January 31, 2023
As we approached Tonga, the sun was rising and cheerful local music greeted us. The brilliant white buildings topped by red roofs were striking. We docked in front of the St George Palace, New Prime Minister’s Office and Government Building and the Royal Palace could also be clearly seen off to the right. As the ship lowered its gangplank, a band struck up and dancers performed some traditional Tongan dances.
Tonga lives up to its reputation as the “Friendly Islands,” a nickname given them by Captain Cook when he first visited the islands. We were greeted on the tour with lovely green braids dotted with brilliant red star-shaped flowers. As our bus passed by, people smiled and waved.
Just a year ago, the small island nation was devastated by a volcanic eruption and the tsunami that followed. It happened on a Saturday while the islanders were busy preparing for Sunday, a time for families to spend time together In Tonga. The first sign was a loud rumble that reverberated across the island. Initially, people dismissed it as thunder predicted a storm. Then the skies went dark and filled with ash. When the tsunami came with waves 65 feet above sea level, there was no high ground to flee to as the island is flat. People on the shore fled inland as far as they could go. Miraculously only four people died, but over 1,500 people were left without homes. We passed by a “tsunami village” built for the people who were displaced by the tsunami.
A year later and Tonga has made great progress in recovering from the disaster, although we still saw signs that the rebuilding of the community is still underway.
The drive through Tonga was delightful. We saw churches, businesses, local people, farms, and colorful cemeteries with fresh flowers, pictures and signs to honor their loved ones.
Our first stop was to see the flying foxes (large fruit bats) given to Tonga by the Siamese king.
We next stopped to see the Mapu'a 'a Vaea (Chief's Whistles) Blowholes. It was fascinating how one after another would spout giant plumes of water.
We had a brief stop by a “3-Headed Coconut Tree” – a coconut tree with a rare triple branching.
Finally, we visited the Liku’alofa Beach Resort. Sadly, they had to close down because their resort was destroyed by the Tsunami. However, they did relocate temporarily to the other side of the island and welcome tourists with fresh fruit and a dance show put on by local high school students. They are using the proceeds to fund the rebuilding of their resort. The high school students were great. They shared traditional dances and music, as well as more modern compositions written by a past Tongan queen.
When it came time for our ship to depart, we were again serenaded by local music and dancers.
Later in the evening, we were treated to a beautiful sunset and moon amidst the clouds.
What a friendly place to visit!