Tonga

Nuku’alofa, Kingdom of Tonga – March 17, 2014

After a roller coaster ride, compliments of Cyclone Lusi, it seemed a good omen to pull into the harbor in Tonga and see this rainbow!!

The word “Tonga” means “south” and indicates that the original Tongans came from the north, most probably Samoa. (Our next port!) They are set apart from many other Pacific Islanders by the fact that they never indulged in cannibalism. (Yep….feeling better already!) A statistic that surprised us is that 99.9% of the population are pureblooded Tongans! Wow….that is an unsullied gene pool!!

Uniquely among the nations of the South Pacific, Tonga has never been subject to direct European rule. Religion is by far the strongest influence on the islands. Sunday is a day designated for church….both work and noise are out of the question. Even though we were being chased by Cyclone Lusi, we were not permitted to visit the island on Sunday. Therefore, Queen Victoria had to bounce around in the elements until sunrise on Monday!

Visitors are also not permitted on the grounds of the Royal Palace (lots of rules here!) but it is located right next to the port and we had an excellent vantage point from our balcony on the ship.

Tapa-making and mat weaving are major occupations of the female population.

When you’re in the South Pacific and need a pick-me-up what do you order?? Right!! Coconut milk!!

Tonga is located almost on the International Date Line and claims to be the first place in the world to see the sunrise. You might have noticed by the date above that we are in Tonga on St. Paddy’s Day. We will pass over the Date Line tonight and….yes!...tomorrow will also be St. Paddy’s Day! Chuck is trying out the green beer on offer in the Golden Lion Pub….and looking forward to doing it again tomorrow!! Timing is everything!!