stay safe and be happy!! Maybe we can get together when you get back to California:) Best regards, Hank and Carmen!!