Thursday, March 20, 2014

Greetings From The South Pacific–Kingdom Of Tonga

Hello faithful followers. We are now in the South Pacific.

I previously mentioned the fact that we weren’t allowed to stop in The Bay of Islands, New Zealand as it would have put us right smack in the eye of Cyclone Luci. I must say that the following 3 days at sea sailing around Luci still proved a rough go for many. I personally didn’t leave my cabin very much given the difficulties in navigating oneself around the ship and/or running the risk of throwing up on someone or something. I finally had to start taking medicine instead of eating ginger and/or green apples that were suggestions given to me from crew members.

On March 17th we were in Nuku’Alofa, Kingdom of Tonga. What did I think of Tonga you ask? Well, let it suffice to say that the King of Tonga certainly lives a lot better than his people do that’s for sure.

His palace was directly across from where our ship docked, but we were told he was visiting the other side of the island that day. What’s with that? 1700 plus people come to give his kingdom a serious much needed influx of cash and he can’t even say hello?? This place is unbelievably poor and very dirty, and I truly wonder why it is part of any ships itinerary. What did stand out though was for everything the people of Tonga do not have I must say that they are the friendliest people I’ve met in my entire life.

Here are a few pictures to show you what I mean…

Victoria_Docked_Tonga

Dockage In Nuku’Alofa, Tonga

Is At A Premium

Our Ship Does Not Quite Fit The Dock

Kings_Palace_Tonga

Kings Palace

Nuku’Alofa, Tonga

Tonga_Welcome_Sign

Welcome To Tonga

Toyota_Average_Car

This Toyota Is In Very Good Shape Compared To

Most Vehicles In Tonga

Cookhouse_Chimney

Some Of The Smoke Actually Makes It To The Top

Smile

Fast_Food

They Even Have Fast Food

Why I Am Not Sure Since It Is Too Smoking Hot To Do Anything Fast

When It is

92f or 34c At 10am

En Route To

Pago Pago, American Samoa

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