Tongatapu

7th February 2014: After a day at sea, or was it two?? We arrived today at Tonga which is part of the Friendly Islands. We were up to see the dawn as Tonga is the first country to see the new day…however this morning was cloudy…

Much different from our last port of call at Samoa. Tonga is one sixth the size of Kent..I don’t know where P&O get these facts…how big is Kent? Also unlike Samoa, Tonga is very flat and a proper Coral Island as opposed to Volcanic. Somehow, despite the welcome, it just was not the same for me.

Tonga has a King, who appoints Cabinet ministers who hold office until they retire. A Prime Minister but NO political parties. Don’t tell any of our ex Prime Ministers or they will head this way…Actually do tell them.

Another very religious country, this time the Wesley brothers (sound like a boy band) got here first in 1826. Because of this, Tongans are still a very modest people and we were warned not to wear revealing dresses when we left the ship as some of a previous cruise passengers who did not show respect to the local customs ended up in local jail for the day. I therefore did not wear a short dress but trousers.

China seems to be lending a hand here and financing some projects and aid obviously with an eye to the future.

Along the south shore, the coral has been uplifted, and as the waves come in spectacular fountains are formed through “blowholes” made in the old coral stone.

Also found near the western tip of the island is the colony of flying foxes, which are protected and can only be hunted by members of the Royal Family…I suppose this is Tongan Fox Hunting?

The Tongans lived up to their “Friendly Island” status and I must say all the animals, dogs, cows, horses etc. looked well kept.

Next stop New Zealand.